So you can beat Through the Fire and Flames in Guitar Hero on expert and you think you can shred? You think that being able to press five buttons in rapid succession is impressive? Aleksandr Hrustevich laughs at you and your plastic Les Paul guitar. He sees your five buttons and raises you many, many more. And that little solo you play between verses? Have fun with that. He’ll just play this little diddy…written for an orchestra. His axe is better known as a Bayan; a type of chromatic button accordion developed in Russia in the early 20th century.

Photograph by Henry Doktorski

I never thought much of the accordion as an instrument. The sound it produces is funny, and seriously, who plays the accordion? That was before I heard Mr. Aleksandr Hrustevich shred the Bayan. Check him out below. I can only assume he can type at least 13,000 words per minute too. Impressive stuff.

Round 1 FIGHT!

Round 2 FIGHT!

FLAWLESS VICTORY

I mean to FC ‘through the fire and flames’ is still impressive don’t get me wrong. It’s just not as impressive. Decide for yourself though:

If you enjoyed this article, the Sifter highly recommends: Justin Aswell – Insane Live Beats on an MPC