ZUMBA

ZUMBA is an alternative metal and glamour-core band from Tolyatti, Russia, formed in August 2003 after the split of the local act ZOMBI DUKKH69D. Its line-up is built around two vocalists, Gaber and MahX, with NZRV on guitar, Boo-Zaa on bass and De La Toolique on drums. The group starts out after NZRV and Boo-Zaa, formerly guitarist and bassist in Cold Own, join the project, followed by the search for a drummer.

Recording and releases

The band’s first album appears on the St Petersburg label KDK records. Its second full-length album, “Sladok Devichiy Styd”, is recorded at Arsenal studio in Tver and presents an eclectic form of extreme music with influences from alternative underground, jazz, lounge, emo and rapcore. The material is described as having no direct Russian or Western equivalent in either its lyrics or musical ideas.

Activity and recognition

ZUMBA performs across Russia and maintains contact with listeners online. Its songs receive radio play on Radio Maximum’s specialist programme, and one acoustic track also appears on Nashe Radio. The band often shares stages with Russian alternative rock acts including Tracktor Bowling, Jane Air, 7Rasa, Stigmata and Psychea. A video for “Chervotochina” appears in support of the second album and is nominated for “Best Video of the Year” at the RAMP awards organised by A1.

Style

The band’s music is rooted in alternative metal and draws on a range of modern styles, including jazz, lounge, emo and rapcore. It develops as a heavy, varied and experimental form of alternative rock within the Russian underground.