Aria have been around since 1985 and have become the biggest heavy metal band in Russia. Growing the foundation of their fanbase under the restrictions of the Soviet Union, and then developing it during the difficult economic times following the collapse of the USSR, Aria has managed to consistently put out outstanding power metal albums despite major hurdles. While they have been dubbed the Russian Iron Maiden, Aria's sound has many influences from Maiden and Judas Priest to Helloween and Black Sabbath but with a distinctive Russian flavor.