IC3PEAK is a Russian experimental electronic duo formed in October 2013 in Moscow. It consists of producer Николай Костылев (Nikolay Kostylev, aka Nick) and vocalist Анастасия Креслина (Anastasia Kreslina, aka Nastya). Between 2014 and 2016, they released the EPs Substances and Vacuum, both in 2014, and the albums IC3PEAK (2015) and FALLAL (2016). They were known for their ethereal or abstract style of witch house. In 2017, IC3PEAK released their first Russian language album Сладкая жизнь (Sweet Life). They've stated that they "felt the urge for a dialog with our native generation about common fears, problems and feelings without language barrier." The album took a darker trap approach to witch house with elements of art pop and glitch pop. A music video (entirely written, directed, stylized, produced, and edited by the duo) was made for the single "Грустная сука" ("Sad Bitch"), which has received 5.8 million views as of September 2018. This was followed by two non-album singles: "Monster" and "This World Is Sick," released in 2017 and 2018, respectively. On September 14, 2018, IC3PEAK released the single "Сказка," showing a style much closer to trap rap/hip hop than witch house. A music video was produced for it, featuring animated artwork by artist Jakov Burov. Exactly two weeks later, an album also titled Сказка was released without any prior announcement.