Korol i Shut (album)

Korol i Shut is the eponymous debut studio album by the Russian horror punk band Korol i Shut (King and Jester). It was released in 1996. While considered their first official album, it largely consists of re-recordings of songs previously available on demo tapes and bootlegs under various names like "Yermolaev Brothers" (Братья Ермолаевы) and "The Office" (Контора). This album helped to solidify the band's signature theatrical and narrative songwriting style, focusing on dark fairy tales, legends, and historical events. The album features the band's early lineup and establishes their distinct sound, characterized by a blend of punk rock, folk elements, and a strong emphasis on storytelling. The album is considered a foundational work in the band's discography and a key example of early Russian horror punk.