The final lifting of Mjölnir: Míla Krejčí’s emotional farewell to Vanaheim

When one great chapter comes to an end, the gods in Asgard take notice. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, an event took place at the Municipal Cultural House in Kolín that will forever remain etched into the memory of the Czech metal scene. Vanaheim concluded their successful tour for the new album Devět světů here — an album that received its ceremonial christening this March in the band's hometown of Chlumec nad Cidlinou. Yet this evening was not only a celebration of the new record. Above all, it was a magnificent, emotional and unforgettable farewell to frontman Míla Krejčí.

My personal ritual, or when the norms drop the thread

Before diving into the whirlwind of this Viking battle, I have to admit one thing: I'm beginning to feel that my arrivals at concerts are becoming something of a trademark. While true warriors have rituals before battle, mine apparently consists of confused wandering. Poor marking of the ticket checkpoint meant that although I noticed people sitting at a table near the stairs, it never occurred to me they were the staff checking wristbands. With absolute confidence and journalistic determination, I marched straight toward the stairs, only to be immediately stopped by a loud shout. The question of where exactly I thought I was going and whether I had paid quickly brought me back down to earth. What followed was my rather amusing trip to the office, after which I was finally allowed to enter the hall. Entry problem solved — now the real evening could begin.

The storm before battle

The evening opened with Rimortis, who together with Roxor formed the solid backbone of the entire Devět světů tour. Both bands did a fantastic job and perfectly prepared the ground for the evening's main heroes. However, this article is dedicated primarily to Vanaheim. From the very beginning, from the very first notes that echoed through the hall, a completely unique magic hung in the air. The atmosphere was tense, deeply emotional and unmistakably warlike — in the best possible sense of the word. Vanaheim are well known for their Nordic mythology-inspired image, iconic costumes and thematic lyrics, but that evening everything carried an even deeper meaning. Everyone on stage and in the audience gave absolutely everything they had. The intention was clear: to make Míla's final concert truly spectacular.

The drakkar sails on: the unity of the true pack

The evening brought several moments that etched themselves deeply into every rock heart present. When the opening notes of the new song Drakkar began and I headed to the balcony to capture the best photos, an absolutely fascinating sight unfolded below me. A group of fans sat closely together on the floor and began synchronised rowing motions exactly like the band members themselves had done during the filming of the song's music video in freezing Norway. It was a moment that instantly brought a smile to my face. It demonstrated the most important thing of all — Vanaheim have warriors in their "pack", as they call their fans, who fear nothing. Like true Vikings, they united into one team and pulled together toward the same goal — or rather, the same oar.

Even the greatest warriors cry

The entire performance was woven together with memories and stories from the days when Míla and the rest of the band formed one inseparable brotherhood. The former frontman received small farewell gifts on stage, among which traditional mead naturally could not be missing. Míla shared this sacred drink not only with his brothers-in-arms on stage, but also with his loyal fans in the front rows. Watching these moments was incredibly emotional. Men don't cry? Absolute nonsense. When one major chapter of life closes and all those years of shared memories catch up with you, you can be the toughest warrior imaginable — but you still won't stop the tears. Toward the end of the evening, Míla openly gave in to his emotions, and he was far from alone. Although many present fully understood and respected his decision to leave, finding a dry eye in the venue at that moment would have been nearly impossible.

The lifting of Thor's hammer

What else could one do in such a moment but silently watch this final shared Viking battle with respect? To watch the frontman with the iconic stripe across his eye experience his last concert with immense humility, gratitude and total dedication. The lifting of Thor's hammer became the symbolic final punctuation mark at the end of one great era. The last embrace. The final applause. On behalf of the entire Rebel Sound editorial team, we wish Míla all the best on the next chapter of his life's journey — wherever his path may lead beyond the gates of Midgard. At the same time, we wish Vanaheim wisdom and good fortune in finding a new voice for the band. Until then, the temporary role of frontman will be taken over by Ondra Marek from Roxor, who has long been close to the band and whom fans already know from his backing vocal appearances on selected singles.

Skål, Míla! Your chapter has been written, but the saga of Vanaheim continues.

Photos and text: ta.s.krkavci