Roulette (band)
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| Roulette / Рулетка | |
|---|---|
 Roulette performs "Hear My Voice" live. |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Kazan, Russia |
| Genres | Emo, hard rock |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Labels | Golden Horde |
| Associated acts | Unknown |
| Website | Official website |
| Members | |
| Nikolay (Nikki) Minkov (Guitar/vocals) Alexy Belov (Bass) Jan Ianenkov (Guitar) Kyle Kyle (Guitar) Sascha Alexander (drums) |
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Roulette (international title) or "Рулетка" (Russian title) – Russian Roulette (UK and Japanese title) is a emo/hard rock band from Kazan, Russia. Roulette is currently the most popular and notorious rock band in Russia and Eastern Europe. The band has released four top selling albums in their nine-year career, including The Red Album featuring the #1 single “Hear My Voice”. Their single, the power balled “Natasha”, reached #2 on the Top 5 in Russia.
The band is best known in North America for their singer Nikolay (Nikki) Minkov who has not spoken to the press or the rest of the band since their formation in 1999. His silence is reportedly the result of an incident that is part of the mysterious singer’s past and rumored to be buried in his dark and cryptic lyrics – most of which are sung in Russian with English titles. The band has also received some criticism from the press and government in Eastern Europe for their blatant acceptance of corporate sponsorship. They are the only band in history to be sponsored by every cellular company in Russia and Europe. The band is gaining popularity in United States and launching the “Red Flag” tour in the Spring of 2008 [1].
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[edit] History
In 1999 guitarist and singer Nikolay (Nikki) Minkov, bassist Alexy Belov, bassist, guitarist Jan Ianenkov, American guitarist Kyle Kyle and drummer Sascha Alexander came together to form Roulette. Since Mikhail Gorbachev had lifted censorship in the late eighties, many of underground rock bands flourished, including glam rock band Gorky Park, allowing Western style rock and fashion to influence youth and receive more widespread popularity.
The band released a self-titled debut album in 1999, featuring a stylized Hammer & Sickle on the cover. The band gained a reputation quickly of being stand-offish with the press and fans which only served to fuel the band's popularity. Their following releases have sold five million copies in Russia. The Red Album has been #1 on the charts since its release in September 2007.
Roulette headlined one of Europe’s largest festival on New Year's Eve 2007 – the performance was considered a landmark in the band’s career and footage is featured in the video for “Hear my Voice”. The band’s success continued into 2008 as the band received the Scandinavian Music Award as the best international act.
Roulette is gaining popularity in North America as their songs are included in many network television shows and commercials for mobile carriers and vodka companies. In addition the band has voiced mild confusion in the press over not being asked to play the 2008 Rogers Picnic, an outdoor festival in Toronto, Canada on July 20, 2008
[edit] Lineup
• Nikolai (Nikki) Minkov – Vocals and Guitar
• Alexy Belov - Bass
• Jan Ianenkov – Guitar
• Kyle Kyle – Guitar
• Sascha Alexander – Drums
[edit] Discography
Roulette, Russian (1999)
1. Above & Beyond
2. Concrete Cover-Up
3. Black Box
4. Surrender
5. So Long Comrade
6. Sinister Soldier
7. X
8. Silence Remains
9. Locked Door
Blood Red (2001)
1. River Of Red
2. Immortal Secret
3. Darkened Words
4. Rouge
5. Shrapnel
6. A Sickle Through My Heart
7. Hammering It Home
8. White Red & Blue
9. Silence Calling
10. Hell’s Cradle
11. City Skyline
Live in Red Square (2003)
1. Last Words
2. Stained Memories
3. S.O.S. to Russia
4. Paint The Town Red
5. Bullet For My Love
6. Three Little Words To Hear Me Speak
7. In Shade
8. Lotus Blossom
The Silent Majority (2005)
1. Burning Brothers
2. Hungry Hearts, Empty Souls
3. Sour Candy
4. Flames For My Father
5. Five Finger Discount
6. AK
7. Communist Cravings
8. Goodbye Gorbachev
9. Simple Solution
10. Count Down To Corruption
11. The Hellmouth
12. Vicious Cyle
The Red Album (2007)
1. Silent Solitude
2. Release The Beast, Release My Voice
3. Regret
4. Hear My Voice
5. The Coldest Shoulder
6. 47 Is My Favourite Number
7. Frozen Lips
8. Steal Eyes
9. The Darkest Day
10. Saving Grace
11. Phoenix Rising
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Roulette (band) |
1. Roulette "Hear My Voice" Official Video
2. Roulette's Official Site
3. Roulette's Official Myspace Page
