Hejtman: With humour, perspective, and honest metal. A band that never pretends to be something it isn’t
There are bands on the Czech metal scene that have earned their place not through hype or sensationalism, but through hard work, powerful live performances, and a genuine connection with their fans. Hejtman is undoubtedly one of them. Their music combines crushing riffs, infectious energy, a healthy dose of perspective, and the kind of humour that defines not only their songs but the band's entire personality. On stage they are an unstoppable force, yet behind every performance and every song lies countless hours of preparation, collaboration, and a true passion for music.
For this Rebel Sound interview, we decided to avoid the usual questions about the band's history. Instead, we took a look behind the scenes at their concert routine, songwriting process, relationships within the band, and the moments that fans rarely get to see. The result is an honest conversation full of humour, sincerity, and a true metal spirit that perhaps describes Hejtman better than any biography ever could.
If you could show your fans one backstage moment they never get to see, what would it be and why?
How Önslaughter constantly tricks us with his infamous "bat wing."
What's the most challenging part of a concert day that isn't actually performing on stage?
Without a doubt, it's making sure everything is prepared properly so the show runs smoothly and the fans leave happy. Funny enough, whenever everything goes exactly according to plan, the gig usually ends up being pretty lousy! We actually perform best under pressure.
Has a song ever turned out completely differently from what you originally planned, and ended up even better than expected?
Not exactly, but it's true that some songs have exceeded our expectations. Alcoholik, for example, completely blew us away after mixing and mastering. We enjoy playing it live even more now because it works incredibly well with the audience.
How do you know a new song has the potential to work live before you've ever played it in front of an audience?
If it's still ringing in your head after rehearsal, you keep humming it, and eventually it starts driving you crazy—that's a guaranteed hit.
Is there a song that your fans only truly appreciated after some time, even though you believed in it from the very beginning?
So far, our fans seem to like exactly the same songs we do. It's a perfect symbiosis.
Which concert has stayed with you the most and not because of the size of the crowd?
Definitely playing in the Great Hall of Prague's Lucerna. When you're standing there, you feel like Johnny Cash… for about five minutes. Then you start complaining that the sound wasn't perfect, the logistics were terrible, and maybe it wasn't that amazing after all - but deep down, it absolutely was. It's one of those dreams you simply want to fulfil. We kept looking at each other on stage, laughing and wondering how they ever allowed such a racket in there.
Nowadays, many fans know individual songs rather than full albums. How do you feel about that?
Luckily for us, many of our fans know our records inside out - especially our latest album, Vítejte v pekle (Welcome to Hell). Some of them sing every single word from beginning to end, which makes us incredibly happy. And if someone only knows us because of one song, that's perfectly fine too, we appreciate every listener.
Is there any part of being in a band that fans often underestimate, but actually takes up most of your time?
I'm not sure fans really underestimate it. I think they see how much work it takes to keep a bunch of semi-literate metalheads together, let alone getting them to rehearse and perform as one band! THANK YOU! Uh!
What happens when you disagree about a new song or the band's direction?
Usually there are tears, anger, maybe even a bit of emotional blackmail… but somehow we always work it out. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing - to make sure people can see that we genuinely enjoy what we do and that we share our passion for heavy music with them.
When was the last time a fan's reaction genuinely surprised or touched you?
Every reaction affects us - we're actually pretty emotional people. We love seeing fans getting excited and enjoying the music. On the other hand, criticism hits us hard too… although we usually comfort ourselves by saying the person probably isn't entirely mentally sound and has a lot of their own problems.
What's the biggest difference between Hejtman in the studio and Hejtman on stage?
On stage it's all about raw energy and living in the moment. In the studio it's about patience, precision, and paying attention to every tiny detail.
If you could travel back to your very first concert, what advice would you give your younger selves?
We'd tell ourselves to sing naturally, the way our voices were meant to sound. But when you're fifteen, you think you're Metallica, so naturally you believe you have to sing in English—otherwise you'll never become the biggest band in the world.
Which song do you currently enjoy playing live the most, and which one is the most demanding, either technically or mentally?
That changes over time, but right now we'd probably say Na prach a na popel (To Dust and Ashes). It has incredible energy. The most demanding songs are usually the newest ones—you have to get a feel for them on stage before you know whether you'll be headbanging through them or barely making it to the end.
Thank you very much for the interview, and we wish Rebel Sound all the best!
Long live Rock 'n' Roll! Ygy & Hejtman
It is clear from Hejtman's answers that despite their humour and self-irony, they take both their music and their fans very seriously. Their concerts are about far more than simply playing loud music—they are about sharing energy, emotions, and the pure joy of being on stage. It is precisely this authenticity that has allowed them to build a loyal fan base that shares the same passion for heavy music.
We would like to thank Hejtman and Ygy for this fantastic interview, their honest answers, and their unmistakable sense of humour. We wish them many successful concerts, countless satisfied fans, and endless inspiration for future music. Hopefully we'll keep meeting both in front of - and on - the stage for many years to come.
Denča