A Sonic Boom: Olympic’s New Hard Rock Venture

Czech rock legends Olympic have detonated a musical explosion with their 23rd studio album, Bombarďák.Launched at a unique Prague cinema “garage” venue,the album signals a return to harder-edged rock sounds,spearheaded by the band’s veteran frontman,Petr Janda.

The album’s launch was marked by a special screening of a short documentary detailing the recording process, highlighting the challenges faced, including Janda’s temporary relocation to the United States. Despite these hurdles, the band, with support from collaborators like Robert Kodym of Lucie, delivered what they consider one of their strongest efforts to date.

Baptized in Gasoline: A Symbolic Launch

Adding a touch of rock ‘n’ roll flair, the album was symbolically “baptized” with gasoline, a fitting gesture given the album’s title and thematic elements. Robert Kodym, acting as godfather, expressed his hope that listeners would experience the same excitement he felt contributing to the project. He also gifted the band custom T-shirts bearing his signature “Kodymovo 10” design.

Kodym’s Contribution and the Meaning Behind ‘Bombarďák’

Kodym’s involvement extended beyond a mere blessing; he co-wrote the lyrics for the title track and another song, reciprocating Janda’s past contributions to Lucie’s albums. The title Bombarďák itself is multifaceted, representing not only the album’s hard-hitting sound but also the band’s conviction in its quality. Janda himself described the music as more like a ‘cracked’ in a recent interview, emphasizing its raw energy.

It is a great honor for me that I could wriet a text for this song and another song.

Robert Kodym, Lucie

A Nod to the Past, eyes on the Future

While Janda, who will turn 83 in May, has contemplated retirement, his enduring passion for music remains evident. The band even filmed a music video featuring a vintage American bomber, visually reinforcing the album’s explosive theme. This blend of nostalgia and forward-thinking creativity is a hallmark of Olympic’s long and storied career.

‘Bombarďák’ Tour: Taking Flight Across the Czech Republic

To support the release, Olympic is embarking on a tour across the Czech Republic, promising a visually stunning stage show that evokes the imagery of a bomber aircraft. The tour,which commenced on April 2nd in Prachatice,will hit numerous cities,culminating in a performance at the “Between Fences” festival on May 25th. Fans can expect a high-energy performance showcasing the new material alongside classic Olympic hits.

Olympic: A Legacy of Czech Rock

Founded in 1962 as Karkulka, Olympic has been a cornerstone of the Czech rock scene for over six decades. Their 1968 album, Želva (Turtle), is widely regarded as the first Czech beat long-playing album, solidifying their place in music history. With Bombarďák, Olympic proves that they are far from slowing down, continuing to deliver powerful and relevant music to their dedicated fanbase.