HORIZONT are not wasting any time. They release another project, a video for the song Neztratit vlastní tvář, and it is well worth watching.

In recent years, Horizont have made it increasingly clear that they intend to follow their own path. A heavier sound, a distinctive signature and lyrics that reach beneath the surface are the qualities helping the band establish a firm place on the scene. Their new single Neztratit vlastní tvář confirms this direction while opening up a subject that resonates with many people: learning to leave the past behind, refusing to be broken and remaining true to yourself.

Horizont are back with another single, Neztratit vlastní tvář, accompanied by a music video. The message of letting bad things go comes through powerfully to everyone watching the video or following the band itself.

For this interview, we invited Honza Černocký, the frontman and founder of Horizont.

How difficult was it to write the lyrics for Neztratit vlastní tvář, and how did the song come together?

Well, it is true that the song came together in a slightly different way. In fact, everything was different. The surroundings were different, and the recording process itself was different as well. When it came to the lyrics, I turned every single word over in my mind, sang everything through countless times and considered how each individual sound would come across. It is not that I do not normally think about these things, but this time it really was extreme. I also paid attention to more instruments during the recording itself and was much more meticulous. Whether that comes with age, or whether I simply felt that we were creating something powerful...? It was probably a combination of both...

Horizont are unmistakable in certain respects. What do you think makes the band so distinctive?

That obviously makes me happy. In my opinion, it is probably the mood of the songs and a certain character that we have never changed. It has remained the same from the very beginning. Horizont are simply a band with a clearly defined signature. I think people can recognise us immediately, which is something many bands strive for. But it is also connected to the creative process and the people involved in it.

Following on from that, do you feel the band's direction has changed, or is it still the same?

It has definitely changed, although certain elements and defining features have remained the same. I think we are a band that has moved somewhere else. We are metal souls who want to be direct and forceful. We like searching for a message within that heavy approach, and we certainly want to keep developing. We do not want to overcomplicate things, and today's Horizont are heavier than before. But it is like comparing a boy on a pedal-powered quad bike, dreaming of being as fast as the wind in the Wallachian hills, with a rider on a motorcycle clearing his head on a fast run through the winding roads of the Orlické Mountains. Sorry for the comparison, but I am a biker (laughs).

You gave us a good laugh there. Our next question is whether you have a particular key to writing songs, or whether you follow any clear formula.

You know what, not really. Most musicians who create music will probably tell you the same thing. The creative process is incredibly strange and unique in its own way. You cannot put it into a box or reduce it to a single pattern. A thought, an idea or simply the urge to write arrives, and I do not know what triggers it. Perhaps something in your head shifts by a hundredth of a millimetre, and suddenly you have an idea and throw yourself into it completely (laughs). I have even reached the point where I start getting nervous when inspiration does not come for a long time. I do not really know how to control it any better, and I still feel as though my muse is playing with me, tossing me around however she likes and constantly asking whether I truly want it or not. Strange, really strange. But that only makes it more beautiful when you look around later and realise that the entire crew is there because of an idea you once had. It is magical. That will never stop amazing me. Or when people sing those songs... wow, I am getting goosebumps just writing about it.

Is there a difference between Neztratit vlastní tvář and, for example, Pravdivý nádech? The two songs were released almost four years apart.

There always will be. A person moves forward and thinks a little differently. I would compare it to upgrading the current version of yourself. The songs differ in character as well as in subject matter. Overall, though, I have to admit that I enjoy the faster side of Horizont, the way we hit it harder and more decisively. As they say, 'it has balls', and I genuinely enjoy that.

Who was responsible for the visual side of the Neztratit vlastní tvář video?

That was Michael Viečorek. During the band's existence, I have met many talented people and seen a great deal of talent around me. There are so many talented and skilful people in our orbit that I sometimes regret they are not seen a little more. Woll Design, where Michal works, is a clear example. They are certainly both heard about and seen, and deservedly so. I am personally very happy with his work, and I have to admit that I am a fan of his. I enjoy it, and I enjoy everything he creates. It does not even have to be work for our band.

Do you think the song has the potential to reach listeners beyond the rock scene?

I definitely think so. It is metal, but I believe its atmosphere and mood can appeal to a broader audience as well.

How do the people around you view Horizont?

Well, I have to say that the beginnings were extremely difficult. We had to fight for our place in the sun. I do not think anyone around us believed the band would survive long enough to release a video like Neztratit vlastní tvář. In fact, I think there are still plenty of people around me who would not listen to Horizont even if we stood in front of Metallica's audience and played our songs for them (laughs). At a certain point, I realised there was no sense in doing it for those people. I do not do it for those who wish us nothing good, but for those who send us kind messages, come over for a photo and shake our hands. I do it for the people whose eyes show the joy and enthusiasm with which they approach you. Some battles simply cannot be won.

You continue to release new songs. Is there any advice you would give to young bands that are just starting out?

I am sorry, but I simply do not want to cast myself in that role. Honestly, I do not have all the answers. I would probably say that the one who wins is the person who can get back up and follow their own path. I know it sounds strange, and you hear it everywhere, but there is probably some truth in it. You have to know how to accept defeat, and you cannot be afraid to stand up and keep going. Everything moves you forward somehow, even a fall, whatever it is you are doing.

Our interview with Honza Černocký shows that Horizont's music is driven not only by heavy riffs and powerful emotions, but above all by a determination never to lose sight of their own direction. Over the years, the band have changed, grown heavier and moved forward, while preserving a clearly recognisable signature. Their new single Neztratit vlastní tvář therefore feels like more than just another entry in the discography. It is an honest statement about setbacks, perseverance and the courage to follow your own path. This authenticity is precisely why Horizont have the power to reach beyond a purely metal audience. All that remains now is to play the video, turn up the volume and hear for yourself that Horizont have lost neither their identity nor their drive.