Interview by Erin Eddy
As you’ll hear in the following interview, Russkaja are a band to get excited about.
HEAVY scored the opportunity to talk with vocalist Georgij and guitarist Engel to discuss the ins and outs of this charismatic band.
Hailing from Austria, but with roots in Ukrainian and Russian culture (and let’s face it, probably a little bit of everything in between), Russkaja fuse the sounds of traditional klezmer music with metal, punk and ska. They sing in mostly Russian, but also German, some Spanish, some Italian and some English. An attempt to describe this band really does nothing to adequately summarise the dynamics of their sound and just how infectious it is.
With their seventh album Turbo Polka Party to be released on February 3, Engel described how they ventured towards a slightly heavier sound on this record with leanings toward the influences of their younger days, like Soulfly, Biohazard and Metallica; “also, after that last record we did that was a little bit softer, I just wanted to do some riffs and some guitar driven stuff,” he said.
While their music is fast-paced and upbeat and makes you want to dance like a crazy person, their lyrics often counteract that with political and social commentary.
“The first song on the record, called No Borders, was directly inspired by the stuff that’s going on now in Europe. It’s definitely not the happiest times we’ve ever had.” Engel said, of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Have a listen to our interview with Georgij and Engel and make sure you check out not only the newest album Turbo Polka Party, but the rest of Russkaja’s back catalogue. We promise you, it’s a good time!
