Mumiy Troll, the seminal Soviet-era rock group, is undergoing a musical Glasnost.
The Mussorgskys of metal are famous for merging Russian rock and pop, and they’re hoping that their upcoming Bell House show, plus their new album, “Comrade Ambassador,” will bridge the gap between the former Cold War enemies.
They’ve come a long way since forming in 1983 in Vladivostok, a Soviet backwater. “Back then, we did not hear rock and roll,” said lead “Troll” Ilya Lagutenko. “Lots of rock music was simply banned.”
Touring the states is the culimation a longtime dream for the czars of Russian rock. But the Jan. 22 show is just the start, Lagutenko said.
“Every artist dreams about world-wide success one day — it’s normal, isn’t it?” said Laguntenko. “However, whether world now is ready to welcome [a] new Elvis — whether his name is Ilya or Rashid or Jing Jing — that’s a big question.”
Mumiy Troll at the Bell House [149 Seventh St. between Second and Third avenues in Gowanus, (718) 643-6510], Jan. 22, 7:30 pm. Tickets: $30.
