Viktor Smolskiy Belarusian musician and composer, multi-instrumentalist, considered one of the best guitarists in the former USSR. Date of Birth: 02.02.1969 Country: Belarus

1. Biography of Viktor Smolskiy
2. Early Life and Musical Education
3. Career with Pesnyary and Inspector
4. Solo Career and Mind Odyssey
5. Joining Rage and Collaboration with Kipelov
6. Trinity Project and Collaboration with Tarja Turunen

Biography of Viktor Smolskiy

Viktor Smolskiy is a Belarusian musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, widely regarded as one of the best guitarists in the former USSR. He was born on January 2, 1969, in Minsk, Belarusian SSR. He is the son of composer Dmitry Bronislavovich Smolskiy.

Early Life and Musical Education

During his childhood, Smolskiy received a musical education and learned to play the cello, guitar, and piano.

Career with Pesnyary and Inspector

In 1983, Smolskiy joined the folk group Pesnyary, becoming its youngest member. Later, in 1988, he founded the hard rock band "Inspector," which successfully toured Germany and recorded their debut album "Russian Prayer" in 1993. However, the group disbanded after a few years.

Solo Career and Mind Odyssey

After permanently moving to Germany, Smolskiy continued his career as a solo musician. In 1995, he joined the progressive metal band Mind Odyssey and recorded two albums with them. His connections also allowed the group to perform with the Belarusian Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Smolskiy and his father Dmitry became co-authors of several symphonies for electric guitar and orchestra.

Joining Rage and Collaboration with Kipelov

In 1999, Smolskiy joined the band Rage, which had recently disbanded and was in the process of forming a new lineup. In this group, Smolskiy not only became the sole guitarist but also contributed to the music composition. He recorded five studio albums and a concert DVD with Rage, as well as appeared in the band's music videos.

In 2004, Smolskiy temporarily joined the band Kipelov, replacing their previous renowned guitarist Sergey Mavrin. He performed hundreds of concerts with Kipelov, participated in the recording of their album "Rivers of Time," and starred in the music video for the song "I'm Here," which aired on MTV. However, he remained a part of Rage and was listed as a "special guest" on their tour posters. Rage and Kipelov also held joint concerts where Smolskiy played for both bands.

Trinity Project and Collaboration with Tarja Turunen

In 2007, Smolskiy took part in the Trinity project. He also recorded the song "In the Picture" with Tarja Turunen, the former vocalist of Nightwish.