Alexey Protasov is one half of the Belarusian digital hardcore duo Ambassador21. We asked Alexey for a list of 10 albums that inspired him musically and he responded with this list of classic punk, gritty hardcore and subversive social commentary.

Sex Pistols, Never Mind The Bollocks Here’s The Sex Pistols
These guys changed the face of pop-culture in the end of 70s. And for f*ck’s sake, they knew how to play! Another cool thing about that- it was only one real album from them. More than enough.

Dead Kennedys, Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables
I fell in love with this band with first chords of “Rotting Vegetables”…

Prodigy, Fat Of The Land
It was great to discover that electronic music could be not only boring and sad, not only about knobs and technologies. Then, later, I started to love technologies as well. But at that time it was about “raw power”!

The Stooges, The Stooges and Fun House
I discovered these records many years ago on pirated, bad sounding soviet vinyls – oh damn, it was something so cool! Ever hear about “punk” before punk? It was that! Still the best Iggy Pop albums for me. Still cool.

Rage Against The Machine, The Battle Of Los Angeles
Amazing band. Incredible musicians. Great ideas. My love and deep respect forever.

Atari Teenage Riot, Delete Yourself
Like the f*cking Sex Pistols, something really weird and attractive. I learned how to make electronic music because of this album. OK, 50% because of that 😉

Skinny Puppy, Last Rights
It’s difficult to choose a best album from Skinny Puppy, but I MUST have Skinny Puppy in this list. Well, let it be Last Rights– just because of “Killing Game” and “Love In Vein” on it.

Public Enemy, It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
I never thought I would love hip hop until I heard Public Enemy. Now I can say I love hip hop! And this album still brings much more noise than many “noise” artists now.

The DJ Producer, Doomsday Mechaniks
As hardcore is one of my favourite genres, I must admit Doomsday Mechaniks is definitely in my not only in my Top 10, but in my Top 5! I found it one of the most interesting releases of the scene and I’m f*cking proud to call Luke McMillan my good friend 😉

Ministry, Psalm 69: The Way To Succeed And The Way To Suck Eggs
What to say? Genius work. All times love. 🙂
Thanks, Alexey!
Check out more from Ambassador21 on their website: http://www.ambassador21.com/