ALISA ALICE - BLOCK OF HELL russian new wave / prog rock 12" Vinyl LP Album

Alisa Alice's 1987 album "Block of Hell" stands as a fascinating and daring relic of a turbulent period in Soviet history. Emerging during the era of *glasnost* and *perestroika*, the band crafted a sound that was equal parts rebellious, progressive, and laced with a palpable sense of unease.

Challenging the System, Sonically

In a musical landscape dominated by state-sanctioned pop and folk, Alisa Alice defied expectations. "Block of Hell" bursts forth with dissonant guitars, pulsing rhythms, and frontman Konstantin Kinchev's raw, often confrontational vocals. Their music was a sonic Molotov cocktail flung at the norms of Soviet music. The album's lyrics, although shrouded in metaphor and symbolism, exuded a palpable sense of alienation and frustration with the status quo.

Influences and Exploration

While their sound hinted at Western influences like post-punk and early industrial, Alisa Alice molded these elements into something uniquely their own. The band wasn't afraid to venture into dissonant territories; jarring sounds, warped production, and avant-garde flourishes pepper "Block of Hell." This adventurous spirit embodied the desperation and hunger for change that was palpable within segments of Russian society during the late Soviet era.

The Voice of Kinchev

Konstantin Kinchev, the enigmatic frontman of Alisa Alice, was a complex figure. A former factory worker, his lyrics often wrestled with themes of social injustice, political hypocrisy, and a longing for spiritual depth within a crumbling system. His voice, rough and impassioned, became a rallying cry for a generation of disaffected Soviet youth.

Controversy and Censorship

Naturally, Alisa Alice's music and Kinchev's confrontational persona attracted the attention of Soviet authorities. Concerts were frequently disrupted, and the band faced accusations of promoting anti-Soviet sentiment. "Block of Hell" itself was initially banned, although it eventually found its way onto the black market and became a cult classic among those seeking alternative voices.