97-459: SEVI is a Bulgarian rock band from Sofia . The current members are Svetlana " Sevi " Bliznakova (lead vocals), Alexander Kirilov (lead guitar), Rally Velinov (bass guitar) and Pavlin Ivanov (drums, percussion). The band describes their music genre as heart rock,[1] a name given to their style due to the emotional, heartfelt content and message of their songs. Their debut album, What Lies Beyond ,
194-659: A tetrarchic capital of the Roman Empire. In 343 AD, the Council of Sardica was held in the city, in a church located where the current 6th century Church of Saint Sophia was later built. The city was destroyed in the 447 invasion of the Huns and laid in ruins for a century It was rebuilt by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I . During the reign of Justinian it flourished, being surrounded with great fortress walls whose remnants can still be seen today. Serdica became part of
291-607: A centre of Sredets province (Sredetski komitat, Средецки комитат). The Bulgarian patron saint John of Rila was buried in Sredets by orders of Emperor Peter I in the mid 10th century. After the conquest of the Bulgarian capital Preslav by Sviatoslav I of Kyiv and John I Tzimiskes ' armies in 970–971, the Bulgarian Patriarch Damyan chose Sredets for his seat in the next year and the capital of Bulgaria
388-590: A festival, dedicated to the emerging Bulgarian rock scene, and original rock music. This becomes the "23 & 1/2h Rock IT Marathon," with the event taking place at the Sofia club and bar Rock IT on March 17 and 18 of 2012.[18] The event features 30 bands that take the stage over the course of two days. In the middle of 2012, guitarist Ivan Angelov leaves the band and is soon after replaced by Bobby Zasheff . Two weeks later, on June 14, 2012, Sevi release their first official album, " What Lies Beyond ".[19] Later that June,
485-503: A history of nearly 7,000 years, with the great attraction of the hot water springs that still flow abundantly in the centre of the city. The neolithic village in Slatina dating to the 5th–6th millennium BC is documented. Another neolithic settlement was founded in the 3rd–4th millennium BC near the site of the modern National Art Gallery , which has been the traditional centre of the city ever since. The earliest tribes who settled were
582-403: A key figure in the band SEVI. In the summer of 2008, Svetlana records 11 new songs in collaboration with Rally Velinov and guitarist Peter Bratanov. In January 2010, she solidifies the idea to create a wider platform and develop her career and claiming a stake in the music business. Together with Rally Velinov, Svetlana starts a band, which she names after her own nickname, SEVI. With this she makes
679-414: A mechanic who's ready to take a quick peek under the hood; and the rest – a small team of desperados, ready to set up camp anywhere and entertain the locals. Along the way, while developing these shows and promotions, SEVI start to compile ideas for their second studio album, teasing audiences with the occasional live preview of a new track. On March 23, 2013, SEVI opens the bike riding season in Sofia, with
776-465: A more imaginative light. After a performance at “Hijack Acoustic” for Z-Rock Radio, Sevi decides to create a full repertoire of acoustic arrangements from the songs that featured on their debut album What Lies Beyond . The acoustic live show becomes the third original concept of SEVI's themed shows. The first one is created for the "What Lies Beyond Tour 2012" and it presents the band as pirates (in full regalia, replete with functioning cannon), scouring
873-456: A motorcade of avid riders. The event was captured on video, footage of which became the single " Speed Up ".[7] In 2005 Svetlana " Sevi " Bliznakova is invited by Italian record producer Rocco Milano to take part in a CD compilation with the song “On My Own, which she had co-written with Pino Biaggioli. The song is recorded with the Italian rock band " Eldritch " and in the beginning of 2014 it
970-416: A national tour on June 27, 2012[3] in support of their debut album. The What Lies Beyond Tour ended on September 27, 2012. Soon after, the band started working on acoustic arrangements of their original songs, inspired in part by a performance they gave during a live session at Z-Rock Radio [4]. This led to an acoustic concert that the band performed on November 30, 2012[5], in addition to the video debut for
1067-587: A performance on a moving flatbed truck platform, while being followed by a motorcade of avid riders. The event was captured on video, footage of which later becomes the single "Speed Up".[7] “Speed Up” quickly zooms to the top of the Kamenitza Rock 40 chart on Z-Rock Radio and maintains a position in its top 10 for 30 weeks.[23] During 2013, Sevi does a lot of performances on motorcycle meetings and festivals, including performing one of their most notable concerts so far – The "Last Call for 2013"[24]. That show
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#17327799236501164-632: A pocket watch on a chain peeking out from its pocket. When it came time to present “ On My Own ", one of the first songs to be featured on SEVI's second release – The Battle Never Ends , the stage is decorated to resemble a train station, with the musicians acting out bits and scenes from the music video to the delight of fans. [32] Current members Former members Associated musicians Sofia Sofia ( / ˈ s oʊ f i ə , ˈ s ɒ f -, s oʊ ˈ f iː ə / SOH -fee-ə, SOF - ; Bulgarian : София , romanized : Sofiya , IPA: [ˈsɔfijɐ] )
1261-583: A significant political and economical centre, more so as it became one of the first Roman cities where Christianity was recognised as an official religion (under Galerius ). The Edict of Toleration by Galerius was issued in 311 in Serdica by the Roman emperor Galerius, officially ending the Diocletianic persecution of Christianity. The Edict implicitly granted Christianity the status of " religio licita ",
1358-527: A single. Fast cars, fire, passion and strong guitar riffs. The song was very well accepted by fans and media. During the summer of 2019 the band was part of the line-up of some of the biggest festivals in Bulgaria, such as ' 'Hills of Rock' ', Varna Rock and many others along with names like Disturbed, Avantasia and W.A.S.P, SEVI played also on festivals in Greece, Serbia and Romania. On 11 September SEVI opened
1455-495: A very short time SEVI are invited to and played on many radio and TV shows: the late show "Denis & Friends" on BNT 1 ,[8] SKAT TV ,[9] Z-Rock Radio , Bulgarian National Radio ,[10] "Radio ORV",[11] etc... As of January 10, 2010, some of SEVI's songs enter the permanent "Golden Archive" of the Bulgarian National Radio.[12] On November 13, 2010, SEVI wins the first place award for original composition with
1552-646: A worship recognised and accepted by the Roman Empire. It was the first edict legalising Christianity, preceding the Edict of Milan by two years. Serdica was the capital of the Diocese of Dacia (337–602). For Constantine the Great it was 'Sardica mea Roma est' (Serdica is my Rome). He considered making Serdica the capital of the Byzantine Empire instead of Constantinople. which was already not dissimilar to
1649-632: A year, reaching its peak in late spring and early summer when thunderstorms are common. The driest recorded year was 2000 with a total precipitation of 304.6 mm (11.99 in), while the wettest year on record was 2014 with a total precipitation of 1,066.6 mm (41.99 in). The geographic position of the Sofia Valley limits the flow of air masses, increasing the chances of air pollution by particulate matter and nitrogen oxide . Solid fuel used for heating and motor vehicle traffic are significant sources of pollutants. Smog thus persists over
1746-476: Is 57 cm (22.4 in) (25 December 2001). The coldest recorded year was 1893 with an average January temperature of −10.4 °C (13 °F) and an annual temperature of 8.2 °C (46.8 °F). Summers are quite warm and sunny. In summer, the city generally remains slightly cooler than other parts of Bulgaria, due to its higher altitude. However, the city is also subject to heat waves with high temperatures reaching or exceeding 35 °C (95 °F) on
1843-656: Is a rockin' music pedagogue. In June 2014, SEVI is chosen to take part in Kavarna Rock Fest 2014,where an international jury chooses SEVI to be the opening act for the night of the festival that will feature the bands: Europe , Krokus , Gus G , Pretty Maids .[27] In July 2014 SEVI start their first European tour[28], which features shows in Greece, Italy and Serbia. In 2015, the second European tour called "SEVI On Tour 2015", which features shows in Italy, Romania and Serbia. On their 5 year anniversary, SEVI presents
1940-412: Is also a heartfelt goodbye with guitarist Bobby Zasheff, who leaves the band as his family is to relocate abroad. Bobby is replaced with Temelko Temelkov (guitarist for LieVeiL ))[25]. The beginning of 2014 signals yet another lineup change where keyboard player Tania Apostolova is replaced by Dessy Markova – an experienced keyboardist, who has worked mainly with cover bands , cruise musicians, and
2037-473: Is entitled The Battle Never Ends . The album is presented at Sofia's club Rock IT on Friday (May) 13th, 2016. Living up to their reputation, the band had prepared a special show for the evening. The stage was set to look like the aftermath of a battlefield, the musicians (including two guest backing vocalists) dressed in black, covered in a cloud of haze. The show starts with a soundscape of brutal winds, clinging swords (courtesy of Rally Velinov), and it features
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#17327799236502134-451: Is most typically Central European. After World War II and the establishment of a Communist government in Bulgaria in 1944, the architectural style was substantially altered. Stalinist Gothic public buildings emerged in the centre, notably the spacious government complex around The Largo , Vasil Levski Stadium, the Cyril and Methodius National Library and others. As the city grew outwards,
2231-488: Is re-arranged and re-recorded by Svetlana Bliznakova's band SEVI. Svetlana is (as of 2016) the only Bulgarian singer to have performed in the show of Sky Italia in "Club Lost" during the Sanremo Music Festival in 2007. She co-writes many new songs with Rally Velinov, himself a musician and songwriter, who arranges many of Svetlana's compositions. Mr. Velinov later goes on to become the bass player , and
2328-504: Is registered are the duplicate of the Gospel of Serdica, in a dialogue between two salesmen from Dubrovnik around 1359, in the 14th-century Vitosha Charter of Bulgarian tsar Ivan Shishman and in a Ragusan merchant's notes of 1376. In these documents, the city is called Sofia , but, at the same time, the region and the city's inhabitants are still called Sredecheski ( Church Slavonic : срѣдечьскои , "of Sredets"), which continued until
2425-845: Is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria . It is situated in the Sofia Valley at the foot of the Vitosha mountain, in the western part of the country. The city is built west of the Iskar river and has many mineral springs, such as the Sofia Central Mineral Baths . It has a humid continental climate . Being in the centre of the Balkans , it is midway between the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea and closest to
2522-471: Is very successful for SEVI. The band tours extensively in Bulgaria , playing festivals and other open stages. At the "International Festival – Belozem 2011" they win the "Special award".[16] Later in the same year, on the precise date of November 11, 2011 (11 / 11 / 11), SEVI release their second single and accompanying video to their song " Limited Edition ".[17] In January 2012, the band decides to organize
2619-431: The 2012 Pernik earthquake occurred west of Sofia with a moment magnitude of 5.6 and a much lower Mercalli intensity of VI ( Strong ). The 2014 Aegean Sea earthquake was also noticed in the city. Sofia has a humid continental climate ( Köppen climate classification Dfb ; Cfb if with −3 °C isotherm ) with an average annual temperature of 10.9 °C (51.6 °F). Winters are relatively cold and snowy. In
2716-726: The Aegean Sea . Known as Serdica in antiquity and Sredets in the Middle Ages , Sofia has been an area of human habitation since at least 7000 BC. The recorded history of the city begins with the attestation of the conquest of Serdica by the Roman Republic in 29 BC from the Celtic tribe Serdi . During the decline of the Roman Empire , the city was raided by Huns , Visigoths , Avars , and Slavs . In 809, Serdica
2813-541: The Balkan mountains to the north. The valley has an average altitude of 550 metres (1,800 ft). Sofia is the second highest capital of the European Union (after Madrid ) and the third highest capital of Europe (after Andorra la Vella and Madrid). Unlike most European capitals, Sofia does not straddle any large river, but is surrounded by comparatively high mountains on all sides. Three mountain passes lead to
2910-511: The Bulgarian National Revival . In 1858 Nedelya Petkova created the first Bulgarian school for women in the city. In 1867 was inaugurated the first chitalishte in Sofia – a Bulgarian cultural institution. In 1870 the Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Levski established a revolutionary committee in the city and in the neighbouring villages. Following his capture in 1873, Vasil Levski was transferred and hanged in Sofia by
3007-1131: The Bulgarian Orthodox Church , was included onto the World Heritage List in 1979. With its cultural significance in Southeast Europe , Sofia is home to the National Opera and Ballet of Bulgaria , the National Palace of Culture , the Vasil Levski National Stadium , the Ivan Vazov National Theatre , the National Archaeological Museum , and the Serdica Amphitheatre . The Museum of Socialist Art includes many sculptures and posters that educate visitors about
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3104-767: The First Bulgarian Empire during the reign of Khan Krum in 809, after a long siege . The fall of the strategic city prompted a major and ultimately disastrous invasion of Bulgaria by the Byzantine emperor Nikephoros I , which led to his demise at the hands of the Bulgarian army . In the aftermath of the war, the city was permanently integrated in Bulgaria and became known by the Slavic name of Sredets. It grew into an important fortress and administrative centre under Krum's successor Khan Omurtag , who made it
3201-603: The Romanian Army entered Vrazhdebna in 1913, then a village 11 kilometres (7 miles) from Sofia, now a suburb, this prompted the Tsardom of Bulgaria to capitulate. During the war, Sofia was flown by the Romanian Air Corps , which engaged on photoreconnaissance operations and threw propaganda pamphlets to the city. Thus, Sofia became the first capital on the world to be overflown by enemy aircraft. During
3298-695: The Second World War , Bulgaria declared war on the US and UK on 13 December 1941 and in late 1943 and early 1944 the US and UK Air forces conducted bombings over Sofia . As a consequence of the bombings thousands of buildings were destroyed or damaged including the Capital Library and thousands of books. In 1944 Sofia and the rest of Bulgaria was occupied by the Soviet Red Army and within days of
3395-620: The Thracian Tilataei . In the 500s BC, the area became part of a Thracian state union, the Odrysian kingdom from another Thracian tribe the Odrysses . In 339 BC Philip II of Macedon destroyed and ravaged the town for the first time. The Celtic tribe Serdi gave their name to the city. The earliest mention of the city comes from an Athenian inscription from the 1st century BC, attesting Astiu ton Serdon , i.e. city of
3492-624: The Vatican established the See of Sofia for Catholics of Rumelia , which existed until 1715 when most Catholics had emigrated. There was an important uprising against Ottoman rule in Sofia, Samokov and Western Bulgaria in 1737. Sofia entered a period of economic and political decline in the 17th century, accelerated during the period of anarchy in the Ottoman Balkans of the late 18th and early 19th century, when local Ottoman warlords ravaged
3589-402: The 11th century many Pechenegs were settled down in Sofia region as Byzantine federats. It was once again incorporated into the restored Bulgarian Empire in 1194 at the time of Emperor Ivan Asen I and became a major administrative and cultural centre. Several of the city's governors were members of the Bulgarian imperial family and held the title of sebastokrator , the second highest at
3686-687: The 14th century till the 19th century Sofia was an important administrative center in the Ottoman Empire. It became the capital of the beylerbeylik of Rumelia ( Rumelia Eyalet ), the province that administered the Ottoman lands in Europe (the Balkans ), one of the two together with the beylerbeylik of Anatolia . It was the capital of the important Sanjak of Sofia as well, including the whole of Thrace with Plovdiv and Edirne , and part of Macedonia with Thessaloniki and Skopje . During
3783-439: The 20th century. The Ottomans came to favour the name Sofya ( صوفيه ). In 1879, there was a dispute about what the name of the new Bulgarian capital should be, when the citizens created a committee of famous people, insisting for the Slavic name. Gradually, a compromise arose, officialisation of Sofia for the nationwide institutions, while legitimating the title Sredets for the administrative and church institutions, before
3880-585: The 3rd century, it became the capital of Dacia Aureliana , and when Emperor Diocletian divided the province of Dacia Aureliana into Dacia Ripensis (at the banks of the Danube ) and Dacia Mediterranea , Serdica became the capital of the latter. Serdica's citizens of Thracian descent were referred to as Illyrians probably because it was at some time the capital of Eastern Illyria ( Second Illyria ). Roman emperors Aurelian (215–275) and Galerius (260–311) were born in Serdica. The city expanded and became
3977-557: The 90s and 102,623 between 2000 and 2011. Until 1949, 13,114 buildings were constructed and between 10,000 and 20,000 in each following decade. Sofia's architecture combines a wide range of architectural styles, some of which are aesthetically incompatible. These vary from Christian Roman architecture and medieval Bulgarian fortresses to Neoclassicism and prefabricated Socialist-era apartment blocks, as well as newer glass buildings and international architecture. A number of ancient Roman, Byzantine and medieval Bulgarian buildings are preserved in
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4074-495: The Balkan Mountains, passing between the eastern city suburbs, next to the main building and below the runways of Sofia Airport , and flows out of the Sofia Valley at the town of Novi Iskar , where the scenic Iskar Gorge begins. The city is known for its 49 mineral and thermal springs. Artificial and dam lakes were built in the twentieth century. While the 1818 and 1858 earthquakes were intense and destructive,
4171-903: The EU norm of 50 μg/m . Even areas with few sources of air pollution, like Gorna Banya , had PM2.5 and PM10 levels above safe thresholds. In response to hazardous spikes in air pollution, the Municipal Council implemented a variety of measures in January 2018, like more frequent washing of streets. However, a report by the European Court of Auditors issued in September 2018 revealed that Sofia has not drafted any projects to reduce air pollution from heating. The report also noted that no industrial pollution monitoring stations operate in Sofia, even though industrial facilities are active in
4268-567: The Italian guitarist Alberto Steri. The band is now working on their 4th album. 2020 started with a new single "Shattered" and a special 10 years anniversary show which was held in Music Jam Club - Sofia on march 6th. Over the years, SEVI has become notable for their theatrical and original approach to their stage shows. The stage is also decorated to match the theme of the evening; sound designs, scenery, costumes are always integral to
4365-624: The Muslim population left Sofia. For a few decades after the liberation, Sofia experienced large population growth, mainly by migration from other regions of the Principality (Kingdom since 1908) of Bulgaria, and from the still Ottoman Macedonia and Thrace . In 1900, the first electric lightbulb in the city was turned on. In the Second Balkan War , Bulgaria was fighting alone practically all of its neighbouring countries. When
4462-674: The Ottoman Empire's key province in Europe. Bulgarian rule was restored in 1878. Sofia was selected as the capital of the Third Bulgarian State in the next year, ushering a period of intense demographic and economic growth. Sofia is the 14th-largest city in the European Union . It is surrounded by mountainsides, such as Vitosha by the southern side, Lyulin by the western side, and the Balkan Mountains by
4559-653: The Ottomans. During the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78 , Suleiman Pasha threatened to burn the city in defence, but the foreign diplomats Leandre Legay, Vito Positano , Rabbi Gabriel Almosnino and Josef Valdhart refused to leave the city thus saving it. Many Bulgarian residents of Sofia armed themselves and sided with the Russian forces. Sofia was relieved (see Battle of Sofia ) from Ottoman rule by Russian forces under Gen. Iosif Gurko on 4 January 1878. It
4656-587: The Serdi. According to the inscription and to the writings of Dio Cassius , the Roman general Crassus subdued the Serdi and behanded the captives. Dio Cassius, Pliny the Elder and Ptolemy say that in 27–29 BC Crassus attacked the region "Segetike", which is assumed to be Serdica, or the city of the Serdi. The ancient city is located between TZUM , Sheraton Hotel and the Presidency. It gradually became
4753-565: The Soviet invasion Bulgaria declared war on Nazi Germany. In 1945, the communist Fatherland Front took power. The transformations of Bulgaria into the People's Republic of Bulgaria in 1946 and into the Republic of Bulgaria in 1990 marked significant changes in the city's appearance. The population of Sofia expanded rapidly due to migration from rural regions. New residential areas were built in
4850-422: The arrangements and recordings. The producer Marco Barusso (Lacuna Coil) takes care of the mix and mastering of the album. The band makes a special pre order campaign and a big tour afterwards. The album is preceded by the singles "The call" and "Am I alive?", which are very well accepted by fans and media. “Am I alive?” topped the chart on the national rock radio station Z-Rock . After the album release, SEVI film
4947-466: The band embarks a national summer tour in support of their debut release.[20] November 30 of 2012, SEVI releases their third music video " Victim " as a prelude to their first all-acoustic live set.[21] Nine days later, on December 9, Svetlana debuts her collaboration with Sugar Djs. The track is billed as "Sevi feat. Sugar Dj's" presented their new track "Shocked". The promo of the single " Victim " gives SEVI yet another opportunity to present themselves in
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#17327799236505044-472: The band, in essence, an extension of herself. The band SEVI is formed in January 2010 by Svetlana Bliznakova on vocals with Valentin Nikolov – drums, Tania Apostolova – keyboards, Rally Velinov – bass guitar, Todor Todorov – guitar and Vladimir Donkov – guitar. In August 2010 the two guitar players leave to be replaced by the former guitarist of Bulgarian alternative rock band "Awake" – Peter Bratanov. By
5141-399: The biggest festivals in the country such as ''Hills of Rock'', Varna Rock and many others along with names like Disturbed, Avantasia and W.A.S.P SEVI played also on festivals in Greece, Serbia and Romania.. The band releases also the collaboration with Thomas Vikstrom as a radio single.(2019) 2020 starts with a big show celebrating 10 years SEVI and the premiere of the new single “Shattered” –
5238-522: The centre of the city. These include the 4th century Rotunda of St. George , the walls of the Serdica fortress and the partially preserved Amphitheatre of Serdica . After the Liberation War, knyaz Alexander Battenberg invited architects from Austria-Hungary to shape the new capital's architectural appearance. Among the architects invited to work in Bulgaria were Friedrich Grünanger , Adolf Václav Kolář, and Viktor Rumpelmayer , who designed
5335-449: The city as temperature inversions and the mountains surrounding the city prevent the circulation of air masses. As a result, air pollution levels in Sofia are some of the highest in Europe. Particulate matter concentrations are consistently above the norm. During the October 2017 – March 2018 heating season, particulate levels exceeded the norm on 70 occasions; on 7 January 2018, PM10 levels reached 632 μg/m , some twelve times
5432-445: The city's earliest name, first appeared on paper in an 11th-century text. The city was called Atralisa by the Arab traveller Idrisi and Strelisa , Stralitsa , or Stralitsion by the Crusaders . The name Sofia comes from the Saint Sofia Church , as opposed to the prevailing Slavic origin of Bulgarian cities and towns . The origin is in the Greek word sophía ( σοφία , "wisdom"). The earliest works where this latest name
5529-423: The city, which have been key roads since antiquity, Vitosha being the watershed between Black and Aegean Seas . A number of shallow rivers cross the city, including the Boyanska , Vladayska and Perlovska . The Iskar River in its upper course flows near eastern Sofia. It takes its source in Rila , Bulgaria's highest mountain, and enters Sofia Valley near the village of German . The Iskar flows north toward
5626-414: The city. A monitoring station on Eagles' Bridge, where some of the highest particulate matter values were measured, was moved away from the location and has measured sharply lower values since then. Particulates are now largely measured by a network of 300 sensors maintained by volunteers since 2017. The European Commission has taken Bulgaria to court over its failure to curb air pollution. The area has
5723-400: The coldest days temperatures can drop below −15 °C (5 °F), most notably in January. The lowest recorded temperature is −31.2 °C (−24 °F) (16 January 1893). On average, Sofia receives a total snowfall of 98 cm (38.6 in) and 56 days with snow cover. The snowiest recorded winter was 1939/1940 with a total snowfall of 169 cm (66.5 in). The record snow depth
5820-434: The country territory. The metropolitan area of Sofia is based upon one hour of car travel time, stretches internationally and includes Dimitrovgrad in Serbia. The metropolitan region of Sofia is inhabited by a population of 1.66 million. For a long time, the city possessed a Thracian name, Serdica ( Ancient Greek : Σερδικη , Serdikē , or Σαρδικη , Sardikē ; Latin : Serdica or Sardica ), derived from
5917-474: The countryside. 1831 Ottoman population statistics show that 42% of the Christians were non-taxpayers in the kaza of Sofia and the amount of middle-class and poor Christians were equal. Since the 18th century the beylerbeys of Rumelia often stayed in Bitola , which became the official capital of the province in 1826. Sofia remained the seat of a sanjak (district). By the 19th century the Bulgarian population had two schools and seven churches, contributing to
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#17327799236506014-415: The end 2010, the band has already recorded their first single – " Can't Stand the Pain ." In February 2011 they also shoot a video for it, but the single is released several months later, by which time Peter Bratanov has already left the band. In March 2011, SEVI brings in Ivan Angelov to fill the role of lead guitarist. The original rock style of the band impresses local audiences and many media outlets. In
6111-550: The first part of their book "The Price to Be Yourself", written by the journalist Nikolay Hristov. On October 7 of the same year, SEVI are chosen for an opening act at Tom Keifer's (Cindarella) concert . They kick off 2016 with the release of their 6th video-single "Don't Hesitate". The track leads the band to a higher level in composing, and they approach the harder and rougher sound. The music video performed with great success on popular video streaming sources and some foreign music television programs. SEVI second full-length release
6208-485: The hottest days, particularly in July and August. The highest recorded temperature is 40.2 °C (104 °F) (5 July 2000). The hottest recorded month was July 2012 with an average temperature of 24.8 °C (77 °F). The warmest year on record was 2023 with an annual temperature of 12.1 °C (54 °F). Springs and autumns in Sofia are usually short with variable and dynamic weather. The city receives an average precipitation of 625.7 mm (24.63 in)
6305-400: The idea to rearrange their songs into a multi-genre acoustic performance. Coupled with the video presentation of the song “The Victim", SEVI set an intimate stage/scene inviting folks to hear and enjoy the band's softer side. The stage is decorated like a cozy and familiar room, hats and umbrellas hanging on hooks, candles shining a soft light on Svetlana's silhouette, and a chandelier similar to
6402-415: The initial stages of the Crusade of Varna in 1443, it was occupied by Hungarian forces for a short time in 1443, and the Bulgarian population celebrated a mass Saint Sofia Church . Following the defeat of the crusader forces in 1444, the city's Christians faced persecution. In 1530 Sofia became the capital of the Ottoman province (beylerbeylik) of Rumelia for about three centuries. During that time Sofia
6499-417: The largest bedesten (market) of the Balkans. Additionally, there were fountains and hammams (bathhouses). Most prominent churches such as Saint Sofia and Saint George were converted into mosques, and a number of new ones were constructed, including Banya Bashi Mosque built by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan . In total there were 11 big and over 100 small mosques by the 17th century. In 1610
6596-423: The last mention was in the 19th century in a Bulgarian text ( Сардакіи , Sardaki ). Other names given to Sofia, such as Serdonpolis ( Byzantine ‹See Tfd› Greek : Σερδών πόλις , "City of the Serdi") and Triaditza ( Τριάδιτζα , "Trinity"), were mentioned by Byzantine Greek sources or coins. The Slavic name Sredets ( Church Slavonic : Срѣдецъ ), which is related to "middle" ( среда , "sreda") and to
6693-401: The latter was abandoned through the years. Sofia City Province has an area of 1344 km , while the surrounding and much bigger Sofia Province is 7,059 km . Sofia's development as a significant settlement owes much to its central position in the Balkans . It is situated in western Bulgaria, at the northern foot of the Vitosha mountain, in the Sofia Valley that is surrounded by
6790-716: The lifestyle in communist Bulgaria . The population of Sofia declined from 70,000 in the late 18th century, through 19,000 in 1870, to 11,649 in 1878, after which it began increasing. Sofia hosts some 1.28 million residents within a territory of 500 km , a concentration of 17.9% of the country population within the 200th percentile of the country territory. The urban area of Sofia hosts some 1.54 million residents within 5723 km , which comprises Sofia City Province and parts of Sofia Province ( Dragoman , Slivnitsa , Kostinbrod , Bozhurishte , Svoge , Elin Pelin , Gorna Malina , Ihtiman , Kostenets ) and Pernik Province ( Pernik , Radomir ), representing 5.16% of
6887-415: The metal world and predicts more or less the direction of the third album premiere "Am I Alive?" (May 17, 2018) SEVI third full-length release is entitled me/ Follow Me . The album features names like Thomas Vikström and Jen Majura from Evanescence . The release date was March 09th with a big show in Sofia Live Club. In June 2019, SEVI released the featuring song with Jen Majura “To Hell and Back” as
6984-512: The most important Roman city of the region. It became a municipium during the reign of Emperor Trajan (98–117). Serdica expanded, as turrets , protective walls, public baths , administrative and cult buildings, a civic basilica , an amphitheatre , a circus, the City council (Boulé), a large forum, a big circus (theatre), etc. were built. Serdica was a significant city on the Roman road Via Militaris , connecting Singidunum and Byzantium . In
7081-480: The most important public buildings needed by the newly re-established Bulgarian government, as well as numerous houses for the country's elite. Later, many foreign-educated Bulgarian architects also contributed. The architecture of Sofia's centre is thus a combination of Neo-Baroque , Neo- Rococo , Neo-Renaissance and Neoclassicism , with the Vienna Secession also later playing an important part, but it
7178-517: The north, which makes it the third highest European capital after Andorra la Vella and Madrid . Being Bulgaria's primary city, Sofia is home of many of the major local universities, cultural institutions and commercial companies. The city has been described as the "triangle of religious tolerance". This is because three temples of three major world religions— Christianity , Islam and Judaism —are situated close together: Sveta Nedelya Church , Banya Bashi Mosque and Sofia Synagogue . This triangle
7275-399: The one used on the video for "Victim." One of SEVI's most notable shows – "Last Call for 2013" – finds Svetlana in a Steampunk top hat with goggles , leather gloves and chains, with a large metal plate fashioned into the band's logo which adorns her microphone stand. This metal logo remains a constant feature till this day. Guitarist Bobby Zasheff is equally dashing with a leather vest with
7372-709: The outskirts of the city, like Druzhba, Mladost and Lyulin. During the Communist Party rule, a number of the city's most emblematic streets and squares were renamed for ideological reasons, with the original names restored after 1989. The Georgi Dimitrov Mausoleum , where Dimitrov's body had been preserved in a similar way to the Lenin mausoleum , was demolished in 1999. In Sofia there are 607,473 dwellings and 101,696 buildings. According to modern records, 39,551 dwellings were constructed until 1949, 119,943 between 1950 and 1969, 287,191 between 1970 and 1989, 57,916 in
7469-522: The preventer of a 4th album. During the pandemic, SEVI works with Johnny Gioeli from a distance on the duet track – “Drowning”( also planned to be part of the upcoming 4th album) and the vocalist Svetlana Bliznakova records the song “Song of hope” ( Crush 40 ) original in an acoustic arrangement and home made video with the singer. In November 2020, vocalist Svetlana Bliznakova releases her debut solo album Tomorrow – acoustic rock featuring another duet with Johnny Gioeli called "Jaded". The album features also
7566-480: The second studio album "The Battle Never Ends" (2016) and the singles "Destiny", "One time thing". The album gets very good reviews in web magazines and magazines like "Powerplay" (UK), "Metal Hammer" (Italy), Latin American "Rockmelodico", "Barikada" (Bosnia&Herzegovina) and others. On 16 May 2017, SEVI opens the concert of "Europe" at Arena Armeec hall, Sofia. The song "The Call" (2017) puts SEVI directly into
7663-494: The show of Evanescence in Arena Armeec and performed their single "To Hell and Back" along with Jen Majura . 2019 is a very important and strong year for SEVI. Their long waited third album is released featuring names like Thomas Vikström and Jen Majura from Evanescence . The new compositions lead the band on a higher level and refine their unique style. The band works with guitarist and composer – Alexandra Zerner on
7760-505: The show. SEVI's first such concept, the so-called Pirate Show, was developed in order to enhance the audience's experience for the promotional release of What Lies Beyond , the band's debut. Apart from the stylized costumes, the band members had tucked daggers and pistols into their britches, laid down chains, hanged cobwebs, and scattered skulls around the stage, with the beginning of the show being signaled by cannon fire, courtesy of their own, non-deadly but quite LOUD prop cannon. This theme
7857-549: The song "Fighter For Happiness" at the "Sonic B.A.N.G. competition Bulgaria".[13] The next year, on June 24, 2011, Sevi releases their first official single and video, " Can't Stand The Pain ". It is the first video by a Bulgarian artist to be shown at movie theaters, between ads and upcoming movie trailers. [14] " Can't Stand the Pain " and SEVI are named "Band of the week" by Rock Symphony Radio in Lima ( Peru ).[15] The summer of 2011
7954-442: The third single from What Lies Beyond. The acoustic show was recorded on February 13, 2013, at the Sofia club “Backstage” and released as a full-length DVD/CD package called The Other Side of Sevi . SEVI performs at a huge number of Motorcycle Events and Festivals in Bulgaria throughout 2013. They launched the opening of the bike riding season in Sofia, with a performance on a moving flatbed truck platform, while being followed by
8051-484: The time, after the tsar . Some known holders of the title were Kaloyan , Peter and their relative Aleksandar Asen (d. after 1232), a son of Ivan Asen I of Bulgaria ( r. 1189–1196 ). In the 13th and 14th centuries Sredets was an important spiritual and literary hub with a cluster of 14 monasteries in its vicinity, that were eventually destroyed by the Ottomans. The city produced multicolored sgraffito ceramics, jewelry and ironware. In 1382/1383 or 1385, Sredets
8148-520: The tribe Serdi , who were either of Thracian , Celtic , or mixed Thracian-Celtic origin. The emperor Marcus Ulpius Traianus (53–117 AD) gave the city the combinative name of Ulpia Serdica ; Ulpia may be derived from an Umbrian cognate of the Latin word lupus , meaning "wolf" or from the Latin vulpes (fox). It seems that the first written mention of Serdica was made during his reign and
8245-407: The video of “To Hell and Back” – the featuring track with Jen Majura of Evanescence. Soon after the premiere the band is invited to open the show of Evanescence in Sofia – Bulgaria (11.11.2019). This is the second time that the band is on stage at the biggest arena in Bulgaria – Arena Armeec hall. Jen goes on stage to perform the song with the band. The summer of 2019 puts SEVI on the stage of some of
8342-411: The vocal talents of prominent Bulgarian actor, Asen Blatechki , who reads out lines from the album's eponymous track: "It never ends...so stand... and prepare yourselves...'cause the battle...never...ever...ends" cuing the band to blast into the opening riff of the song! After the performance, SEVI welcomed guests and excited fans into their Fan/VIP area backstage for drinks and selfies. Soon after comes
8439-405: The world's stages gathering new fans by the thousands. After the "Pirate Show," and later the same year, SEVI present their second themed show – the "Route 66 Show". The stage is set with an old-style gas pumping station, like one would see while crossing the border between New Mexico and Nevada; the guitarist lighting a cigarette dangerously close to the pump; the keyboard player in dirty overalls as
8536-512: Was ambushed and soundly defeated by the Bulgarians in the battle of the Gates of Trajan . The city eventually fell to the Byzantine Empire in 1018, following the Byzantine conquest of Bulgaria . Sredets joined the uprising of Peter Delyan in 1040–1041 in a failed attempt to restore Bulgarian independence and was the last stronghold of the rebels, led by the local commander Botko. During
8633-581: Was incorporated into the Bulgarian Empire by Khan Krum and became known as Sredets. In 1018, the Byzantines ended Bulgarian rule until 1194, when it was reincorporated by the reborn Bulgarian Empire . Sredets became a major administrative, economic, cultural and literary hub until its conquest by the Ottomans in 1382. From 1530 to 1836, Sofia was the regional capital of Rumelia Eyalet ,
8730-710: Was marked by a wave of persecutions against the Bulgarian Christians, a total of nine became New Martyrs in Sofia and were sainted by the Orthodox Church, including George the New (1515), Sophronius of Sofia (1515), George the Newest (1530), Nicholas of Sofia (1555) and Terapontius of Sofia (1555). When it comes to the cityscape, 16th century sources mention eight Friday mosques , three public libraries, numerous schools, 12 churches, three synagogues, and
8827-508: Was proposed as a capital by Marin Drinov and was accepted as such on 3 April 1879. By the time of its liberation the population of the city was 11,649. Most mosques in Sofia were destroyed in that war, seven of them destroyed in one night in December 1878 when a thunderstorm masked the noise of the explosions arranged by Russian military engineers. Following the war, the great majority of
8924-546: Was recently expanded to a "square" and includes the Catholic Cathedral of St Joseph . Sofia has been named one of the top ten best places for startup businesses in the world, especially in information technologies. It was Europe's most affordable capital to visit in 2013. The Boyana Church in Sofia, constructed during the Second Bulgarian Empire and holding much patrimonial symbolism to
9021-434: Was released on June 14, 2012, in Bulgaria .[2] There were four singles to the album, along with music videos, as the first two (" Can't Stand the Pain " and " Limited Edition ") were released before the album, and the other two, " Victim " and "Speed Up" came a few months after the studio album. On April 23, 2014, Sevi released "On My Own", the first single to their second studio album The Battle Never Ends. The band went on
9118-605: Was seized by the Ottoman Empire in the course of the Bulgarian-Ottoman Wars by Lala Şahin Pasha , following a three-month siege . The Ottoman commander left the following description of the city garrison: "Inside the fortress [Sofia] there is a large and elite army, its soldiers are heavily built, moustached and look war-hardened, but are used to consume wine and rakia —in a word, jolly fellows." From
9215-454: Was taken on the road for the “What Lies Beyond Tour 2012”. A month after the first Pirate Show performance, SEVI returns to the local stage with their second stage design “Route 66.” The stage being made to look like a small gas station on a US highway going nowhere, the musicians themselves were in full character; dusty and road-weary, looking for a place to lay down their hats and strike a chord or two. Following this order, SEVI comes up with
9312-580: Was temporarily moved there. In the second half of 10th century the city was ruled by Komit Nikola and his sons, known as the " Komitopuli ". One of them was Samuil , who was eventually crowned Emperor of Bulgaria in 997. In 986, the Byzantine Emperor Basil II laid siege to Sredets but after 20 days of fruitless assaults the garrison broke out and forced the Byzantines to abandon the campaign. On his way to Constantinople, Basil II
9409-594: Was the largest import-export-base in modern-day Bulgaria for the caravan trade with the Republic of Ragusa . In the 15th and 16th century, Sofia was expanded by Ottoman building activity. Public investments in infrastructure, education and local economy brought greater diversity to the city. Amongst others, the population consisted of Muslims , Bulgarian and Greek speaking Orthodox Christians , Armenians , Georgians , Catholic Ragusans, Jews ( Romaniote , Ashkenazi and Sephardi ), and Romani people . The 16th century
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