Korol i Shut (Король и Шут), translating to "The King and the Jester" in English, is a prominent Russian punk rock band renowned for its unique blend of punk energy and dark fairy tale storytelling that captivated audiences in their home country and beyond. Formed in Saint Petersburg in 1988 by friends Mikhail Gorshok Gorshenev, Alexander Balu Balunov, and Alexander Shchigoliev, the band's lineup stabilized with the arrival of guitarist Yuri Zabelin and drummer Alexandr Sirotkin. Over the years, Korol i Shut established themselves as singular storytellers in music, with a penchant for macabre tales and folklore-infused lyrics, becoming an influential force in Russian rock.

The band's discography is characterized by theatrical narratives and a distinct visual style that is deeply entwined with each album's concept. Songs are often populated by a cast of monsters, witches, and outcasts, with albums such as "Продавец кошмаров" (The Nightmare Seller) and "Тень клоуна" (The Clown's Shadow) showcasing their ability to create vivid, nightmarish worlds within their music. Notable releases like "TODD. Акт 1. Праздник Крови" and "TODD. Акт 2. На краю" suggest thematic allusions to grander works, indicative of the band's evolution and creative ambition. Korol i Shut's impact on the punk scene and Russian music at large is cemented by their legions of devoted fans and a legacy that continues to influence new generations of musicians.

Genres

Classic Russian Rock

Horror Punk

Russian Folk Rock

Russian Metal

Russian Punk

Russian Punk Rock

Russian Rock

Russian Ska

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Nautilus Pompilius

Дайте танк (!)

Grazhdanskaya Oborona

ДДТ

Latest Release

Танец злобного гения

Korol i Shut

Single - Released April 12, 2024