Aria-kings of Russian metal!

Megalomania
Who are you with?
Hero of the asphalt

One of my favoutite rock-bands ever, and one of the first i have ever heard is Aria(Ария) heavy

metal band, which have been founded in 1985 by guitrist Vladimir Hostinin and bassist Alik Granovsky. The first album "Mania Velichia"(Megalomania) was released in October 31, 1985. This line-up at that time was: Valery Kipelov-vokal, Vladimir Holstinin-guitar, Alik Granovsky-bass guitar, Kiril Pokrovsky-keyboards and Alexandr Lvov-drums. Viktor Vekshtain became the director of the new formed band. Before this, Valery Kipelov was one of the singers in "Singin' Hearts" ensemble. This albym was quite successful and many compositions were look like a bit songs of Iron Maiden, British heavy-metal band. The band had started the tour and

after this began to record the second album "S Kem Ty?"(Who are you with?). The line-up changed Pokrovsky and Lvov had left the band,and new members Andrey Bolshakov and Igor Molchanov joined. Andrey Bolshakov was inspired by Judas Priest band, and this album was a bit different, then the previous one. And songs from this album had became so popular, that they occupied first positions in many Soviet charts. And at this time Aria is splitting in two bands. Andrey Bolshakov, Alik Granovsky and Igor Molchanov leave the band to found their own thrash-metal band Master(we will talk about this later;=))). Of course new musicians apeear: Vitaly Dubinin(I wrote a paragraph in Writing class, remember?), guitarist Sergey Mavrin and drumer Maks Udalov. It is time for raising legend! In 1987 brand new cult legendary album "Hero of the asphalt" also known in English as "Speedway hero". This is the realy amazing album! Aesthetics of bikers, mustique and patriotism is in 6mezmerizing and outstanding tracks! This tracks are: "Serving to the evil", " Hero of the asphalt", "Dead zone", "1100", "Street of the roses" and "Ballad about ancient russian warrior". This was the first part of this essay. I will write more later, and now some photos. To be continued...