Interview with Fikus of Thrash Crossover/H/C Band from Blatná, Czech Republic LIBIDO CHALLENGE
1. Can you tell us about your childhood ? Do you remember when you first came into contact with loud music and what were your first concerts ?
My childhood was a happy one. I am from a small town. I was dragged to the world of loud music by my brother. I remember when I was 7 years old, I was thrilled with The Offspring, then I was doomed to go through punk and metal bands. Completely pulled in by music.
2. Can you describe the local scene where you grew up, what bands and venues were important to you and can you share some of your greatest memories about these bands/places ?
In my hometown there was a festival with hardcore, punk and metal music, which basically created a scene here. Many teenagers were going to this festival and wanted to be part of this world as well. So there was quite nice scene in my hometown. I was proud that we have quite well-known punk band Funkce Šroubu.
3. Did anyone play in any bands before Libido Challenge ? If so, can you tell us something about them? Were there any releases ? Can you share some good memories about those bands ?
Everybody except our drummer played in some bands before Libido Challenge. Me, Fíkus, the singer, I played in some bands on guitar, the ones with releases were Loretto Carpenter Store and Mutton Vindaloo beast, but they both fell apart after a few years. I was dragged to singing by a joke. We started the crust band only as a gift for our friend to play at his birthday party. So I accidentally grabbed a mike and I found out I am enjoying being behind the microphone.
Rejžák, (lead) played in a band called Oversight. They had quite a few gigs and helped to pave the way for Libido Challenge.
Pepa, rhythm guitarist played in a metal band called 5 Symbols, they were quite successful, touring Europe with legendary Pro-Pain. Also he played in grindcore band Mururoa.
Radek, bass played in many projects, we encountered him in a band Pawnshop.
4. How did you come up with the band name Libido Challenge , do you describe your musical style ? And can you tell us briefly the history of your band’s creation ?
I do not remember exactly how we came up with the name- no deep story behind it 😊. We describe our musical style as thrash/hardcore. We started In 2013 originally as a hard-core band, but by the time with changes of musical preferences and members we were keen more and more into thrash metal. We like crossovers, so we picked to inject our hardcore with thrash metal, new songs are more likely thrash metal with hard-core injection.
After 5 years the founding bass player and rhythm guitarist decided to quit the band. It was quite hard for us to find substitutes. We switched many bass players and a few guitars, honestly it was quite a hard time for us, and we almost called it quit many times. We had no time to do new songs, only learning new guys what we play. Three years ago we finally found Pepa and Radek and things started to work as they should again.
5. Why did you want to play this genre ? Who or what inspires you to write songs. What bands have inspired you the most ?
The genre we play reflects the music we like. For me the bands with the biggest influence are probably Municipal Waste and Gama Bomb. We want our band to be fun, no deep shit, that is something we do want to reflect in our lyrics (the deep lyrics we have on CD are a remnant of HC era). For Rejžák, the main music composer, the inspirational bands could be Suicidal Tendencies and Dr. Living Dead.
6. Can you tell us more about your new Album “Skate, Pizza, tentacles !” ? Album Title says it all. What is your story behind your Album Title ?
The album “Skate, pizza, tentacles..!” was fully done by us. It took two years to finish. Rejžák did the raw recordings and cover art, Pepa is responsible for mix and mastering. It was hell of a job, honestly I think we will not go this way a second time 😊.
We were thinking of the album title quite long time and then Rejžák showed as the artwork he was working on and said: “what if we call it Skate, pizza, tentacles as it is drawn on cover art?” and we thought: wow what a dumb thing to do, let’s do it!
7. Which places to play were important to you and why ?
The biggest gig we had was at the Summer Punk Party festival in Czechia. We played as a closing band straight after headliner Dog Eat Dog. Everybody stayed on our show and we had a huge crowd in the mosh pit.
Very important for us is club MC Fabrika in Budweis, we played many nice shows with really nice bands (thank you Maty!). And also our home music venue called Hospoda Na Vinici, where we are making gigs.
8. What was your Weirdest show you’ve ever played and why ? feel free to mention more than one, and don’t hold back on the details ?
Probably the weirdest gig was In town nearby. We got on the spot and there was no one sober, everybody but the bartender was totally smashed. People were falling from the bar chairs. When we played they were falling all the time, on the ground to the band everywhere. They enjoyed the gig though, but It was a super weird party.
9. What is l Libido Challenge Show like ? What can somebody expect when they go to one of your concerts ?
We blast with energy. Lots of running on stage and talking bullshits between songs.
10. Are there other types of music you would like to play with a band ?
Well, maybe just add more thrash into our music. But we still want to remain a crossover and bring to our music what we like from other genres.
11. Which Festivals would you still like to play ,and Which festivals do you have the best memories of ? Obscene Extreme in the Czech Republic. Can I imagine that the festival is on your bucket list ?
I love Obscene Extreme, for sure we would love to play there. Also with other great festivals in the Czech Republic, like f.e. Brutal Assault. Of course we would like to get to a festival out of Czechia as well, f.e. Hell Fest, Summer Breeze, Barbeuk Metal fest and others.
12. How can fans and future fans locate, ,listen to and buy your music & merchandise . Is there anything else you would like your fans to know ?
Of course the best way to listen to us, buy music and merch is on our gigs 😊 but we are also able to sell merch through couriers, just let us know by email, facebook, insta, bandcamp etc. and we can make it happen.
We would like to make a few small tours (4 days or something like that) through Europe during next year. If you would like to help us, show us to your venue, friends, promoters and hopefully we can hit it to your town.
13. What were your best moments in 2023 as a band ? And are your plans for the future ?
Probably the best gig we had in 2023 was with Pro-Pain in Ostrava. We would like to get booked on some nice festivals and also as I mentioned, we would like to tour a bit.
14. These were the questions, thank you for taking part in this interview and all the best to you and your band! Something to add to yourself ?
Thank you for the opportunity and wishes!
I would love to use this opportunity to present the festival we are making. I think for fellow thrashers it could be interesting.
Check Nuclear Intervention Fest in Czech Republic, this year it is headlined by Gama Bomb. Other bands are In Other Climes, GumoManiacs, Catastrofy, Praetor, Refore, Faüst, Panychida, Nahum and Deadroots.
Nuclear Intervention Fest:
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