Israeli punk rock band Illegal Mind is set to unleash their high-energy, rebellious take on “Дороги”, originally by Russian folk rock band Мельница (Melnitsa). Known for their aggressive, no-holds-barred approach to music, Illegal Mind has taken the haunting melodies of the 2003 classic and reimagined them as a fast, furious, and electrifying punk rock anthem.

“We’ve always loved the haunting beauty of ‘Дороги,’ but we wanted to see what happens when you push it to the limit,” says Illegal Mind. “For us, this song isn’t just about the road—it’s about momentum, urgency, and never looking back. By stripping it down and cranking up the speed, we turned it into a punk-fueled anthem for the restless.”

A Rebellious Rebirth of a Folk Rock Favorite

Originally composed by Natalia “Helavisa” O’Shea with lyrical contributions from Olga Lishina, “Дороги” (featured on Melnitsa’s Doroga Sna) has long been a staple in Russian folk rock. Known for its poetic storytelling and atmospheric melodies, the track evokes themes of travel, longing, and fate.

Illegal Mind, however, saw an opportunity to infuse the song with raw, electrified punk aggression—transforming its wistful journey into a high-speed rebellion. What was once a three-minute folk ballad has been reconstructed into a two-minute punk rock explosion. The original’s delicate melodies are now driven by distorted guitars, relentless drums, and an urgent, visceral vocal delivery—taking the song from melancholic introspection to pure adrenaline.

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.

From Pop Nostalgia to Metal Fury: 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 now is a way to channel that nostalgia into something powerful and new.”

Stream “18 мне уже”: https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/album/5xXENs0hUjKxzuMqm5ofwf

Reimagining the Classic: 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.

DIY Production: 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.”

A Band on the Rise: 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.

More information at https://www.facebook.com/illegalmindband

ILLEGAL MIND, the virtual band spearheaded by Maxx Dee, release a powerful version of the iconic Russian punk rock song “Лесник” by Король и Шут (King and the Clown). The track is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Maxx Dee, known for creating post-apocalyptic themed music that captures listeners with a unique blend of alternative metal and punk, injects a hardcore edge into this beloved track, adding a new punchy vibe that reimagines the classic with a fresh intensity. “I’ve always loved Король и Шут and their blend of punk rock and folk. Covering ‘Лесник’ is both a tribute and a personal milestone,” says Dee.

Recorded in his home studio and self-produced with feedback from close friends, this cover promises to resonate with fans of both the original and Illegal Mind’s evolving sound. The release will be preceded by an exciting music video, showcasing the band’s creative energy and vision.

Formed in 2018, Illegal Mind has consistently pushed the boundaries of their sound, with notable releases like the EP “Forbidden Content” and the album “From The Ashes.” With features in international magazines such as Hard Rock Italy and UK’s Power Play Magazine, Illegal Mind continues to captivate audiences with their unique blend of dystopian themes and powerful music.

Illegal Mind, the boundary-pushing virtual band led by Maxx Dee, has turned the music world upside down with their latest release, a heavy metal cover of the iconic Backstreet Boys anthem, “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”, stream it below. The track, which infuses childhood nostalgia with thunderous riffs and pounding drums, promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

Formed in Tel Aviv in 2018, Illegal Mind has been on a relentless journey to challenge musical norms and redefine genres. Their innovative sound, deeply rooted in dystopian themes inspired by literature and cinema, has earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated global following.

Maxx Dee, the visionary behind Illegal Mind, shares his inspiration: “I always dreamt about revamping pop songs into rock or metal.” This creative vision is reflected in the band’s commitment to reinventing familiar tunes and making them distinctly their own.

Illegal Mind’s musical evolution is evident in their discography, which includes the album “From The Ashes” (2023) and the powerful EP “Forbidden Content” (2020). Through collaborative sessions and unwavering dedication, the band continues to push boundaries, inspiring listeners with their thought-provoking lyrics and powerful melodies.

With the release of “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”, Illegal Mind invites fans old and new to embark on a thrilling musical journey. The track, available on all major streaming platforms, promises to be a captivating reinterpretation that resonates with audiences across generations. Stay tuned for the accompanying music video, set to be released in the coming days, as Illegal Mind continues to defy expectations and redefine the musical landscape.

ILLEGAL MIND, already gracing the pages of Power Play Magazine, Rock Hard Italy, and Headbangersnews.com, destroys musical norms by fusing 90s nu-metal, 00s ROCK, and industrial, crafting a uniquely powerful sound. Fueled by a fervent passion for post-apocalyptic themes, their bold experimentation promises an unprecedented, genre-defying journey in the new album “From The Ashes”.

From Tel Aviv’s post-apocalyptic streets, Illegal Mind, born in February 2018, channels dystopian reflections into a rebellious sonic journey inspired by 20th-century post-apocalyptic literature and pop culture. Their 2020 EP, “Forbidden Conten” unveiled tracks like “Free” and “Bleeding Sky” accompanied by visually striking lyric videos. Undaunted by the pandemic, they persistently innovate, inviting listeners on a thrilling odyssey through unexplored sonic territories.

“From The Ashes” born from the transformation of a full band to a solo project, was conceived in an Ashqelon bomb shelter. Mastermind Maxx Dee, taking a DIY approach, recorded and mixed the album, skillfully blending genres like nu-metal and pop punk to align with the band’s vision. Originally penned before the current Middle East conflict (2023), the songs now carry an added dimension, offering a poignant reflection on a world gone insane.

“From The Ashes”: https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/album/2VJ1XtlK9RR29xgLREdseG