 |
Glas vopiiushiegoRock band
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- The Founding of "The Voice of One Crying Out"
- The Call to Action
- The Name and Mission
- The Early Years
- The First Anti-Drug Campaign
- The Studio Albums
- The International Impact
- The Legacy
The Founding of "The Voice of One Crying Out"
In 1992, two men, Aleksey Chernovalov and Sergey Lednev, met at their church in Saint Petersburg. Chernovalov was a talented lyricist and songwriter, while Lednev possessed a deep passion for guitar and music.
In 1995, the New Life Rehabilitation Center was established in the Leningrad region, providing sanctuary for individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Chernovalov, as a videographer, witnessed firsthand the horrors of addiction in the underprivileged neighborhoods near the Dybenko market.
The Call to Action
Chernovalov's experiences witnessing the devastation caused by drug abuse sparked within him a fervent desire to raise awareness. He recognized that the silence surrounding addiction perpetuated the problem. Inspired to share their experiences, Chernovalov and Lednev decided to form a band in 1997.
The Name and Mission
The band's name, "The Voice of One Crying Out," is derived from the Biblical figure of John the Baptist, who preached about the need for repentance and forgiveness. Similarly, the band's music sought to penetrate the hearts of listeners, revealing the truths about addiction.
The Early Years
The original lineup consisted of Chernovalov, Lednev, Yevgeny Averyanov (drums), Yevgeny Sidorov (bass guitar), and Artur Sotsky (sound engineer). As they began rehearsing and working on their debut album, "Where Are You?" (1998), the band struggled financially to cover studio costs.
The First Anti-Drug Campaign
In 1998, the band joined forces with the New Life Rehabilitation Center to launch their first anti-drug campaign. Lednev expressed their deep conviction that addiction was a spiritual issue, and their aim was to expose the true nature of the drug trade and empower youth to resist its destructive influence.
The Studio Albums
Despite their initial plan for a limited studio release, the band's success in live performances necessitated the production of additional albums. "Time to Wake Up" (1999) introduced new members Konstantin Maminov (saxophone) and Artem Khrustalev (guitar, harmonica), while "Deceived Children" (2005) showcased the work of Emiliya Nikolaeva (keyboards) and was preceded by the release of a double album featuring both "Where Are You?" and "Time to Wake Up."
The International Impact
"The Voice of One Crying Out" expanded their reach beyond Russia, conducting anti-drug campaigns in Finland, Ukraine, and as far as the United States. In 2003, they participated in the first All-Russian Anti-Drug Campaign, "Train to the Future," and in 2004, they returned for the second campaign in Norilsk.
The Legacy
Over the years, the band has produced numerous short documentaries and music videos that serve as powerful tools in their mission of spreading awareness about the dangers of addiction. Chernovalov received an ecclesiastical diploma from the Archbishop of Smolensk and Kaliningrad for his contributions to the Russian Orthodox Church.
Today, "The Voice of One Crying Out" continues to play an active role in the fight against drug abuse, using their music and their stories to inspire and empower countless lives. Their unwavering commitment to prevention and rehabilitation has left an indelible mark on the lives of those they have touched.
