Psí vojáci

Psí vojáci

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1979
Defunct	2013
Headquarters	Prague , Czech Republic
Key people	Filip Topol (vocalist, pianist, composer), David Skála (drummer), Jan Hazuka (bassist)
Products	Rock music

Psí vojáci (translated as Dog Soldiers) was a rock ensemble originating from Prague, Czech Republic, fronted by vocalist, pianist, and composer Filip Topol, who was the son of playwright Josef Topol and sibling to author Jáchym Topol. Established in 1979 alongside drummer David Skála and bassist Jan Hazuka, the group ceased activity in August 2011. They briefly reunited with the original members in October 2012 but ultimately disbanded in June 2013 following the passing of Topol. Their name derives from the Dog Soldiers, a Cheyenne military society referenced in Thomas Berger’s novel Little Big Man. The band was a significant part of the Prague underground scene, merging punk rock with avant-garde elements and classical influences dating back to the late 18th century. Filip Topol also pursued solo performances featuring piano compositions paired with deeply personal lyrics.

History

The public introduction of Psí vojáci occurred in 1979 during the IX. Prague Jazz Days, where, despite their young ages—members were only around 13—they attracted scrutiny from the secret police. Filip Topol endured police interrogations before turning fifteen. Due to governmental limitations, their performances were confined to private underground gatherings, including events held at Václav Havel’s country house in Hrádeček. Throughout their career, they experienced both stylistic transformations and changes in membership; initially, songwriting involved Filip’s brother Jáchym, but eventually Filip assumed full responsibility for the lyrics. In the late 1980s, they operated under the name P.V.O. (an abbreviation for Dog Soldiers in Person), with Prague’s Junior Club Na Chmelnici serving as their primary venue.

After the political changes of 1989, Psí vojáci’s recognition expanded considerably. They performed widely across clubs and festivals in countries including Hungary, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands, as well as appearing at festivals in Belgium and France. Their music was featured in films such as Žiletky, directed by Zdeněk Tyc, where Filip Topol also played a leading role. Additionally, the band contributed to various theatrical productions.

Members

• Filip Topol – vocals, piano (1979–2011, 2012–2013)
• David Skála – drums (1979–?, 2012–2013)
• Jan Hazuka – bass guitar (1979–?, 2012–2013)
• Vít Krůta – guitar (1980–81)

Studio albums

• P.V.O. (Rock debut 6) (Panton, 1989)
• Nalej čistého vína, pokrytče (Globus International, 1991)
• Leitmotiv (Globus International, 1991)
• Baroko v Čechách (Black Point, 1993)
• Sestra (Indies Records, 1994)
• Brutální lyrika (Indies Records, 1995)
• Sakramiláčku (Indies Records, 1995)
• Hořící holubi (Indies Records, 1997)
• Myši v poli a jiné příběhy (Indies Records, 1999)
• Studio 1983-85 (Black Point, 2000)
• U sousedů vyje pes (Indies Records, 2001)
• Slečna Kristýna (Indies Records, 2002)
• Těžko říct (Indies Records, 2003)

Live albums

• Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (Black Point, 1990)
• 1979/80 Live (Black Point, 1991)
• Live I. and Live II. (Gang Records, 1993)
• Nechoď sama do tmy (Black Point, 1995; Recorded January 1987 in Junior klub)
• Mučivé vzpomínky (Black Point, 1997)
• Psi a vojáci (Black Point, 2000)

Compilation Albums

• Národ Psích vojáků (Indies Records, 1996)

Single Releases

• Žiletky (1994)

Publications

• Národ Psích vojáků (Maťa, 1999)
• Jirsa, Tomáš. Charting Post-Underground Nostalgia: Anachronistic Practices of the Post-Velvet Revolution Rock Scene. Iluminace, vol. 29, no. 3, 2017, pp. 65-86.

Online Resources

• Official website