Masterful Magazine - Death Metal and Black Metal Magazine

Horna

Wywiad przeprowadził - Barry Beck

The land of a thousand lakes, Finland, has always been a potent breeding ground for malevolent black metal acts. Horna, one of Finland's most revered bands in the genre, are currently finalizing their upcoming release "Sanojesi Äärelle". With a new album to released in a matter of weeks and the "Blood Fire Death" US tour in November Masterful Magazine caught up with Horna guitarist Shatraug. He was eager to talk about their new album, the band's illustrious past and the status of his other project Sargeist.

Hails, Shatraug. First off, let's discuss the new album entitled, "Sanojesi Äärelle". Knowing the other albums Horna has released, what can we expect from this latest offering?

Hails. The new album is something everyone will surely recognize as Horna. We have taken all the "best" we saw in previous albums and basically gathered songs for this creation, culminating our composition and writing into one massive opus.

When is it going to be released?

Tentative release date is for October 2008.

Is the artwork finished for this release? If so, can you describe what we can expect?

Yes, everything for this is ready. The album cover continues the same themes we started with "Viha ja Viikate" mini and "Envaatnags..." album and is an art of sorcery, spells, alchemy and devil worship. It was done by König of Sperber Illustrations and this is certainly one magnificent work!

Horna's been together for 15 years (started in 1993)! Out of these 15 years which moment sticks out in your mind the most from Horna's history?

Still and forever it has to be the first gig we ever did back in 1996 at Saarijärvi. The whole evening was such chaos and getting out of town in a police escort... That will never be forgotten. Surely there are other memorable moments but this was the first to come to mind.

Do you see yourself releasing albums with Horna in another 5 or 10 years from now?

Possibly, it all depends how much inspiration there is and if we can make something better than on previous records. When it starts to feel like there's nothing to do better, then we will no longer do anything new, simple as that. I have always hated bands who carried on by releasing album after another or mediocre stuff instead of aiming at the best possible creation. There are far too many...

The end of 2008 is fast approaching... Is it true that Horna may not be touring after the year is finished?

Yes, that is correct. We have some personal problems and situations in life that won't allow touring anymore, even now it's possible only because we chose to do this like a once in a life time chance instead or having regrets...

May we touch on why Nazgul left Horna in 2001?

At that moment in time he felt like stopping all musical activity and then decided to continue on his own, expressing his view of black metal. It was never anything dramatic.

On "Perimä Vihassa Ja Verikostossa" release (one of my favourite pieces of art by the legendary Kris Verwimp) there is a song entitled ‘A Ring to Rule'. As well as the name of Horna's first full-length entitled "Kohti yhdeksän nousua" even pays homage to LOTR. Are you a pretty big fan?

Back then we used to be more inspired by fantasy. I still personally enjoy it but it has no place in Horna today, none at all, and even back in the day it was done in accordance to "democracy" within the band.

How well did Peter Jackson do transferring J.R.R Tolkien's books into the big-screen?

I think the movies are really good. They don't have the same emotional charge as the books do but then again, it would be impossible. As entertainment the movies are certainly great.

Unto other things. You are the owner of Grievantee Productions... Tell us some information about this company and what you do there.

Grievantee is a label dedicated to underground black metal. I have released quite a few bands so far and will continue this as long as it pleases me. Everyone can go take a look at www.grievantee.com for past and current releases.

Unto your solo project now. I am curious as to if Sargeist plans on releasing another album?

Sargeist is slowly returning from hiatus. A new 7"EP is going to press as we speak and work for third album might start this autumn, depending on time and inspiration...

Thank you very much for this interview, Shatraug. Wish you and Horna the best in the future. Do you have any last words before departure to our readers?

Praise the Lord.

Site: www.legion-horna.com
Booking: shatraug@grievantee.com

Horna

Wywiad przeprowadził - Barry Beck

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