KINO Black Album – The Story & Merch on Kinoband.com
When fans speak of KINO and Viktor Tsoi’s legacy, few albums carry the weight and mystery of the Black Album (Чёрный альбом). Released after Tsoi’s tragic death in 1990, this record became not just a farewell, but a symbol — its minimalist black cover with a simple white КИНО logo now recognised worldwide.
Today, this same bold design lives on in official KINO merch, loved by fans for its timeless simplicity and powerful connection to the band’s legacy.
The Black Album — KINO’s Final Studio Release
In the summer of 1990, Viktor Tsoi and Yuri Kasparyan recorded new demo tracks in Plieņciems, Latvia. Their idea was simple: make music true to KINO’s evolving sound — darker, sharper, and more introspective. But everything changed on 15 August 1990, when Tsoi tragically died in a car accident near Riga.
The surviving members — Kasparyan, Georgiy Guryanov, and Alexander Titov — took it upon themselves to finish the album as a tribute. They worked at the AnTrop Studio in Leningrad (Saint Petersburg) in September–October 1990, completing the arrangements and production.
The result: a raw yet polished album that felt both like a closing chapter and a new beginning. The official release on 12 January 1991 saw over 500,000 copies sold within months, with total sales exceeding one million — a massive success in the USSR’s rock scene.
The Cover That Said It All
The album had no official title — it was simply KINO. But the all-black cover, designed by Georgiy Guryanov, said everything. With no text except the white КИНО logo in the center, the cover echoed both mourning and strength.
Influences Behind the Design:
• Kazimir Malevich’s “Black Square” (1915) — a landmark in avant-garde art.
• Joy Division’s album aesthetics — particularly Unknown Pleasures and Closer.
• The idea of a “Black Album” itself, known in rock history (like The Beatles' White Album), symbolising a band’s identity and legacy.
The Music — A Farewell Sound That Resonates Even Today
The album’s sound was darker and more lyrical. Songs like “Кукушка” (Cuckoo), “Прохожий” (Passerby), and “Легенда” (Legend) mixed post-punk with poetic depth. Some tracks hinted at folk influences, while others carried that haunting rock edge KINO was known for.
Notably, “Кукушка” became a posthumous hit — covered by countless artists and resonating with new generations.
Wear the Legacy — Official KINO Black Album Merch
The Black Album’s iconic logo and design have become a statement in themselves — and now you can wear that legacy with our official merch:
• Premium Tees, hoodies ad other merch with original КИНО logo
• Inspired by the official 1991 album design
• High-quality fabric
• Unisex regular fit
• Limited stock
Perfect for fans of Soviet rock, post-punk style, or minimalist fashion.
Shop the Official KINO Black Album Merch on Kinoband.com
The Black Album Still Matters
More than three decades later, the Black Album remains a powerful cultural icon. It marked the end of an era and the eternal presence of Viktor Tsoi in the hearts of millions. Its design lives on as a symbol of honesty, rebellion, and artistic freedom.
Be part of that story — every time you wear it!