Prognan continues to masterfully weave history, emotion, and vehemence into their storytelling with “Sve Će To Narod Pozlatiti“. This colossal two-hour-plus album doesn’t just revisit the turmoil of World War II—it brings it to life with a cinematic grandeur rarely seen in music. Through their black metal canvas, the Croatian band captures the spirit of survival and the scars of war in a way that feels deeply personal and profoundly universal.

The official logo of the band
© Prognan
A Storyline Rooted in Realities
The album’s historical anchor is unshakable. The opening track, “Direktiva 25”, named after Operation 25 [The April War, also known as the Travanjski War], captures the chaotic descent into war following the German invasion of Yugoslavia in April 1941. The swift Blitzkrieg tactics, the collapse of the Yugoslav Army, and the fragmentation of the nation set the stage for the atrocities and battles that follow.
The second song, “Krvava Bajka” [“A Bloody Fairytale”, in English] tears into the heart of history with unrelenting tragedy. Inspired by the massacre of schoolchildren in Kragujevac, the track doesn’t shy away from the grotesque realities of war. It’s a harrowing tribute to innocence stolen, delivered with a weight and gravity that lingers long after the last note.
The narrative unfolds through haunting imagery—a school performance interrupted by the arrival of German forces. The tension rises as a teacher and their students are torn from their classroom and forced onto a death march. The song captures the desperate cries, futile resistance, and unrelenting cruelty of the moment. The story isn’t told in abstract terms; it’s immediate and crushingly human. Lyrically, the piece draws from Desanka Maksimović‘s famed poem of the same name, weaving in its poignant lines. The mournful melodies echo the grief of lives cut short, while sharp, jarring riffs mimic the chaos and brutality of the massacre. Choir-like vocals emerge, their layered harmonies a solemn reminder of the victims’ voices rising against the silence imposed by violence.
Musically, “Krvava Bajka” is a masterclass in creating atmosphere. Orchestral swells interlace with the aggression of black metal instrumentation. The shifts in tempo mirror the story’s trajectory—from moments of quiet despair to explosive eruptions of defiance. It’s a gripping portrayal of fear, courage, and loss.
What makes the track so compelling is its refusal to allow history to fade into abstraction. The band’s use of firsthand accounts, Orthodox hymns, and Maksimović’s poem elevates the song to a narrative experience—a remembrance of lives destroyed by war and a lament for humanity’s capacity for cruelty.
But of course, Prognan doesn’t just recount these events; they carve personal experiences into the historical framework and “Crna Ćuprija” (“Black Bridge”) stands as a prime example of this. The character of Đorđe, the pub owner featured in the song, was first introduced on the album “Sjene Nad Balkanom“. He is the figure who provided a gathering space for a group of friends to drink and reflect. However, there’s a deeper, emotional connection behind the choice of his name. The band’s lyricist named the character after his best friend’s father who passed away a few years ago. This subtle tribute, unspoken until now, transforms the song into more than just a historical tale; it imbues the narrative with personal meaning, creating a poignant and emotionally charged experience for the listener.
Transitioning from the intimate tribute of “Crna Ćuprija”, “Draksenić” [“Draksenić Village”] broadens the perspective while retaining its personal intensity. Here, the map given by Đorđe is not just a tool for navigation but a symbol of human connection amidst chaos. The survivor’s journey parallels the emotional and physical exhaustion that war leaves in its wake, yet it also becomes a testament to resilience and the lingering traces of humanity even in the bleakest circumstances.
The song’s juxtaposition of devastating content with soaring musical arrangements transforms this tragic story into another cinematic experience. The emotional weight of the lyrics, paired with the music, immerses listeners in the narrative, making them feel the desperation, hope, and heartbreak as if they were standing among the survivors. Whether it’s the lone guitarist who chooses to sing until his death or the poetic interlude quoting Jovan Jovanović Zmaj, “Draksenić” transcends historical retelling, capturing the complex interplay of love, and survival. It’s a haunting reminder that even amid unimaginable suffering, the human spirit seeks connection, beauty, and meaning.
And if “Draksenić” pulls everyone into the emotional core of survival and “Vođa” [“Leader”] captivates with its commanding presence, then “Sve Će To Narod Pozlatiti” [“The People Will Gild It All”] erupts like a battle cry, carrying the weight of a community’s pain, fury, and unbroken spirit. The song channels the desperation of people facing unimaginable violence and transforms it into a moment of collective strength.
Lyrically, it unfolds in vivid detail: the biting cold of Kozara, the haunting memories of simpler times, and the chaos of resistance against an oppressive force. The narrative is relentless, intertwisting between personal reflections and the larger struggle of survival. Some of the lines situate listeners in the midst of the action, portraying the brutal immediacy of the situation while also emphasizing the unwavering spirit of those fighting for their lives.
Musically, the piece feels like a crescendo of tension and determination. The interplay of fierce rhythms and soaring melodies mirrors the chaos and fleeting hope described in the lyrics. The storytelling voice amplifies the stakes, driving home the weight of each decision, each loss, and each fleeting moment of triumph.
The track not only amplifies the chaos and terror of the moment but also underscores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of annihilation.
After being swept through such a range of emotions, it’s hard not to ask: will this band continue to fascinate with the next tracks? And the answer quickly becomes clear, as the following songs delve even deeper into their signature blend of sorrow and substance. “Krvavi Božuri” [“A Bloody Peonies”], “Sve Sam Sinove Pod Barjak Dala” [“I Gave All My Sons Under The Flag”], and “Mrtvi Govore, To Ćuti Samo Kamenje” [“The Dead Speak, But Only The Stones Hear”] serve as yet another reminder of the band’s ability to draw from deep, emotional wells. “Mrtvi Govore, To Ćuti Samo Kamenje” is particularly intriguing with its meditative tone. It reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the weight of memory, with lyrics that evoke a sense of both mourning and reverence for the past. The tune feels almost timeless, its rhythmic build reminiscent of a slow wind carrying the voices of the past through the ages.
Layers of Intrigue
Prognan’s lyricism rewards careful attention. Subtle hints and callbacks span their discography, such as the revelation that Simo, a soldier introduced in the first album is the protagonist’s father. Tracks like “Krvavi Božuri” (“A Bloody Peonies”) contain clues, with Simo’s remarks linking back to “Naši Životi Više Ne Postoje“. Even the artwork, featuring three soldiers, represents the evolution of ordinary men—Rajko, Simo, and the detective from the second album—into individuals who find purpose amid chaos.

The cover artwork for “Sve Će To Narod Pozlatiti”
© Prognan
The release date of the album is April 6, 2025, which is not just a random date—it marks 84 years since the invasion of the German army on the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
Final Words
The band’s ambition with this album was no small feat. The topic of Kozara, its history, and the people who lived through it is one of immense sensitivity, and getting it right is no easy task. Did they succeed? Yes. They poured everything into this album, and that passion is clear. The inclusion of authentic survivor interviews at the end of the songs adds undeniable weight to the experience. It brought a brutal reality into focus, and the rawness of those real accounts gives the album a depth that’s hard to match. This aspect, alongside the powerful orchestral arrangements—trumpets, violins, cellos, choirs, and the occasional piano—enhances the music with an emotional intensity. The acoustic guitars further enrich this, giving the entire piece an evocative quality. It’s impossible to listen without being drawn into the force that defines “Sve Će To Narod Pozlatiti”. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of you are deeply moved at times.
Tracklist
“Direktiva 25” [03:34];
“Krvava Bajka” [10:56];
“Crna Ćuprija” [07:46];
“Draksenić” [10:53];
“Vođa” [09:32];
“Sve Će To Narod Pozlatiti” [12:51];
“Krvavi Božuri” [11:19];
“Sve Sam Sinove Pod Barjak Dala” [03:54];
“Bitka Na Kozari (pt. I)” [25:58];
“Zaspite U Tihi San Kameni (pt. II)” [11:03];
“Mali Komad Raja (pt. III)” [20:49];
“Mrtvi Govore, To Ćuti Samo Kamenje” [04:43].
Get in Touch with Prognan!
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