Punk has always lived somewhat on the margins in Russia, thriving in small venues and regional scenes rather than the mainstream charts. Within that world, ska-punk adds a brighter twist to the usual punk energy, driven more by positivity than by anger. One of the bands keeping that flame alive is Truckdrivers from Chelyabinsk. Active for more than a decade and with a remarkably steady line-up, the group reflects the camaraderie and DIY spirit that represent punk at its best.
Punk, Ska, and a Dash of Reggae
Truckdrivers’ songs combine the energy of punk with the bounce of reggae and the melodic lift of ska. The result is music built for crowded club shows, sing-along choruses and the kind of atmosphere where the audience becomes part of the performance.
Here are three tracks to get a taste of the band, with links to more at the end of the article.
Безумцы землю ногами крутят (2016)
Делай, что должен, и будь что будет
Делай, что должен, и будь что будет
Безумцы землю ногами крутят
Безумцы землю ногами крутят
Do what you must, and come what may
Do what you must, and come what may
Madmen are turning the earth upside down
Madmen are turning the earth upside down
(full song lyrics here)
From the album Делай, что должен, и будь, что будет!, also featuring the tracks Бетонные блоки (Concrete Blocks), Космонавт (Cosmonaut) and Дом милый дом (Home Sweet Home).
Искры летят от огня (2017, lyric video 2026)
Искры летят от огня
Мы покидаем дома
Искры летят от огня
Так умирает зима
Sparks fly from the fire
We are leaving our homes
Sparks fly from the fire
That is how winter dies
(full song lyrics here – contents up for debate)
For this lyric video, I used the original version mostly, with the live in Chelyabinsk version (2023) for additional footage – салютом (with a salute) to all the wonderful participants.
Банда в сборе (Gang Assembled, 2022, with Uncle Bens)
Свобода, равенство и братство
От них не стоит отрекаться
В толстенной книге рок-историй
Там всё про нас, вся банда в сборе!
Freedom, equality, and fraternity
They should not be renounced
In a thick book of rock stories
It's all about us, the whole gang is there!
(full song lyrics on Genius.com)
More about Uncle Bens (from Saint Petersburg) on their VK page.
More Truckdrivers
The band was already playing shows before settling on a name. “Truckdrivers” simply felt natural for a group that spent much of its time on the road – a fitting image for a band that has been steadily rolling along the Russian punk highway for years, and shows little sign of slowing down.
Каблук (Heel, 2025)
Дорога (Road, 2025)
Учить детей (Teach Children, 2019)
Рюкзак (Backpack, 2018, see below)
Велик (Great, 2018)
Кончилась музыка (Music Stopped, 2016)
Оставайся панком (Stay Punk, 2013)
Пришла пора (Time Has Come, 2013)
Слабая доля (Weak Share, 2013)
Bonus: ХАМЛО covers ‘Рюкзак’
More about ХАМЛО – punk in his own way – on Instagram, YouTube and this VK page.
More punk in the playlist Russian Punk by Music in Russian on Spotify. Songs covered here can also be found in this YouTube playlist, and in Music in Russian songs on Spotify.
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© Music in Russian, 2026
