Uncovering the Story of the Eighth Force and Its Impact on Sound

The band “Osma sila” was on full display on Saturday evening in Nikšić, showcasing their album, documentary film, comic strip, and new music video, all united under the title “Born with a Feller”, symbolizing more than 40 years since their inception.

The Nikšić Theater was packed with familiar faces of different generations, coming together to close a circle that began over four decades ago. The atmosphere was filled with melancholy, pride, respect, and joy, reflecting the unique energy shared among Nikšić residents and artists, making it clear that this event was more than just a typical music promotion but a reunion filled with emotions and memories.

The members of “Osma sila” acknowledged the crucial role Nikšić played in shaping their identity, emphasizing that the city was not just a place but a destiny, an encounter, and a sound that shaped their musical journey. The actress Jelena Nenezić, who hosted the program, highlighted the significance of Nikšić becoming a UNESCO City of Music and its longstanding history of music as a way of life.

Recalling the late 1970s in Nikšić, Nenezić described how the band emerged from a need for change in a city where young people had limited options for entertainment. Originating in some garage, basement, or sports hall, “Osma sila” was born as Nikšić’s first original rock band, recording their first songs, performing at festivals, sharing stages with renowned artists, and leaving a lasting mark on the rock scene.

After a peaceful separation following a decade of performances, “Osma sila” made a remarkable comeback at the Bedem Fest in 2019 after a 30-year hiatus, sparking a new creative journey. Their latest album, created over 40 years ago in the analog era, was a testament to their enduring legacy, with tracks now available on digital platforms like Spotify and Deezer, reaching global audiences while preserving their analog roots.

At the promotional event, fans had the opportunity to purchase a vinyl record of the album, accompanied by a comic book narrating the romantic story of “The Eighth Force”, created by Dr. Luka Rakojević and Miodrag Spasojević. Nenezić emphasized the significance of unfinished rehearsals, memorable concerts, and the passage of time between the band’s inception and their recent reunion, culminating in the long-awaited completion of their album as intended.

The documentary film “Born with a Feller”, directed by Sead Sabotic and Slobodan Bobo Dobrilovic, offered a nostalgic journey through the band’s history, featuring conversations among friends reminiscing about their shared youth and creativity. The film served as a tribute to a time that had not vanished but gained its unique sound, capturing the essence of “Osma sila’s” enduring impact on Montenegrin rock.

Interspersed with archival materials and past performances, the film highlighted the band’s transformation from the Nikšić group “Mir” to “Osma sila” in 1980, shedding light on their reunion in 2019 and the release of their studio album “S felerom rođeni”.

As Dimitrije Mićo Maksić expressed gratitude on behalf of the group, acknowledging the contributors to the event and their collective journey, the evening was filled with messages from band members and supporters, celebrating the timeless legacy of “Osma sila” and their reunion after decades.