Atheist Rap
Atheist Rap is a renowned Serbian punk rock band originating from Novi Sad, formed in 1989. Celebrated for their “fun punk” style, Atheist Rap combines upbeat melodies with sharp, socially critical lyrics, establishing them as a foundational act in the trallpunk subgenre. Throughout their career, they have released six studio albums, one compilation album, and a live DVD, maintaining a significant influence in both the local and international punk scenes.
Formation and Early Years (1989–1990)
Atheist Rap was conceived in 1989 by vocalists Aleksandar Popov (Dr. Pop) and Vladimir Kozbašić (Pećinko) following a Rambo Amadeus concert at the local club Mašinac. The founding members were soon joined by guitarist Vladimir Radusinović (Radule) and bassist Zoran Zarić (Zare), with Stevan Gojkov (Goja) on drums. Their first live performance occurred on May 22, 1989, at the Petrovaradin Fortress gate, Beogradska kapija, quickly earning them a cult status in the Serbian punk scene.
Rise and Development (1991–1999)
Despite the outbreak of the Yugoslav wars in the early 1990s, Atheist Rap persisted, recording their debut album Maori i Crni Gonzales in 1992. Released in 1993, the album featured a mix of original songs and covers, garnering critical acclaim and winning the Album of the Year Award at the Brzi Bendovi Srbije festival. Their subsequent album, Ja eventualno bih ako njega eliminišete (1996), showcased their evolving sound with heavy punk riffs and diverse influences. Following lineup changes and the tragic death of bassist Zoran Zarić in 1997, the band continued to produce influential music, releasing II liga zapad in 1998 and Osveta Crnog Gonzalesa in 2005.
Continued Success and Evolutions (2000–present)
In the 2000s, Atheist Rap remained active, releasing albums like Priče matorih pokvarenjaka (2009) and Uberlauf (2015). They engaged in extensive touring across Serbia, Croatia, and Germany, performing at major festivals and collaborating with other punk acts. Their music continued to blend cheerful punk rhythms with incisive social commentary, maintaining their reputation as a staple in the trallpunk genre.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Maori i Crni Gonzales (1992)
- Ja eventualno bih ako njega eliminišete (1996)
- II liga zapad (1998)
- Osveta Crnog Gonzalesa (2005)
- Priče matorih pokvarenjaka (2009)
- Uberlauf (2015)
Live Albums
- Live (1986)
- Sista dansen (1990, Live LP, re-released on CD 1995)
- Från druga strana (1993)
Compilations
- Rock Mot Svinen (2000, Höhnie Records)
- Kravallsymfonier 78-86 (2003, Birdnest Records)
- Välkommen Hem – Samlade EP’s (2006, Burning Heart Records)
- Upphittat! 2003-2016 (2016, Kloakens Alternativa AntiProduktion)
EPs
- För kung och fosterland (1981)
- En tyst minut (1983)
- Plikten framför allt (1984)
- Än finns det hopp (1986)
- Till sista droppen (2000)
- Precis kao far / Lilla Frida (2006)
Band Members
Current Members
- Aleksandar Popov – vocals and guitar
- Vladimir Radusinović – bass
- Zoran Lekić – guitar
- Aleksandar Milovanov – guitar
- Branko Radusinović – drums
Past Members
- Dušan Ječmenica – drums
- Slobodan Fekete – guitar
- Stevan Gojkov – guitar
- Vladimir Kozbašić – vocals
- Zoran Zarić – bass
- Zoran Džuklevski – keyboards
Musical Style and Themes
Atheist Rap’s music is characterized by a vibrant blend of punk rock, hardcore punk, and pop punk, infused with a playful and upbeat energy. Their “fun punk” label stems from their cheerful melodies juxtaposed with critical and often humorous lyrics that tackle societal and political issues. This unique combination has made their music both entertaining and thought-provoking, allowing them to maintain a dedicated fanbase over decades.
Legacy and Influence
With a career spanning over three decades, Atheist Rap has significantly influenced the Serbian punk scene and beyond. Their songs have been covered by acts from three continents, and their pioneering role in trallpunk has inspired numerous bands globally. The German punk band Rasta Knast originated as a tribute to Atheist Rap, underscoring their international impact and enduring legacy in the punk rock genre.
Trivia
- Atheist Rap was initially known as “X-tas” before adopting their current name in 1980.
- The band achieved cult status with their first live performance in 1989, despite having no prior recordings.
- Their debut album Maori i Crni Gonzales won the Album of the Year Award at the Brzi Bendovi Srbije festival.
- Atheist Rap’s music has been featured in various international compilations, including American releases like Delite the Elite.
- The band has performed under pseudonyms such as Božidara Starog Punk and Električni Jurica.
- The song “Fatamorgana” (“Mirage”) was voted one of the 60 greatest songs released by PGP-RTB/PGP-RTS by Radio 202 listeners.
- Atheist Rap has maintained a consistent presence in the punk scene through multiple lineup changes and ongoing performances since their formation.
