Finnish metal force Havukruunu unleashes Tavastland, a ferocious album exploring rebellion, nature, and defiance. We discuss its themes, haunting melodies, and the raw power behind its creation.
1. Thematically,
"Tavastland" delves into the rebellion of the Tavastians against the
church in 1237. What inspired you to explore this historical event, and how
does it resonate with the themes of black metal?
Well, the
album is pretty much NOT black metal, but VERY HEAVY METAL. But the theme about
the Tavastians of old driving priests to die naked in freezing night, and
setting the houses of god ablaze, is pretty relevant to black metal i think?
Correct me if i have gotten it wrong.
It's about
questioning and challenging the christian faith, ridiculing and humiliating it,
and eventually burning it to cinders to make way for NEW.
2. The
single “Havukruunu Ja Talvenvarjo” is described as venturing into dark woodland
ghosts and nightmares. Can you elaborate on how this track sets the tone for
the rest of the album?
We released
the easiest to listen songs as singles, cos you humans have a attention span of
a mouse nowadays, so the two songs that gratify fastest were chosen.
The lyrics
are a depiction of a recurring nightmare and my defiance in the face of
sickness and disease.
3. You’ve
mentioned that Tavastland reflects on humanity's alienation from nature and the
fear of darkness. How do these themes manifest in the music and lyrics
throughout the record?
I am
literally writing about these themes, and the music is just mirroring of those
themes and emotions in context. Maybe its subconcious. These things are a harsh
reality and a major source of mental illness, and anxiety inducing things. I
would say that you should return to the earth, but then again....
TIME ENOUGH
FOR EARTH IN THE GRAVE.
4. Your
sound has always balanced sorrowful melodies with ferocious aggression. How
does the interplay of guitars, bass, and drums on Tavastland evolve from your
previous works?
Well we are
better players, we want to evolve and broaden our sounds and playing styles,
and we each research and rehearse a lot by ourselves, then its only to combine
what we have learned. You need variety in this kind of music, im not into much
bm or music like that, its usually pretty one note.
5. The
choir and Stefa’s vocals add a powerful, almost spiritual dimension to your
music. How did you approach vocal arrangements and layering on Tavastland to
convey its themes?
Well yeah
i'd like to think myself as a vessel for NIGHT-FOLK and gods of old, nocturnal
spectres of wild lands and dimensions unknown, so i am really sorry, but i do
not have any memories of singing, as i have been in trance, or as we say loveen
lankeaminen.
6. The
visualizer for “Havukruunu Ja Talvenvarjo” is haunting and atmospheric. How did
you translate the track’s themes into the visual storytelling? Can we expect
similar visual elements for other tracks?
Oh the one
with the flames? You are pretty easily impressed then.
I like the
"Tavastland" video better, i made it with all my sorrowful heart and
mind.
7. With vinyl editions, cassettes, and digital
formats, the physical presentation of Tavastland seems important to the band.
What role does the album’s artwork and packaging play in telling its story?
Well, i
think at least one vinyl pressing has covers made of recycled cardboard, and
the packaging and artwork leans heavily into the aesthetic of wear and tear of
things used, so to speak. It's a statement, and then again, its kind of
contradicting because we are selling pieces of plastic to people. I dont know,
man.
8. You’ve
described Tavastland as haunting its listener to the grave. Can you talk about
how the album’s pacing and track order were designed to achieve this effect?
Yeah, when
the songs end abruptly or do not resolve satisfyingly, you will think about it,
and listen to it again. And again. And again.
I'm just
ripping of the old godz.
9. The
rebellion against the church and rejection of conformity are central to the
album’s message. Do you see Tavastland as a commentary on modern societal
constraints, and how does it connect with your personal vision of freedom?
Yes,
absolutely! Wouldn't have done it otherwise, if it wouldnt be a precisely
accurate depiction of my view on freedom. Now, christian values are (among
others) rising their ugly heads once again, and quick take on action is needed
to cut these abominations off the face of earth. To take a hint from the proud
Tavastians of old, and rise against and crush these fucks with their beliefs
and truths.
Havukruunuband (@havukruunuband) • Instagram photos and videos
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