VIA Ариэль (Ariel) was a Russian rock/pop group of Soviet age. They began their career in early 70s and dissolved in early 90s. Their music is a mixture of Russian traditional tunes, mellow prog rock and pop. This genre may be defined as prog folk or prog/pop crossover. Led by the bassplayer and singer Valery Yarushin, the band featured twin keyboards and guitars, bass and drums, flute and occasionally traditional Russian intruments like bayan, the Russian button accordion. Up to four band members sang vocal harmonies on most compositions, sharing lead vocals from song to song. In Ariel's rendition Russian folk songs could become lengthy prog rock epics with plenty of Hammond, piano and guitar solos and multiple vocal harmonies in the vein of the British bands like Camel or Yes or the Italians Premiata Forneria Marconi and Locanda Delle Fate. Many of the band's own compositions were also prog-oriented, with at least one long epic on every album. However, this was characteristic only for their earlier albums. In early 80s they began playing more pop-oriented songs using rock-n-roll and disco elements, written by themselves or by renowned Russian songwriters. Both the early and the later works were quite popular in Russia but never reached abroad. Lyrics played a large part in the songs, with traditional tunes often sung in genuine dialect. The group's own compositions were either poetic or comical, the peace themes becoming very important later on. After the band's dissolution most of their works was re-issued on CDs and as mp3s (often not remastered), while the band members emigrated to USA and UK. In 2007 Valery Yarushin toured in Russia performing some of Ariel's best known songs, but with no attempt of reunion with the band or recording of a new album.