Kalinov Most

Kalinov Most is a flagman band of Russian folk-rock scene. Like any unique and creative band, Kalinov Most doesn't fit into one musical genre. It is one of a few bands which could be rightfully called the Legends of Russian rock. In Russian traditional fairytales kalinov most (kalinov bridge) is the place where a fight between a bright hero and a dark power took place; it's the symbol of the final fight between Good and Evil. Kalinov Most's sound is a mix of rock and traditional Russian song, along with Slavyanian mythology. The band describes their music style as "new Kazak songs." Kalinov Most turned to its Christian roots in its lyrics after leader and songwriter Dmitriy Revyakinconverted to Christianity in 2000.

The band was formed by Dmitriy Revyakin in Novosibirsk, in 1986. Their first official album, Vyvoroten, was released in 1991 and surprisingly, it doesn't included any older songs of the band, which were already famous by that time. The album was filled with mystical forms, artfully designed lyrics, specific melodies; not only blues and rock elements but also ethnic and shaman influences could be heard on it. The lyrical aspects became stronger in the band's next two albums, Uzaren and Darza. They started to sound more like Russian poet Velimir Khlebnikov. While Uzaren sounded softer and more acoustic, Darza was harder and more electric. Their next album, Poyas Ulchi ("Belt of Ulchi"), became another high-water mark in Russian rock music.

In 1998, Oruzhie ("The Weapon") was released. It was a mature recording with lyrics by Revyakin and a powerful guitar-driven sound from Smolentsev. The song "Rodnaya" became a career highlight and is still played on many Russian radio stations. In 2001, Kalinov Most released Ruda. The band turned back from mainstream rock to their origins with this recording, but maintained a radio-friendly sound. The 2006 double album, SWA, was recorded over a five-year period. The band described it as the compilation of lyrical songs about romantic relationships during eschalogical times. The follow-ups to SWA, Ledyanoy Pokhod ("Ice Trip") and Serdtse ("A Heart") were released in 2007 and 2009, respectively.