Havukruunu Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Havukruunu is a finnish duo, evoking images of pagan past.

2.So far you have released 2 demo's, an ep, single and a full length, how would you describe your musical sound in the beginning and what it has progresses into on the new recording?

Of the released demos (we've done some demos and an EP of sorts before 2013 also, but those really don't count...) on the first demo, we had a really great "outdoor"-sound, but the playing was sloppy and ideas were executed halfway. The progress has been really in the field of  the focus and thought that goes into the music. We spend a lot of time listening on really raw demo versions of the songs, and just think it through. Obviously the musicianship has evolved to a higher level, and with each release, the amount of the HEAVY METAL riffs and passages has increased. "Havulinnaan" is a kind of "best of" of what we wish to do now.

3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

This kind of lyrical style allows a lot to be explored really. We write about the woe and void of this mortal life, existential thoughts expressed through pagan and nature metaphors. Feelings of loss and disappointment from knowing the history of mankind, and witnessing the horror we cast upon ourselves and the earth. We also write much of the inherent fear of darkness we all have, the fear of the mystical, eerie night and what's left unseen.

4.I know that the bands name means "coniferous  crown"  in  Finnish, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

It fits perfectly, as the influence of northern woodlands and dark wintry nights on our work is huge. Havukruunu is the sign of the imaginative people who venture the twilight and long to witness the secrets of the nightside.

5.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you planning on expanding the line up in the future or do you chose to remain a duo?

This has been, and will be a subject to change occasionally, with people around me coming and going, Humö now being the longest standing member besides me. But that does not undermine the talent of the people i work with. Personal situations change, and people need to prioritize other things in their life. Playing live is too an option, and we most certainly will always bring forth the people who will make it happen. But we will see how that goes, if that ever becomes reality.

6.You have had a busy year so far with a single, ep and a full length all being released in the past few months, does the band put a great amount of time and effort into writing, creating and composing new music?

It is a constant process, as ive demo'ed stuff for ten years now and for releases we just pick those that share the same athmospheres and themes. All music is created with great passion and focus. With all releases we double our efforts to make it sound as good as possible.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black and pagan metal?

Surprising, for me at least. And seems like when the people who like this kind of music find something they like, they commit to it. To actually get feedback from doing more music in an inflated scene like this, fills me with an utmost respect for those supporting Havukruunu.

8.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Hard to say really, but it seems we are slowly heading stylistically towards more heavy metal kind of stuff. But it's not like we can not ever return (or regress if you will) back to this black metal-ish stuff, or do things even more grim and bleak. Needless to say, though, that whatever happens in musical directions, the athmosphere stays the same. It's like expressing yourself with different languages. The core message is the same.

9.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Havukruunu is influenced by classic heavy metal, and obviously black metal. Bathory, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Manowar and Dark Throne and you cannot go wrong. I've been listening a lot to 70's progressive and psychedelic rock lately. Seems it has been a trendy thing lately to do things in this psychedelic occult-rock style, but i've noticed that people get the image and the vintage visual look right with the actual music lacking.

10.How would you describe your views on Paganism?

Somewhat innocent, we don't actually study the subject that much really. For a large part it comes from the inside, how do you view life and existence? What is the relationship between self and nature?
Of course we know history and myths, but in this context, it's not about name-dropping gods.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

We have jobs, and besides that we are fully occupied in music. In Havukruunu and other projects.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thank you for your interest. Check out "Havulinnaan" through Naturmacht productions.

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