Music
IC3PEAK’s Journey Through Exile and Evolution
By Stephan Cartello • Mar 6, 2025
From their beginnings as one of Russia's most notorious musical acts to becoming global exiles, IC3PEAK has redefined what it means to mix music and activism. Known for their electrifying sound and rebellious image, the duo—Nastya Kreslina and Nikolay Kostylev—has experienced upheaval, transformation, and reinvention. Through political repression, exile, and a softer, more introspective sound, IC3PEAK’s story is a testament to resilience and evolution.
The Origins of IC3PEAK
Formed over a decade ago in Moscow, IC3PEAK’s identity revolved around politically charged, experimental sounds. Their music, characterized by eerie electronic beats, punchy trap rhythms, and Nastya’s intense voice oscillating between whispers and screams, captivated audiences both in Russia and abroad.
Their groundbreaking visuals, gothic aesthetic, and provocative stance against government oppression earned them a cult following. Over time, IC3PEAK became more than just a band; they became the voice of a disillusioned, politically engaged youth. Tracks like “Death No More” mixed macabre visuals with haunting commentary on Russian political corruption, cementing the duo’s reputation as “audiovisual terrorists.”
Political Repression and Exile
New Album "Coming Home": A Softer, More Melodic Sound
Creating Amid Chaos
With their unapologetic critique of politics, IC3PEAK found themselves in the crosshairs of Russian authorities. Following the release of their 2018 album Fairy Tale, the duo’s performances were systematically shut down by the government; concerts were raided, venues were threatened, and their music was labeled a menace.
The situation escalated after Nastya and Nikolay publicly denounced Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Facing constant surveillance and the looming threat of imprisonment, they made the painful decision to leave Russia.
Since their exile, Nastya and Nikolay have lived nomadic lives, moving across cities like Berlin, Paris, LA, and Riga. While they’ve physically left Russia, the emotional and cultural ties to their homeland remain strong.
“What is home?” Nastya reflects. “Is it a place, a person, or a feeling you search for?”
New Album "Coming Home": A Softer, More Melodic Sound
IC3PEAK’s latest album, Coming Home, marks a seismic shift in their sound. Released in early 2025, the record departs from their earlier aggressive beats and haunting screams. Instead, it features melodic indie rock, softer instrumentals, and reflective lyrics that explore themes of displacement, identity, and resilience.
Tracks like “O Lord, Forgive Me” and “Frog in Love” weave personal confessions with broader reflections on exile. Live drums, tender guitar strings, and Nastya’s intimate vocals replace the heavy electronic textures that defined earlier releases.
This transition in sound mirrors their current emotional state.
“Screaming used to be how I grabbed people’s attention when the world was too loud,” Nastya explains. “Now, the quiet feels radical.”
Creating Amid Chaos
Both Nastya and Nikolay have drawn deeply from their personal histories for Coming Home. Their experiences of displacement, frustration, and longing infuse every note of the album.
Leaving Russia was especially disorienting for Nastya, who grapples with a constant yearning for “home,” even as she adapts to life abroad. A crucifix—a symbol deeply connected to her Latvian-Russian upbringing—accompanies her wherever she goes.
“It makes a place feel like home for me,” she admits.
For Nikolay, music became a way to reject the increasing dominance of technology in modern artistry.
“I crave simplicity, human imperfection, and vulnerability,” he says, emphasizing his shift toward live instrumentation.
The duo’s ability to channel personal turmoil into creative expression underscores their resilience. Even in exile, their music creates belonging, both for themselves and their listeners.
IC3PEAK’s Legacy and Influence
IC3PEAK’s transformation from "screamo activists" to introspective exiles showcases their refusal to be boxed in by expectations. Their evolution reflects the struggle of balancing art and activism in an environment of repression and exile.
The band continues to inspire not only their dedicated fanbase but also a larger movement of artists navigating the complicated intersection of creativity and politics. With their growth as artists, their haunting new sound, and their global reach, IC3PEAK remains a cultural force to be reckoned with.
Join IC3PEAK on Tour
Curious to experience how IC3PEAK’s new direction feels live? The duo is touring the United States as part of their Coming Home tour. With stops in cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and New York, fans will have the chance to engage with the band’s raw, evolved sound.
Don’t miss your chance to see them live!
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