Кипелов (Kipelov)

Valery Kipelov is a Russian rock singer and composer, best known as the powerful, operatic voice behind the legendary Moscow heavy metal band Aria, which he co-founded in 1985. Throughout the late Soviet and early post-Soviet era, Aria became one of the defining acts of Russian-language heavy metal, and Kipelov's distinctive baritone-to-tenor range made him one of the most recognizable vocalists in the genre. After leaving Aria in 2002, he formed his own band, simply named Kipelov, continuing in a similar hard rock and heavy metal vein.

With his solo group, Kipelov built a catalog centered on anthemic, guitar-driven rock with patriotic and epic themes, exemplified by songs like «Я свободен» (originally an Aria-era hit reworked as a signature solo anthem), «Нам нужна одна победа», and «Непокорённый». His music blends classic heavy metal instrumentation with melodic, almost symphonic vocal lines, giving it a grand, theatrical quality distinct from Western metal of the same period.

Kipelov remains a towering figure in Russian rock, respected for his vocal technique and consistency across four decades of performing. He has been recognized within the Russian rock community, including a RAMP award in 2007, and continues to tour and record as a central figure of the genre's heritage.