When Rock Hearts Beat for the Fans: Hořice Woodcarving Festival Unites Donor, Vanaheim, and Roxor

Friday, June 5, belonged to the traditional Dřevosochání Festival in Hořice, an event that brought a solid dose of honest rock and metal music to the well-known and fan-favorite Areál Zahrada venue. This year's edition promised a strong lineup featuring Donor, Vanaheim, and Roxor, but what ultimately unfolded throughout the evening far exceeded the expectations of an ordinary concert experience. It was a night filled with incredible synergy, musicians' solidarity, and proof that the rock scene is far more united than it may appear at first glance.

Areál Zahrada Under the Watchful Eye of a Rock Icon

The venue itself, Areál Zahrada, once again lived up to its excellent reputation. It is a spacious, green location with a major advantage – even on the hottest summer day, visitors can find pleasant shade beneath the trees. And if not there, then certainly at the well-stocked bar, where refreshing drinks were accompanied by excellent food. Simply put, the perfect setting to kick off a rock-filled weekend.

Although the musical evening was part of the Dřevosochání Festival, whose main program featuring chainsaw artists carving wooden sculptures culminated on Saturday, rock fans certainly did not miss out on Friday. Among the attractions already on display was a freshly carved wooden likeness of the "Prince of Darkness" himself, Ozzy Osbourne. This unique sculpture symbolically watched over the final moments of the concert, adding the perfect visual finishing touch to the event.

The evening's program also delivered one surprise after another. During Vanaheim's energetic performance, an intriguing piece of information was casually revealed from the stage. According to the band, fans can soon look forward to a major surprise involving members of both Donor and Vanaheim. Will it be a collaborative single, or perhaps something even bigger? We will have to wait a little longer to find out, but one thing is certain – something exciting is definitely brewing behind the scenes.

Unity That Takes Your Breath Away: When Rivalry Gives Way to Friendship

Behind the performances and in the backstage area, something far more significant than a standard concert was taking place. The entire evening carried a deeply human dimension. It became a symbol of the strong friendship connecting all three participating bands.

When Vanaheim needed assistance on stage, their fellow musicians did not hesitate for a second. Donor stepped in to help by lending their vocalist for backing vocal duties, and their bassist also temporarily filled in when Vanaheim found themselves short-handed. Following the departure of Vanaheim's former frontman, the role of temporary vocalist had also been taken on by Ondra Marek, frontman of Roxor.

It is truly refreshing to see that even in today's highly competitive music industry, genuine and sincere friendship still exists between bands. The musicians had no problem stepping out of their comfort zones to support one another. And the result? Fans missed out on absolutely nothing they would normally expect from these bands. On the contrary, they received something extra – a glimpse of a tightly knit rock family.

The "Easy" Life of a Musician: Pushing Beyond Personal Limits

If there was one person who deserved particular recognition that evening, it was undoubtedly Ondra Marek. In the music world, it is quite common for bands to play two shows in one day. You finish one set, jump into a car, and rush to the next venue. The drive often becomes the only opportunity for a brief moment of rest, silence, and recovery.

Ondra had a double-header that evening as well. But with one major difference – he did not have to travel anywhere. Without any break whatsoever, he performed an entire set with Vanaheim before returning to the stage shortly afterward to deliver a full performance with his own band, Roxor. Could you spot even the slightest sign of exhaustion? Not at all. Until the very last second, he gave everything he had to the fans standing in front of the stage.

The life of a musician comes with enormous challenges and hard work that audiences often do not see. It is about sacrifice, dedication, and constantly balancing on the edge of physical endurance. But what is it that drives rock musicians to push far beyond their limits?

It is that pure, raw energy that flows back from the crowd. The cheers, the raised devil horns, the shared passion – all of it fills the empty spaces in a musician's rock-and-roll heart and gives meaning to the hard work. Hořice was overflowing with that magical exchange of energy throughout the entire evening.

Next Stop: The Legends of Rock Festival

Areál Zahrada has long been renowned throughout the region for hosting traditional events that are exceptionally well organized. The biggest of them all is undoubtedly the legendary local rock festival, The Legends of Rock.

This year's edition, taking place from July 16 to July 18, 2026, promises an impressive lineup and will kick off in full force on Thursday. Tickets are still available, but they are disappearing fast. We firmly believe that this beautiful venue will once again be packed to capacity and that the atmosphere will be unforgettable.

On behalf of the Rebel Sound editorial team, we would like to warmly invite all our readers, followers, and everyone who tirelessly supports not only us but also the entire Czech rock and metal scene. Come support live music, come enjoy the festival summer, and we'll see you in Hořice!

Text and photos: ta.s.krkavci