Illegal Mind, the boundary-pushing alternative metal band, is back with a thunderous new version that's set to turn heads and stir memories. This time, they've taken on the nostalgic Russian pop classic "18 мне уже" by Руки Вверх!, delivering a heavy metal rendition that's as aggressive as it is nostalgic.
For those who grew up in the 90s, "18 мне уже" (which translates to "I'm 18 already") was an inescapable anthem at every party. It was a song you either loved or loved to hate. Illegal Mind's frontman, Maxx Dee, recalls, "This track was everywhere during my teenage years, and we all had a love-hate relationship with it. Covering it
Illegal Mind has infused the original pop tune with their signature hardcore energy. "We made it heavier, with breakdowns and intense guitar riffs," Maxx Dee explains. The most notable change is the removal of the third verse, replaced with a ferocious breakdown that transforms the song from a nostalgic memory into a headbanging anthem. "It's way better now," Maxx laughs.
The track was recorded at Illegal Mind's home studio in Ashkelon, Israel. True to their DIY ethos, Maxx Dee took the reins on production, ensuring every note and beat hit with maximum impact. "It's all self-produced," he says. "Recording everything yourself comes with challenges, but it also means you have complete creative control."
Since their formation in 2018, Illegal Mind has been making waves with their unique blend of post-apocalyptic themes and motivational messages. Their music, while often exploring dark, dystopian futures, aims to uplift and inspire. Tracks like "Free" from their EP Forbidden Content and the thematic "Bleeding Sky" have already earned them a dedicated following and coverage in international publications like Hard Rock Italy and the UK’s Power Play Magazine.
With "18 мне уже (Metal Version)," Illegal Mind continues to push the envelope, proving that even the most unexpected songs can be reborn as heavy metal anthems. For Maxx Dee and Illegal Mind, it's all about taking the music they grew up with and making it their own – louder, harder, and more intense than ever before.
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