Heroina (band)

Heroina

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1982
Defunct	1986
Headquarters	Novi Sad , Yugoslavia
Products	Rock music

Heroina (; translating to "Heroine") was a rock ensemble originating from Novi Sad in 1982, gaining recognition within the mid-1980s Yugoslav rock scene.

1982–1986

The formation of Heroina took place in 1982, initiated by Nebojša Živaljević (guitar), Đorđe Stanković (rhythm guitar), and Novica Pavlović (bass guitar). Prior to this, since 1978, the three had performed under the name ŠV 20, with their demo tracks broadcast on Radio Novi Sad. As the new wave movement gained momentum in Yugoslavia, their musical direction evolved toward a style influenced by this genre.

In 1983, the lineup expanded with Stevan Dostan on drums, Dejan Isakov handling keyboards, and vocalist Zoran Janjetov, who was also an acclaimed comic book artist. The group toured various clubs across Yugoslavia, including notable venues such as Zagreb’s Lapidarij, Kulušić, and SKUC. Their live performances featured guest appearances from saxophonist Deže Molnar of Laboratorija Zvuka. Their demo titled "Momo" received airplay on radio stations.

During the recording sessions for their first album, both Pavlović and Dostan exited the band. Producer Mitar Subotić recommended incorporating a rhythm machine programmed by Tomo in der Mühlen from Karlowy Vary, complemented by bassist Aleksandar "Caki" Kravić. Released in 1985 by PGP-RTB, the album Heroina showcased cover artwork created by Janjetov and included contributions from Molnar alongside Hungarian jazz trumpeter Rudolf Tomsits. The album highlighted the band’s art rock aesthetic. Although there were some reservations regarding production quality, it achieved commercial success. Heroina continued performing with different rhythm section members until their dissolution in 1986.

Post breakup

Following the band's end, Janjetov pursued his career as a comic book artist and attained considerable acclaim within the French comics scene. In 1986, he was chosen by Moebius to carry forward work on The Incal. He provided illustrations for Avant l'Incal and The Technopriests, both penned by Alejandro Jodorowsky. Additionally, Janjetov produced artwork for Yugoslav musicians such as Oktobar 1864, Viktorija, and Angel's Breath, as well as for international world music performers including Zuco 103, Konono Nº1, Bebel Gilberto, Celso Fonseca, Tartit, Taraf de Haïdouks, Mahala Raï Banda, Kasai Allstars, and Kočani Orkestar.

Dejan Isakov died in 2000.

Studio albums

• Heroina (1985)

External links

• Heroina at Discogs