Lost in time, a band of punk knights throw a gothic party in modern Moscow

Zavet: “Paranoia”

Experimental hip-hop artist Zavet has dropped a new video unleashing post-punk medieval marauders in modern-day Moscow.

Directed by Yaroslav Golovkin, the video for the track Paranoia transports viewers to an impromptu gothic party, where characters who could have stepped from an El Greco canvas to take over a Russian theatre. Golovkin, who has previously worked with Russian musician Mujuice and niche fashion brand Ashe, creates an alluring mix of medieval and high-tech visuals: featuring elaborately clad heroes-hellions who fight with swords and run through corridors bathed in neon and red light. Occasionally, characters will stop to peer through net curtains at the courtyards and tower blocks beyond.

Zavet has had a productive 2020, releasing eight music videos while working on his album, Gotika, which will be released in early 2021. The Moscow-based artist turned to music just two years ago after working with provocative Russian rap collective Boulevard Depo, and has since collaborated with Russian music royalty including Husky and Pussy Riot.