Debustrol at Oko – thrash metal proved, even in a small club, that it still has a place in the hearts of fans
Havlíčkův Brod, January 9th. Snow everywhere. Weather you wouldn't even send a dog out into. The perfect excuse to warm up with a proper dose of quality thrash metal! The Oko music club was made for nights like this, as it hosted a concert by the legendary thrash metal band Debustrol. This was my first visit to the club under Rebel Sound, but certainly not the last. It's a smaller, more intimate venue, which has its own charm — there's space to breathe, move around, and really enjoy the concert. In addition to the concert hall, there's also a bar located through the opposite doors. The club is non-smoking, but smokers can use a separate smoking area. So: coats to the cloakroom, a quick refreshment, and off to the "front lines."
The evening program started after dark. At 8 p.m., the show was opened by the young band Carrera Kai from nearby Jihlava. The band launched their hardcore show as a three-piece, later joined in the second half by their "regular guest." Their set lasted half an hour.
After a short break, Hakmak took the stage. A metal-punk outfit led by a charismatic female vocalist. Although officially from Rohozná, as the singer mentioned, the members come from various towns across the Vysočina region, including Pelhřimov. This time they delivered a 45-minute set, during which the venue began to fill up noticeably and several fans were already pogo dancing in front of the stage. During one song, the singer even jumped into the crowd and partied along with them. Hakmak did a great job warming up the audience for the headliner of the evening — none other than the Czech thrash metal legend from Mladá Boleslav…
"So everyone sit down, Debustrol is here!" Yes, Kolins' legendary line was present once again. The venue was now fairly packed, yet compared to overcrowded culture halls and stadiums, people still had personal space and could move freely. Metalheads filled it with flying heads, long hair, and shouting to the rhythm of thrash metal. An intimate but intense event. During the hour-and-a-half set, classic songs such as Trendshit, Všichni chcípnou, Kladivo, Protest, and Masoterián were played — the latter traditionally finished by Kolins with a chainsaw. Encores followed: Vyhlazení, Antikrist, Údolí hadů, and Vyznání smrti.
Headbanging, pogo, even attempts at a wall of death. Some fans tried to climb onto the stage and stage-dive, but organizers eventually stopped the final attempt. After the show, the band members shook hands with fans in the front rows, handed out guitar picks, and said their goodbyes. The atmosphere throughout the entire concert was metal to the bone.
In conclusion, I'd like to thank all the performing bands — Carrera Kai, Hakmak, and of course Debustrol — along with their crews, for an incredible metal onslaught and commitment that brought an amazing atmosphere to Oko. Big thanks also go to the organizers and all the staff at Oko club, from the cloakroom attendant to the bar staff, who ensured the smooth running of the event and allowed fans to fully enjoy the concert. And last but not least, thanks to the audience — without you, none of this would be possible. Thanks to all of you, the night in Havlíčkův Brod was filled with metal riffs and untamed energy.