THE BEAST

By now, HORNA should need no introduction. For over 25 years now, the Finnish black metal institution - founded by uber-prolific guitarist/songwriter Shatraug (SARGEIST, Behexen, et al) - have built a vast, virulent body of work beyond compare. In fact, when one mentions "Finnish black metal" nowadays, the name HORNA is immediately invoked...and for good reason. Simply put, their vision of unapologetic BLACK METAL is proud and pure, and played with an intensity and finesse that's familiar yet unique.

While it's been five long years between full-lengths, HORNA have kept busy on the live front and, of course, hailing the ancient ways through splits, EPs, and even a live album and a Japanese-exclusive recording. In that interim, too, the lineup has shifted once again, with Shatraug and equally long-standing vocalist Spellgoth and guitarist Infection remaining, and the arrival of drummer LRH and bassist VnoM making their first recorded HORNA album appearance with Kuoleman Kirjo. As can be expected, this lineup shift has reinvigorated the band, but also underlines how enduring and singular the HORNA sound is. The preceding Hengen Tulet, released in 2015 via W.T.C., retained a foully headbanging aesthetic - well, as much as HORNA can be conventionally "headbanging" anyway - with a nightsky melodicism coursing through those chilling veins. No less chilling, if not more so, Kuoleman Kirjo takes on an altogether-moodier aspect, with tempos remaining nearly as fast but the riffing of Shatraug and Infection showing a more contemplative side - somber at times, folky at others, but righteously classic in a most '90s manner. In fact, one could compare Kuoleman Kirjo to early HORNA touchstones as Kohti yhdeksän nousua and especially Haudankylmyyden mailla, but in a more streamlined form - and one more asskicking, as per this lineup's utterly tyrannical stature onstage.
The past is alive because the present is dead; there is no future. HORNA thus continue to stand immortal, and Kuoleman Kirjo is the only firmament on the foreseeable horizon.

 
Format: Digipak CD, Gatefold DLP, Digital
Genre: black metal
Catalogue Nr.: W.T.C.200
 
Tracklist
1. Saatanan Viha
2. Elegia
3. Uneton
4. Sydänkuoro
5. Elävänä, Kuolleena
6. Kärsimysten Katedraali
7. Haudattujen Tähtien Yönä
8. Rakas Kuu
9. Unohtumaton
10. Mustat Vuodet
11. Pyhä Kuolema
12. Veriuhri
13. Ota Minut Vastaan
 
Lineup
Shatraug - guitars
Infection - guitars
Spellgoth - vocals
LRH - drums
VnoM - Bass

Credits
Composed by Shatraug and Infection. Lyrics by Shatraug.
Arrangements by Horna.
Recorded and mixed at Demonspeed Music:
Mastered at Trollhouse Audio.
Cover photos by HZ.
Band photo frames by Kirill Svart.
Horna symbol by Kris Verwimp.
Layout, additional illustrations and typography by Spellgoth.
Band photos by Roni Sahari, Tommi Niukkanen, Ulla Saari and Nikky Holmes.
 
MORE INFO:
Horna @ Facebook
W.T.C.Prod. @ Facebook