The Slovak post-metal trio Ničiteľ has always been known for pushing boundaries, both musically and thematically. Their latest video release, “Súhlas” (Consent), from their 2022 album Anna, tackles the systemic downplaying of sexual violence—a subject that remains disturbingly relevant, especially in the context of Slovak and global society.
The song picks up where their haunting single “Anna spí” (Anna Sleeps) left off, delving deeper into the issue of victim-blaming in cases of sexual violence. As the band noted, “Downplaying the statements of victims of sexual violence actually makes women easier targets for further attack.”
This is an indictment of a culture where perpetrators often go unpunished. The statistics are chilling—according to a Eurobarometer survey, 34% of Slovak men and women believe that sexual violence is often provoked by the victim, double the European average.
The video for “Súhlas,” which was conceptualized years ago but only recently brought to life, carries the weight of this message. After sitting in the drawer for three years, the band finally decided it was time to make it real. The long wait makes its release all the more powerful, particularly in a climate that needs to hear its message now more than ever.
This isn’t the first time Ničiteľ has used their art to speak about the struggles of women in modern society. Their album Anna, a conceptual work that addresses these themes, was met with both critical acclaim and emotional resonance when it was released two years ago. We last wrote about them in 2022, captivated by their video for “Anna spí” and the boldness with which they approach their subject matter. It’s rare to see such raw emotion channeled through dark, crusty post-metal, but Ničiteľ pulls it off with remarkable conviction.
View this post on Instagram
Looking ahead, the band has not been idle during the past few years. While performing live both at home and abroad in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, they’ve also been working on new material. Their next album is already in the works, with plans to hit the studio in early 2026. The release date might seem far off, but the depth of their process promises another poignant and thoughtful work.
For now, Ničiteľ’s latest video reminds us of the band’s unwavering commitment to addressing the issues that matter.
As Tomas from the band previously stated, “I want to be part of the solution, but I am also part of the problem.” It’s this kind of introspection and responsibility that sets Ničiteľ apart—facing the uncomfortable truths that others might shy away from, and confronting the dangers of a culture that too often blames the victim rather than the perpetrator.
With “Súhlas,” they continue that conversation, offering no easy answers but asking the questions that need to be asked.
Ničiteľ remains a band unafraid to engage with these issues, and it’s clear they have much more to say in the years to come.
Anna was released in cooperation with Slovak labels Pkan, Ingot, Jablká ďaleko od stromu, and Skaven Records, Czech label Véva Records, Kazakhstani label Red Truth Records, Greek label Sómba Records, and Spanish label Hecatombe Records.
