SHAH was probably the toughest sounding act post perostroyka that were granted a Western release. Hailing from Moscow and created during 1985, SHAH debuted with a 1988 cassette album titled 'Escape From Reason'. The group emerged as a trio spearheaded by the Spanish born brothers guitarist Àntonio 'The Almighty' Garcia, bassist / vocalist Michael 'Miguel' Zemchuzniy along with drummer Andrey 'Drumanoid' Sazonov. Upon completion of the 'Escape From Reason' demo Zemchuzniy exitred, leaving Garcia to take over lead vocal responsibilities. SHAH went through a succession of bassists including Vasily Molchanov and Andrey Girnik, the latter going on to join HEAVY DAY. Finally Anatoly Krupnov of BLACK OBELISK repute filled the vacancy.

SHAH undertook a tour of Hungary after which they would record their 1989 debut 'Beware' album. Produced by KRUIZ guitarist Valery Gaina this outing would find a Western release in Germany through Atom H records. Anatoly Krupnov, going on to rejoin BLACK OBELISK, was superseded by Alexey Ovchinnikova. In this incarnation SHAH issued the 1991 'Terror Collection' album, a compilation of archive tracks alongside new numbers. Bringing in erstwhile MAFIA man Dmitry Saar on second guitar SHAH set about concert dates. Further recordings released in Russia included 'P.S.I.H.O.' in 1994. In 1996 Antonio Garcia manifested the Industrial styled solo project DESCENT for the album 'Inclination'.

Sadly Krupnov died of a heart attack in 1997.