When Ic3peak released its last album, “Kiss of Death,” it featured characteristics that made the band a controversial figure in Russia, prompting authorities to attempt to shut down its shows. The album included death-obsessed lyrics, anti-state provocations, and intense vocal performances.
However, the duo's new album, “Coming Home,” which was released on Friday, presents a significant tonal shift. The harsh electronic and heavy metal elements are largely absent, replaced by melodic indie rock, with vocalist Nastya Kreslina delivering softer, whispering tones.
Kreslina explained this change by stating, “Everything in our lives has changed.” She and bandmate Nikolay Kostylev have been grappling with the emotional and creative consequences of the conflict following Kreslina's departure from Moscow shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
The artist noted that her previous aggressive performance style aimed to capture Russian listeners' attention, but now she feels a quieter approach is necessary to be "noticed among all the screaming."
Since leaving Russia, Kreslina has lived in various cities, including Paris, Los Angeles, Istanbul, and Turin. Kostylev resides in Berlin, and while Kreslina has an apartment in Riga, Latvia, she described it as lacking the feeling of a permanent home.
Many exiled Russian musicians face challenges in rebuilding their careers abroad, often performing for smaller audiences of fellow émigrés. However, alternative groups like Ic3peak have reportedly maintained or even increased their international following, despite the decline of Russia's cultural influence.
Kostylev mentioned that approximately 70 percent of Ic3peak’s fans reside outside of Russia, which has mitigated the financial impact of their exile. He expressed gratitude for being able to address personal crises while still having their basic needs met.
The band's distinctive aesthetics, characterized by all-black outfits and white face paint reminiscent of horror films, have contributed to their global appeal, according to Michael Idov, a former GQ Russia editor. He noted that social media users have been drawn to their unique imagery, which has facilitated crossover success.
Despite the shift to more subdued musical styles, Kostylev confirmed that the duo intends to maintain their bold fashion sense, referring to their campaign for “Coming Home,” where they appear as Goth angels in tracksuits.
Formed in 2013 during their college years in Moscow, Ic3peak has had run-ins with Russian authorities since its inception. In 2018, they released “Death No More,” which led to increased scrutiny and attempts to halt their performances, ultimately resulting in the duo facing detainment and surveillance.
Initially, Kostylev described the attention as amusing, framing performances as acts of defiance against the government. However, the environment became increasingly oppressive, prompting his decision to leave Russia before the full-scale invasion began.
Nadya Tolokonnikova, of the art collective Pussy Riot, noted that Ic3peak was significant in openly addressing state repression, asserting that they represent more than just a musical act, as they have created an entire universe around their artistry.
The new album “Coming Home” does not contain overtly political songs, but features subtler references to the war in Ukraine and the experience of exile. One track, “Where is My Home?”, reflects the perspective of a soldier returning home to find their country transformed.
Both Kreslina and Kostylev expressed a desire to reach Russian listeners as well as those in the West with their new music. They deliberated for months about whether to withdraw their songs from Russian streaming services but ultimately decided against it to maintain a connection with fans who oppose the government.
Kostylev acknowledged that longtime fans may find the band’s new direction perplexing, stating, “A lot of fans will find it confusing, but we can’t do anything about that. We’re just doing what we feel.”