Nautilus Pompilius

Nautilus Pompilius is one of the most influential Soviet and Russian rock bands, formed in 1982 in Sverdlovsk by Vyacheslav Butusov and Dmitri Umetsky. Their sound evolved from hard rock roots toward new wave, post-punk, and art rock, while the lyrics penned by poet Ilya Kormiltsev became the band's true signature, blending literary depth with a sense of late-Soviet unease and longing. The band reached its peak popularity in the late 1980s and 1990s with anthems such as «Скованные одной цепью», «Я хочу быть с тобой», and «Последнее письмо».

Creative disagreements led to a temporary breakup in 1988, but Butusov reassembled the group in 1990 with a new lineup. The albums Титаник (1994) and Крылья (1995) brought renewed fame, cementing the band's place in the canon of Russian rock. In 1997 Nautilus Pompilius officially disbanded after the farewell tour «Последнее плавание».

After the split, Butusov pursued solo projects while Kormiltsev moved into publishing. The band has periodically reunited for anniversary concerts, and its songs remain foundational to Russian rock, continuing to shape new generations of musicians and listeners.