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KruizRock band
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Rise of a Rock Icon: The Story of Soviet Band KRUIZ
- Breakthrough and Debut Album
- International Recognition
- Second Album and Internal Tensions
- Departure and Disbandment
- Valery Gaina's Departure and G.A.I.N.
Rise of a Rock Icon: The Story of Soviet Band KRUIZ
Origins and Demo RecordingsIn a time when hard rock was a novelty in the USSR, guitarist Valery Gaina decided to form a band that would embrace this genre. He enlisted the help of drummer Sergei Yefimov, and together they recorded a demo at a local cultural center on a simple 8-track machine. The tape featured Gaina handling guitar, bass, and vocals, and they named it "Rock Forever."
Breakthrough and Debut Album
As the Soviet Union underwent political changes in the mid-1980s, the Ministry of Culture gave green light to the release of rock music recordings. Producer Alexander Shulgin presented demo tapes of KRUIZ and the band Black Coffee to the artistic council of the state-owned record label "Melody." The council approved both albums for release.
While Black Coffee proceeded with recordings, KRUIZ searched for a bass guitarist. However, "Melody" implemented a new economic system and authorized the release of KRUIZ's demo as an album, despite the absence of a completed band. This resulted in bassist Fyodor Vasiliev being erroneously listed as a band member on the album's cover.
Titled "KRUIZ-1," the album became a sensation, selling an unprecedented 12 million copies across the Soviet Union. The band's image as a heavy rock outfit further enhanced its allure, despite the lack of promotion due to government skepticism towards the genre.
International Recognition
As the Soviet Union opened its doors to the outside world, KRUIZ's fame spread beyond borders. German music agents Manfred Schweiker and Lothar Maid attended one of their concerts and were impressed by their performance.
The band was invited to record an album in Munich, Germany, at the prestigious Red Line studio. The resulting record featured eight original tracks in English, as well as a Russian version of their song "In Flames." Due to its anglophone nature, the album's title was simply "KRUIZ."
Second Album and Internal Tensions
KRUIZ recorded their second album, "Culture Shock. A.L.S," in Germany in 1989. It showcased a more dynamic and melodic sound, incorporating elements from both their debut and German experiences. However, tensions within the band were mounting due to the relentless touring and heavy workload.
Departure and Disbandment
In 1989, drummer Sergei Yefimov left the band, citing the overwhelming pressure and fatigue. Vasiliev and Gaina attempted to continue recording with a British drummer, but the situation proved unsustainable.
Back in Russia, KRUIZ performed a sold-out concert at the Krylya Sovetov sports arena in Moscow. It was a tour-de-force performance that showcased the band's virtuosity and reaffirmed their status as Soviet rock royalty.
However, by this time, the members of KRUIZ were already pursuing their own solo projects. The delay in completing their contract with WEA, the label that released their album, prevented them from exploring other opportunities.
Valery Gaina's Departure and G.A.I.N.
Valery Gaina, the driving force behind KRUIZ, formed his own project called G.A.I.N., focused on the American market. The band featured several notable musicians, including Alexander Granovsky of Master on bass, Vladimir Bazhin on vocals, and Gaina himself on guitar.
G.A.I.N. recorded an album in Nashville, but Gaina unexpectedly decided to remain in the United States permanently. This effectively marked the end of both G.A.I.N. and KRUIZ.
