Аквариум - Biography and discography, all albums and songs

«Akvarium» is a cult Russian rock band formed in 1972 in Leningrad. Throughout its entire history, its ideological leader and main songwriter has been Boris Borisovich Grebenshchikov (BG), one of the key authors in Russian rock poetry. The band became a cornerstone of Russian rock culture, making its way from the underground and apartment concerts to international tours, television appearances and large-scale stadium shows.

Over more than fifty years of existence, «Akvarium» has created a unique philosophical and musical universe that brings together rock, folk, reggae, art rock, various ethnic styles, electronics and elements of Eastern meditative practices. The line-up has changed many times, but the band has always preserved its recognizable sound, rich imagery and strong conceptual approach.

History

Formation (1972–1976)

The band emerged in the summer of 1972, when the following musicians came together:

• Boris Grebenshikov — vocals, guitar, songwriter

• Anatoly “George” Gunitsky — poet, playwright, drums

• Edmund Shklyarsky — bass guitar (later the leader of the band «Piknik»)

• Mikhail “Fan” Fainshtein — bass guitar

The early «Akvarium» existed as a creative circle of friends experimenting with new forms of musical and poetic expression. The musicians performed at apartment gigs — the only available format for independent rock music in the USSR of the early 1970s.

During this period, the band’s signature style began to take shape: a mix of ironic lyrics, improvisation, folk motifs and a free, experimental approach to creativity that would later become emblematic for all Russian rock.

Underground years and first albums (1977–1980)

The second half of the 1970s was a time of intense creative experimentation. The band recorded its first tape albums at home, using multitrack reel-to-reel recorders.

Early releases included:

• «S toy storony zerkala» (“On the Other Side of the Mirror”, 1978)

• «Iskhod» (“Exodus”, 1979)

• «Akustika» (“Acoustics”, 1980)

This era firmly established «Akvarium» as the leading band of the uncensored Leningrad rock scene.

Heyday and nationwide fame (1980–1986)

The early 1980s entered the band’s history as a “golden” period. Akvarium performed at the Leningrad Rock Club, played to full houses and released a series of landmark albums:

• «Siniy albom» (“The Blue Album”) (1981)

• «Treugolnik» (“Triangle”) (1981)

• «Radio Afrika» (“Radio Africa”) (1983)

• «Ikra» (“Caviar”) (1984)

• «Den’ srebra» (“Day of Silver”) (1984)

Musically, «Akvarium» combined art rock, folk rock, reggae, psychedelia and elements of urban romance. Grebenshchikov’s lyrics became the subject of study for literary scholars, while the band’s songs spread across the country via tape copies.

In 1986, the album «Desyat’ strel» (“Ten Arrows”) was released — the last major self-released tape album. During these years the band toured extensively, appeared on television and became known throughout the Soviet Union.

International phase and changes (1987–1992)

In the late 1980s, «Akvarium» gained the opportunity to work in the West. The musicians recorded an English-language album:

• Radio Silence (1989)

The recording featured Western musicians, including Dave Stewart (Eurythmics). The band toured the UK and the USA and attracted considerable interest abroad.

In the early 1990s, the classic line-up broke up and the band entered a creative pause. BG formed a new project called «BG-Band», experimenting with ethnic and electronic styles.

The return of «Akvarium» and a new aesthetic (1993–2000)

In 1993, the album «Kostroma Mon Amour» was released, marking the rebirth of «Akvarium» with a renewed line-up. From that moment, the band entered a period of mature studio activity.

Notable albums of this decade include:

• «Russkiy albom» (“The Russian Album”, 1991, reissued in 1997)

• «Navigator» (“Navigator”, 1997)

• «Sneg» (“Snow”, 1999)

The music became more melodic, intimate and conceptual; the lyrics grew richer in symbolism, Eastern philosophy and biblical imagery.

Modern period (2000s – present)

Since the early 2000s, «Akvarium» has continued to release studio albums, live recordings, compilations and soundtracks. The band tours actively across Russia, Europe and Asia, appears at festivals and performs with symphony orchestras.

Key releases of the 21st century include:

• «Sestra Khaos» (“Sister Chaos”, 2002)

• «Pesni rybaka» (“Fisherman’s Songs”, 2003)

• «Zoom Zoom Zoom» (2005)

• «Pushkinskaya, 10» (“Pushkinskaya, 10”, 2007)

• «Loshad’ Belaya» (“White Horse”, 2008)

• «Arkhangelsk» (“Arkhangelsk”, 2008)

• «Sol’» (“Salt”, 2014)

• «Bespechnyy russkiy brodyaga» (“Carefree Russian Wanderer”, 2018)

• «Znak ognya» (“Sign of Fire”, 2019)

• «Vremya N» (“Time N”, 2021)

Today’s «Akvarium» is a synthesis of vibrant folk sound, Eastern instruments, electronic textures and Grebenshchikov’s unmistakable philosophical poetry. The band continues to uphold artistic freedom and an exploratory spirit, remaining one of the most influential formations in Russian music.

Musical style

The music of «Akvarium» is characterized by:

• a wide range of genres (folk, psychedelia, reggae, progressive rock, art rock);

• rich and diverse instrumentation;

• highly figurative and poetic lyrics;

• influences of Buddhism, Christian mysticism and Sufism;

• frequent use of acoustic and ethnic instruments;

• Grebenshchikov’s philosophical and metaphorical language.

The band has created its own cultural code, becoming one of the pillars of Russian rock alongside «Kino», «DDT», «Zvuki Mu» and «Mashina Vremeni».

Discography of «Akvarium»

Main studio albums

1970s

1. «S toy storony zerkala» (“On the Other Side of the Mirror”, 1978)

2. «Iskhod» (“Exodus”, 1979)

3. «Akustika» (“Acoustics”, 1980)

1980s

1. «Siniy albom» (“Blue Album”, 1981)

2. «Treugolnik» (“Triangle”, 1981)

3. «Elektrichestvo» (“Electricity”, 1981)

4. «Tabu» (“Taboo”, 1982)

5. «Radio Afrika» (“Radio Africa”, 1983)

6. «Ikra» (“Caviar”, 1984)

7. «Den’ srebra» (“Day of Silver”, 1984)

8. «Detskiy albom» (“Children’s Album”, 1984)

9. «Ikhtiologiya» (“Ichthyology”, 1985)

10. «Desyat’ strel» (“Ten Arrows”, 1986)

11. «Ravnodenstviye» (“Equinox”, 1987)

12. Radio Silence (1989, English-language)

1990s

1. «Kostroma Mon Amour» (1993)

2. «Lyubimyye pesni Ramzesa IV» (“Favorite Songs of Ramses IV”, 1996)

3. «Navigator» (1997)

4. «Sneg» (“Snow”, 1999)

2000s

1. «Zoom Zoom Zoom» (2005)

2. «Pushkinskaya, 10» (“Pushkinskaya, 10”, 2007)

3. «Loshad’ Belaya» (“White Horse”, 2008)

4. «Arkhangelsk» (“Arkhangelsk”, 2008)

2010s–2020s

1. «Sol’» (“Salt”, 2014)

2. «Bespechnyy russkiy brodyaga» (“Carefree Russian Wanderer”, 2018)

3. «Znak ognya» (“Sign of Fire”, 2019)

4. «Vremya N» (“Time N”, 2021)

Selected live albums

• «Kontsert v Moskve» (“Concert in Moscow”, 1987)

• Live in London (1992)

• «Kontsert v Crocus City Hall» (“Concert at Crocus City Hall”, 2013)

• «Akvarium. Simfoniya Neprikayannykh» (“Aquarium. Symphony of the Restless”, 2017)

Compilations and rare recordings

• «Vse albomy «Akvariuma»» (“All Albums of Akvarium”, tape-album series)

• «Antologiya «Akvarium: 30 let»» (“Aquarium: 30 Years” anthology)

• Collection «Pesni BG» (“BG’s Songs”)

• Rare versions and acoustic sessions from different years

Band members (different eras)

Founder and leader:

• Boris Grebenshchikov — vocals, guitars, flutes, percussion, songwriter

Notable musicians over the years:

• Anatoly Gunitsky

• Edmund Shklyarsky

• Mikhail Fainshtein

• Andrey Romanov («Dyusha»)

• Vsevolod Gakkel

• Alexander Titov

• Sergey Kuryokhin

• Oleg Garkusha

• Yuri Shevchuk (guest appearances)

• Mitya Shagin

• Brian Finnegan

• Liam Bradley

• Igor Timofeev

The line-up has changed dozens of times, but the core has always been built around BG.

Legacy and influence

«Akvarium» has had a profound impact on:

• the development of Russian rock;

• the formation of the Leningrad Rock Club culture;

• the emergence of a new type of author-driven song;

• the popularization of philosophical and mystical lyrics in rock music;

• the integration of ethnic instruments into the rock context;

• the rise of a new generation of musicians in the 1980s and 1990s.

The band became a symbol of creative independence in the USSR and later one of the most important cultural institutions in contemporary Russia.

Conclusion

«Akvarium» is not just a music group, but a long-standing creative phenomenon. Their music unites generations, and their philosophical lyrics continue to inspire listeners and artists around the world. The band is rightfully considered one of the greatest in the history of Russian rock.