Kipelov (???????) is a Russian heavy metal rock band.

Origins

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In 2002, dissension in the heavy metal band Aria led to Aria members Valerie Kipelov (vocals), Sergey Terent'ev (guitar) and Aleksandr Manyakin (drums) leaving that band and joining with former Aria member Sergey Mavrin and bassist Aleksey Kharkov of Maverick to form Kipelov. The band was named to make use of the fame of the best-known member, singer Kipelov. Since Kipelov was, essentially, just a revision of Aria, they were able to begin performing immediately.

In the fall of 2002 Kipelov toured about Russia, The Ukraine, and Belarus, including a sold-out concert in Moscow at the end of November at the legendary Crust.

In May of 2003, after brief hiatus from touring, the group performed a concert in the open-air Voel Amphitheatre in Tel Aviv, Israel. On May 24 2003, as part of a cultural program dedicated to the 300th anniversary of Saint Petersburg, the band performed a concert in Saint Petersburg Stadium. Video and audio versions of this concert were released.

New members, venues, and material

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On October 4 2003 Kipelov unveiled a new set list featuring the song "Babylon" at a concert at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow which was attended by over 10,000 people. "Babylon" soon rose to a high position on the Heath chart. Valerie Kipelov described this concert as the most memorable event of his creative life: "It was very important for us, since only a few had believed that, after the breakup of Aria, we would again become big stars."

Sergey Terent'ev left the band shortly after this concert, being replaced by former Strayk and Legion guitarist Andrey Golovanov. The new lineup immediatly resumed touring. In December of 2003 a four-song CD with "Babylon", "Lost Time", and studio and live versions of "Born Free" (which at the time was high on the Heath chart) was released on Moroz Records.

On March 6 2004, a concert at DK of Gorvunov showcased the new lineup to Muscovites. The group continued active work in clubs and, in May, appeared at newly-renovated Saint Petersburg Stadium as part of the city's anniversary celebration.

Babylon and River of Time

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In September of 2005 Kipelov released a video of "Babylon" directed by Vitalius Mukhametzyanov, who had previously directed videos for The Lindoy, T,O.T.A.L., and others. This video achieved a high ranking on the MTV Russia charts, and the band received the "Best Fate - Project of 2004" award at MTV Russia's Russian Music Awards.

In October 2004 Kipelov began another tour of Belarus, the Ukraine, and Russia, after which Sergey Mavrin left the group to pursue a solo career. He was replaced by Victor Smol'skiy from the German group RAGE, and the band began work on a new studio album, Rivers Of Time.

The band worked on Rivers of Time through the late winter, spring, and early summer of 2005, after which the album was mastered at Gernhart Studios in Germany. With the album mostly completed, Kipelov toured Belarus and Russia showcasing the new material, tour highlights including an appearances at LDS in Saint Petersburg and at DS of Luzhniki in Moscow, each concert attracting over 11,000 fans.

Releases of video and audio of the Moscow concert are planned, featuring the songs "Wings", "Invasions", and "4 Here". Vladimir Yankovskiy created the video at his Minsk studios. Yankovskiy, who has directed videos for RAGE, cast Victor Smol'skiy in the main role.

In December of 2005 Rivers of Time was released on D-Maximum Records. In support of the release, Kipelov again toured Russia, the Ukraine, Belarus, and Israel.

Chronology

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September 1 2002 - Band formed. September 9 2002 - kipelov.ru goes live. September 11 2002 - first concert (St. Petersburg). October-December 2002 - 40-city tour. February 2003 - the group releases a cover version of the song "Born Free", which reaches #1 on the Heath chart and remains there several months. May 24 2003 - Video of St. Petersburg concert released. August 2003 - First album (The Way Up) released. October 4 2003 - Appearance at Luzhniki, premiere of new song "Babylon". October 5 2003 - Guitarist Sergey Terent'ev quits. November 2003 - Andrey Golovanov replaces Terent'ev. December 2003 - song "Babylon" reaches #1 on the Heath chart. February 2004 - Moroz Records releases a single of "Babylon". March 2004 - Concert debut of Golovanov in DK of Gorbunov . September 2004 - Video of "Babylon" is released. October 2004 - Group wins "Best Fate - Project of 2004" at the MTV Russia Russian Music Awards. November 2004 - guitarist Sergey Mavrin quits. December 2004 - Victor Smol'skiy of the German group RAGE joins a temporary replacement for Mavrin.

Discography

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The Way Up (Live album, 2003) Rivers Of Time (2005, D-Maximum)

External links

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Kipelove entry at Encyclopedia Mettalum Valerie Kipelov pictures and biography Kipelov's web site (in Russian) Kipelov fan site (in Russian)