Haustor

Haustor (transl. Passageway) was a Yugoslav rock band formed in Zagreb in 1979. Haustor is considered one of the most prominent bands of the Yugoslav new wave scene, as well as one of the most notable and influential acts of the Yugoslav rock scene in general.

The band was formed by vocalist and occasional guitarist Darko Rundek and bass guitarist Srđan Sacher, the two being the group's key creative figures. Haustor gained the attention of the public with their new wave sound influenced by ethnic music and their theatrical live performances. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1981—today considered one of key albums of Yugoslav new wave—launched them to nationwide fame and critical acclaim. In 1984, the band released the album Treći svijet, featuring distinctive world music-influenced sound with Rudnek's poetic lyrics inspired by various works of literature, films and comics. Despite the album receiving praises from Yugoslav music press, Sacher left the band after the follow-up tour, leaving Rundek as the band's sole composer and lyricist. The albums Bolero, released in 1986, and Tajni grad, released in 1988, were well received by the public and the music critics. However, the band suddenly disbanded in 1990, while in the midst of recording their fifth studio album. After the group ended their activity, Rundek made a highly successful career as singer-songwriter.