This is the fourth full-length album by the Finnish band HAVUKRUUNU, which has been around for 20 years and until now had also presented 3 EP’s apart from their full-length albums.
In their discographic ride, they had offered a remarkable streak of good albums, remaining loyal to their initial musical vision of Pagan Black Metal.
In their new record, they persist once again towards that direction, which entails epic atmosphere, sharp guitars by Henkka and Stefan, haunting bass by Humö, blasting drums by Kostajainen and folk melodic tunes with aggressive vocals by Stefan. Nevertheless, I’d say that now, in this album, we are facing the greater differentiation in their sound so far.
Of course, there are still there all the old elements of the past, alongside with their influences or similarities with bands such as their Finnish counterparts of MOONSORROW or HORNA. Another longstanding influence that comes to my mind is undeniably FALKENBACH.
Especially in the title track ‘’Tavastland’’ and the song ‘’ Unissakävijä’’, all these deep-rooted fundamentals of their sound remain prevalent, with the blistering guitar work and the emotional howling vocals that deliver an epic soaring vibe, yet with a traditional black metal structure, in the way that these songs are unfolding.
It needs to be mentioned, to those who are not quite familiar with the band, that all their lyrics are in their native language and not in English. So, it is kind of difficult to get in the process of really understand what each and every song is talking about.
Let’s shed some light on that. ‘’Tavastland’’ tells the story of a small, strange people:
” TAVASTLAND tells how in 1237 the Tavastians rose in a rebellion against the church of Christ and drove the popes naked into the frost to die. TAVASTLAND reveals our fathers’ centuries old sins and lies of consolation. TAVASTLAND speaks of him, who has become a prisoner of his home, alienated from the land of the forest and is now afraid of the dark with all lights on, surrounded by his smart devices. TAVASTLAND tells about the freedom we lost. TAVASTLAND haunts its listener to the grave, and I will personally open that grave one bleak night and steal the fading light of your sempiternal soul.”, says Stefan.
I have to say, that the language barrier does not prevent the essence and the emotion of the album to be conveyed upon the listener, whatsoever.
We are talking about a pure blackened epic atmosphere of genuine heathenism and folk mysticism.
Yes, this is the most BATHORY-ish album of HAVUKRUUNU, up to date. Most of the pagan metal bands have influences from BATHORY but in this one, I felt it like an ode to Quorthon’s music and especially the triplet of albums ‘’Blood Fire Death’’, ‘’Hammerheart’’ and ‘’Twilight of the Gods’’.
The epic triumphant choirs and chants in songs such as ‘’ Kuolematon laulunhenki’’, ‘’Yönsynty’’ and ‘’De Miseriis Fennorum ‘’ are captivating, accompanied by impressive songwriting and acoustic parts that lead to an exciting, intense and passionate result.
The album remains cohesive and consistent throughout its duration and the listener does not lose interest, not for a single moment. The galloping rhythms, the overwhelming heathen and battle sensation in songs like ‘’Havukruunu ja talvenvarjo’’ and ‘’ Kun veri sekoittuu lumeen’’, create a massive sound spectrum, encompassed in a brilliant veil of splendor.
The album is epic, powerful, glorious and dynamic. Another fine album in their career and for me, personally speaking, I believe their strongest so far.
‘’Tavastland’’ will be released on the 28th of February 2025 by Svart Records and will be available on LP, CD, MC and Digital format.
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Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
