Vorvaň
Russian hardcore punk/metal band formed in 2009.
Vorvaň is a Russian hardcore punk and metal band founded in Moscow in 2009. The group blends various extreme music styles and consistently experiments with composition, melody, and sound.
Guitarist Eugene Cherevkov started the project after leaving his previous band, Tombstone Piledriver, aiming to play a fast mix of metal and punk. After trying out several musicians, his old friend Igor Butz joined on bass in early 2011. Later that year, drummer Aleksandr Fursov and vocalist Eli Mavrychev completed the lineup. In February 2012, Vorvaň released their debut EP, *Sailing the Vastness of Oceans*, on Gorgona Records in a limited run of 500 CDs. The release drew influence from Converge, Disfear, and Mastodon.
After that EP, Aleksandr left and was replaced by drummer Alexey Merganov. The new lineup went on tour in November 2012. Throughout 2013, Vorvaň played local shows, sharing the stage with various extreme metal acts. In October, they self-released a digital EP, *In Gloom*, featuring four songs with a more aggressive, solid sound and increased experimental and chaotic elements. The following year, the band opened their own recording studio and embarked on their first headlining European tour.
The entirety of 2015 was spent writing new material and experimenting with recording. This led to their debut full-length album, *Once Love Was Lost*, mixed and mastered by American producers Kurt Ballou (Converge) and Brad Boatright (From Ashes Rise). In September 2016, they premiered the song “The Black Kaleidoscope,” featuring guest vocals from Armin Schweiger (Afgrund/Distaste), and released a music video for “When Serpent Strikes First.” On October 5, the song “Sirens” became available for digital streaming, featuring guest vocals from Meghan O’Neil (Punch, Super Unison). *Once Love Was Lost* was released on double colored vinyl by German labels Wooaaargh and Darkened Days Records, including a 32-page booklet with artwork by Rotting Graphics. The band ended the year with a short Russian tour. In an interview with Metal Hammer, vocalist Eli Mavrychev stated plans to tour Europe and the UK in 2017.
Quick Facts
- Alias
- Vorvan
- Origin
- Moscow, Russia
- Genre
- Hardcore punk, crust punk, sludge metal
- Years Active
- 2009–present
- Label
- Wooaaargh, Darkened Days
- Current Members
- Eugene Cherevkov / Igor Butz / Eli Mavrychev / Maxim Prokofyev
- Past Members
- Aleksandr Fursov / Alexey Merganov / Zakk Hemma / Egor Mikhailov
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Vorvaň was formed by guitarist Eugene Cherevkov after he left his previous band Tombstone Piledriver. The project began in 2009 in Moscow with the idea of playing a fast mix of metal and punk. After trying different musicians, bassist Igor Butz joined in early 2011, followed later that year by drummer Aleksandr Fursov and vocalist Eli Mavrychev. In February 2012, Vorvaň released their debut EP 'Sailing the Vastness of Oceans' via Gorgona Records, limited to 500 CD copies, influenced by Converge, Disfear, and Mastodon. After that release, Aleksandr left and was replaced by drummer Alexey Merganov, and the new lineup went on tour in November 2012. During 2013, Vorvaň played local shows with various extreme metal acts, and released a digital EP 'In Gloom' in October, featuring a more aggressive and experimental sound. In 2014, they opened their own recording studio and embarked on their first headlining European tour. The band spent 2015 working on new material, and their debut album 'Once Love Was Lost' was mixed and mastered by American producers Kurt Ballou (Converge) and Brad Boatright (From Ashes Rise).
Reader's Guide
Vorvaň occupies a distinct niche in the Russian extreme music scene, blending hardcore punk and metal with continuous experimentation. Their debut EP 'Sailing the Vastness of Oceans' and subsequent release 'In Gloom' showcased a shift toward more aggressive and chaotic sound. The band's first full-length album 'Once Love Was Lost' (2016) marked a significant milestone, produced by notable American figures Kurt Ballou and Brad Boatright, and featured guest appearances from international vocalists. This album's release on German labels and its vinyl format with extensive artwork indicated a reach beyond Russian borders. Vorvaň's active touring, including sharing stages with Napalm Death and Extreme Noise Terror, and their first headlining European tour in 2014, helped establish their presence in the European extreme music circuit. Their willingness to incorporate diverse influences and collaborate with artists from other bands reflects a commitment to pushing stylistic boundaries. The band's legacy lies in their role as a Russian act that successfully integrated global extreme music trends while maintaining a local identity, contributing to the international hardcore punk and metal dialogue.
Did You Know?
- Their debut EP 'Sailing the Vastness of Oceans' was limited to 500 CD copies and influenced by Converge, Disfear, and Mastodon.
- The song 'Sirens' from 'Once Love Was Lost' features guest vocals by Meghan O'Neil of the bands Punch and Super Unison.
- Their debut album 'Once Love Was Lost' includes a cover of Machine Head's song 'Struck a Nerve'.
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