Horna
Horna is back with a new material called "Musta Kaipuu", a new opus in which we will find the true essence that guide this awesome terrorist extreme Metal gang since 1993, and probably the most impressive material released by this unholy entity! Because I really like this combo, since its early days, I decided that will be a great opportunity to "grab out" some more info about "Musta Kaipuu", and thanks to its label Debemur Morti Productions look what I got for you from band's leader and mastermind Shatraug!
Arcana Noctis: Blackest and the darkest hails out there from Romania! How are you and what are the news from Horna now that band's last opus has just been released?
Shatraug: Satanic hails! Horna is currently preparing for October live ritual celebration of the band's 15 years of blasphemous existence! This unique rite will be performed entirely with the original line-up and we are focusing on our first songs, even playing some which have never been in a live desecration previously. After this we are going to focus on more touring with a session vocalist Spellgoth while Corvus is going through his time of meditation and mental rest. We plan to begin the creation of new Horna material in late 2010 but it's yet too early to speak more of it...
Arcana Noctis: If I'm not wrong this 10 songs material was recorded long time ago, probably in the same time with "Envaatnags Eflos Solf Esgantaavne" released in 2005! Why did you decided to record some of your old and unused tracks instead of doing a new material?
Shatraug: Yes, "Musta Kaipuu" was recorded entirely back in 2004 when we did the "Envaatnags..." album itself. Each of the songs featured on the CD have been previously on vinyl or tape only and they are released as they were, not re-recorded or anything like that. The overall sound and atmosphere of these songs are from the same moment in our past and finally we chose to make them available for everyone (instead of mp3 leeching scum). "Musta Kaipuu" simply stands on it's own as a full album length release and personally I think some of its praises are above the "Envaatnags..." album. Then again, "Envaatnags..." was partly made in order to finish the contract we had for Woodcut Records at the time.
Arcana Noctis: At the time this material was recorded as a trio: Shatraug, Sargofagian and Ravenum! It was difficult to record this material in band's new formula, considering that today's line-up consists of Shatraug, Infection, Qraken, Corvus and Vainaja?
Shatraug: Corvus has been a part of Horna since 2002 and his involvement is present on every recording since then, and of course he was chanting all the curses on "Musta Kaipuu" as well. These recordings have been very simple actually – we had gathered at the rehearsal place, created and recorded the songs as they came out, quite natural, partly improvised and with the initial inspiration. A moment's spur of possession...
Arcana Noctis: Released a while ago by Debemur Morti Productions, "Musta Kaipuu" is for sure a very important step in band's career! Could you please introduce us this material, by telling us the details about it and the story behind the songs?
Shatraug: As I mentioned before, the story behind these songs began when Woodcut Records was having some problems and we wanted to leave the label to be free to sign elsewhere. We didn't want to take too much time to compose and create, but instead took it to the rehearsal bunker and had a few rituals there, revealing the finished recordings of "Envaatnags..." and its foul offspring. Another important motive was to maintain quality throughout the album even if it was intended for a release that helped us fulfil a contractual obligation in the first place. As it turns out, "Musta Kaipuu" features the darkest and perhaps also most melodic songs Horna has ever made.
Arcana Noctis: Recorded 5 years ago "Musta Kaipuu" is band's last opus; but what does it brings new at the musical level?
Shatraug: I've never thought of doing anything with a sense of "bringing anything new" musically, every song for me has always been another chant for the dark lord. The innovations come through an honest approach and dedication, not a constant search for something "new". Lyrical magic of the songs has always been a total opposite – a challenge, study, rituals, prayers – emblems of emotion and spiritual growth.
Arcana Noctis: Who is the main responsible for the cover artwork and how does it fits with the musical and lyrical concepts?
Shatraug: For "Musta Kaipuu" the cover art was painted by a talented Swiss artist Gwabryel who is most famous for his Lovecraftian arts I guess. He has captured our vision of the art with perfection.
Arcana Noctis: "Musta Kaipuu" was officially released on 17.07.2009! Could you tell us what is the general opinion on it although it isn't on the Metal market from a long period?
Shatraug: I have no idea. I do not follow the media or market and their reactions to our music. Comrades have so far told me this album is partially even stronger material than "Envaatnags..." was, and that is enough to know.
Arcana Noctis: Although "Musta Kaipuu" is a material that contains songs recorded 5 years ago, should we consider it to be as your best CD? Is this album a step forward for Horna in your point of view?
Shatraug: I wouldn't say it's necessarily the best work we have done, I don't think about music like that. What I do think is personal satisfaction, and when the music I compose pleases myself, it doesn't always have to give me the chills or feel like the best thing I have ever done, it just becomes a part of me and a part of the entity known as Horna. We have never aimed or tried to reach any progress or taking the next step but rather keep on finding a new perspective for the black art we are possessed with.
Arcana Noctis: Considering that until "Musta Kaipuu" you have recorded a lot of interesting materials, such as: splits, tapes, MCDs and full lengths, which one will be the closer to your last opus? And how should we take it in the end? As 10 rare songs or as a normal step forward in band's career?
Shatraug: Obviously, "Envaatnags..." is the closest to this new CD release but other than that, I do not think any other release sounds too similar. Horna has always been pure Black Metal but we can still look at it from different angles and add a little bit of something new in the mix, keeping our sound and idea alive. "Musta Kaipuu" is both a compilation of ten rare songs and a full album of its own. We have chosen these songs because of their relation to the recording sessions and the dark likeness of the material presented on the various releases these songs had been on.
Arcana Noctis: When you founded the band, 16 years ago, did you ever think that you are going under the same name for such a long period?
Shatraug: That is hard to say. There have been times when I thought the band would end but up until now there has always been something new to keep the black flame burning...
Arcana Noctis: Should we consider Horna's actual line-up as the best you had until now? Or we should take into consideration the unholy trinity you did together with: Corvus and Saturnus to be as the best in band's history?
Shatraug: The current one feels the best, no doubt. With all credit to Saturnus and his impact on Horna, even the best of friends can't always be a part of the same band. His musical interests went a slightly different way. With each line-up change there is always some doubts how it will work but so far so good. I know there can't be changes forever and I feel for sure than when me and Corvus decide to part ways, Horna will no longer be. I've had the pleasure of sharing our passion with him and this legacy will never be tarnished...
Arcana Noctis: In 16 years of activity you have recorded more than 40 materials in various formats and under different labels! What's the main reason to record so many materials in the end? Don't you think that your fans will consider it as a way to grab some more money out of their pockets?
Shatraug: Ha-ha, if we were to have all the money we would be doing something more profitable. Doing a lot of releases has not paid the bills... We do it because we like it and because some shorter releases would never have fit an actual album due to the different feel and concept of the songs. I don't think we have recorded that much either, creativity is something which I do not understand putting any limit to. You can only reach new heights by climbing to the top first.
Arcana Noctis: This is your 8th material recorded for and under Debemur Morti's banner! What do you think about this collaboration and what you expect in the future from this label?
Shatraug: Debemur Morti has been one of the best labels we have worked together with and hopefully our brotherhood will carry on as long as the band is alive. His support and dedication for Horna is beyond the call of duty. I would also like to express gratitude to the German vinyl maniacs of Blut & Eisen, Deviant Records and Obscure Abhorrence with whom I have always had the chance to work together with. Total devotion!
Arcana Noctis: Tell us if you already started to promote the new opus, and what will be the next step in your live activity?
Shatraug: The next step is our live ritual celebration of 15 years of active existence with Horna at the end of October in Helsinki at the Black Flames Of Blasphemy fest. After this we will play at The Black Lake Metal fest in Italy on Halloween. Then unto the new year...
Arcana Noctis: Your last split EP was released in 2007 and you partners were Peste Noire! Are you going to prepare something in this way in the near future? And what's the main reason to record split EP's if we take into consideration that Horna isn't a new band or an underground one neither?
Shatraug: We do split releases with the same intent we have always done – to share something with a band we like and want to support, giving fans a chance to discover a new band with our personal "recommendation" in a way. The next split release is a 7" EP with Hungarian band Nefarious. After this we have no planned splits to release and have recorded none either.
Arcana Noctis: What are your relations with your past members and what do you think about their actual combos: Satanic Warmaster (for Satanic Warmaster), Battlelore (for Moredhel), Profanum (for Vrasjarn), Hammer (for Raven) and Total Self Hatred (for Saturnus)?
Shatraug: I am in touch and support most of the guys still, even if we do not share the same musical vision in a band together. Battlelore or Profetus are not too interesting, although I always check out what they release and what the new material sounds like. Satanic Warmaster and Hammer are great. Total Self Hatred falls somewhere in between these two.
Arcana Noctis: How your future will look like and what should we expect from mighty Horna from now on? Also, tell us when a new album will be ready and how it will going to sound like?
Shatraug: For now we will take it slow and easy, just playing live and focusing on other bands of ours. When a new album begins to take form and how it will sound like I can not tell now. It's still somewhere in the distant future...
Arcana Noctis: Man, that will be all for now! Thank you so much and I hope to see you around! Do you have something to add in the end?
Shatraug: Per omnia in honorem tuo, Satanas...
Arcana Noctis: Blackest and the darkest hails out there from Romania! How are you and what are the news from Horna now that band's last opus has just been released?
Shatraug: Satanic hails! Horna is currently preparing for October live ritual celebration of the band's 15 years of blasphemous existence! This unique rite will be performed entirely with the original line-up and we are focusing on our first songs, even playing some which have never been in a live desecration previously. After this we are going to focus on more touring with a session vocalist Spellgoth while Corvus is going through his time of meditation and mental rest. We plan to begin the creation of new Horna material in late 2010 but it's yet too early to speak more of it...Arcana Noctis: If I'm not wrong this 10 songs material was recorded long time ago, probably in the same time with "Envaatnags Eflos Solf Esgantaavne" released in 2005! Why did you decided to record some of your old and unused tracks instead of doing a new material?
Shatraug: Yes, "Musta Kaipuu" was recorded entirely back in 2004 when we did the "Envaatnags..." album itself. Each of the songs featured on the CD have been previously on vinyl or tape only and they are released as they were, not re-recorded or anything like that. The overall sound and atmosphere of these songs are from the same moment in our past and finally we chose to make them available for everyone (instead of mp3 leeching scum). "Musta Kaipuu" simply stands on it's own as a full album length release and personally I think some of its praises are above the "Envaatnags..." album. Then again, "Envaatnags..." was partly made in order to finish the contract we had for Woodcut Records at the time.
Arcana Noctis: At the time this material was recorded as a trio: Shatraug, Sargofagian and Ravenum! It was difficult to record this material in band's new formula, considering that today's line-up consists of Shatraug, Infection, Qraken, Corvus and Vainaja?
Shatraug: Corvus has been a part of Horna since 2002 and his involvement is present on every recording since then, and of course he was chanting all the curses on "Musta Kaipuu" as well. These recordings have been very simple actually – we had gathered at the rehearsal place, created and recorded the songs as they came out, quite natural, partly improvised and with the initial inspiration. A moment's spur of possession...
Arcana Noctis: Released a while ago by Debemur Morti Productions, "Musta Kaipuu" is for sure a very important step in band's career! Could you please introduce us this material, by telling us the details about it and the story behind the songs?
Shatraug: As I mentioned before, the story behind these songs began when Woodcut Records was having some problems and we wanted to leave the label to be free to sign elsewhere. We didn't want to take too much time to compose and create, but instead took it to the rehearsal bunker and had a few rituals there, revealing the finished recordings of "Envaatnags..." and its foul offspring. Another important motive was to maintain quality throughout the album even if it was intended for a release that helped us fulfil a contractual obligation in the first place. As it turns out, "Musta Kaipuu" features the darkest and perhaps also most melodic songs Horna has ever made.
Arcana Noctis: Recorded 5 years ago "Musta Kaipuu" is band's last opus; but what does it brings new at the musical level?
Shatraug: I've never thought of doing anything with a sense of "bringing anything new" musically, every song for me has always been another chant for the dark lord. The innovations come through an honest approach and dedication, not a constant search for something "new". Lyrical magic of the songs has always been a total opposite – a challenge, study, rituals, prayers – emblems of emotion and spiritual growth.
Arcana Noctis: Who is the main responsible for the cover artwork and how does it fits with the musical and lyrical concepts?
Shatraug: For "Musta Kaipuu" the cover art was painted by a talented Swiss artist Gwabryel who is most famous for his Lovecraftian arts I guess. He has captured our vision of the art with perfection.
Arcana Noctis: "Musta Kaipuu" was officially released on 17.07.2009! Could you tell us what is the general opinion on it although it isn't on the Metal market from a long period?
Shatraug: I have no idea. I do not follow the media or market and their reactions to our music. Comrades have so far told me this album is partially even stronger material than "Envaatnags..." was, and that is enough to know.
Arcana Noctis: Although "Musta Kaipuu" is a material that contains songs recorded 5 years ago, should we consider it to be as your best CD? Is this album a step forward for Horna in your point of view?
Shatraug: I wouldn't say it's necessarily the best work we have done, I don't think about music like that. What I do think is personal satisfaction, and when the music I compose pleases myself, it doesn't always have to give me the chills or feel like the best thing I have ever done, it just becomes a part of me and a part of the entity known as Horna. We have never aimed or tried to reach any progress or taking the next step but rather keep on finding a new perspective for the black art we are possessed with.
Arcana Noctis: Considering that until "Musta Kaipuu" you have recorded a lot of interesting materials, such as: splits, tapes, MCDs and full lengths, which one will be the closer to your last opus? And how should we take it in the end? As 10 rare songs or as a normal step forward in band's career?
Shatraug: Obviously, "Envaatnags..." is the closest to this new CD release but other than that, I do not think any other release sounds too similar. Horna has always been pure Black Metal but we can still look at it from different angles and add a little bit of something new in the mix, keeping our sound and idea alive. "Musta Kaipuu" is both a compilation of ten rare songs and a full album of its own. We have chosen these songs because of their relation to the recording sessions and the dark likeness of the material presented on the various releases these songs had been on.
Arcana Noctis: When you founded the band, 16 years ago, did you ever think that you are going under the same name for such a long period?
Shatraug: That is hard to say. There have been times when I thought the band would end but up until now there has always been something new to keep the black flame burning...
Arcana Noctis: Should we consider Horna's actual line-up as the best you had until now? Or we should take into consideration the unholy trinity you did together with: Corvus and Saturnus to be as the best in band's history?
Shatraug: The current one feels the best, no doubt. With all credit to Saturnus and his impact on Horna, even the best of friends can't always be a part of the same band. His musical interests went a slightly different way. With each line-up change there is always some doubts how it will work but so far so good. I know there can't be changes forever and I feel for sure than when me and Corvus decide to part ways, Horna will no longer be. I've had the pleasure of sharing our passion with him and this legacy will never be tarnished...
Arcana Noctis: In 16 years of activity you have recorded more than 40 materials in various formats and under different labels! What's the main reason to record so many materials in the end? Don't you think that your fans will consider it as a way to grab some more money out of their pockets?
Shatraug: Ha-ha, if we were to have all the money we would be doing something more profitable. Doing a lot of releases has not paid the bills... We do it because we like it and because some shorter releases would never have fit an actual album due to the different feel and concept of the songs. I don't think we have recorded that much either, creativity is something which I do not understand putting any limit to. You can only reach new heights by climbing to the top first.
Arcana Noctis: This is your 8th material recorded for and under Debemur Morti's banner! What do you think about this collaboration and what you expect in the future from this label?Shatraug: Debemur Morti has been one of the best labels we have worked together with and hopefully our brotherhood will carry on as long as the band is alive. His support and dedication for Horna is beyond the call of duty. I would also like to express gratitude to the German vinyl maniacs of Blut & Eisen, Deviant Records and Obscure Abhorrence with whom I have always had the chance to work together with. Total devotion!
Arcana Noctis: Tell us if you already started to promote the new opus, and what will be the next step in your live activity?
Shatraug: The next step is our live ritual celebration of 15 years of active existence with Horna at the end of October in Helsinki at the Black Flames Of Blasphemy fest. After this we will play at The Black Lake Metal fest in Italy on Halloween. Then unto the new year...
Arcana Noctis: Your last split EP was released in 2007 and you partners were Peste Noire! Are you going to prepare something in this way in the near future? And what's the main reason to record split EP's if we take into consideration that Horna isn't a new band or an underground one neither?
Shatraug: We do split releases with the same intent we have always done – to share something with a band we like and want to support, giving fans a chance to discover a new band with our personal "recommendation" in a way. The next split release is a 7" EP with Hungarian band Nefarious. After this we have no planned splits to release and have recorded none either.
Arcana Noctis: What are your relations with your past members and what do you think about their actual combos: Satanic Warmaster (for Satanic Warmaster), Battlelore (for Moredhel), Profanum (for Vrasjarn), Hammer (for Raven) and Total Self Hatred (for Saturnus)?
Shatraug: I am in touch and support most of the guys still, even if we do not share the same musical vision in a band together. Battlelore or Profetus are not too interesting, although I always check out what they release and what the new material sounds like. Satanic Warmaster and Hammer are great. Total Self Hatred falls somewhere in between these two.
Arcana Noctis: How your future will look like and what should we expect from mighty Horna from now on? Also, tell us when a new album will be ready and how it will going to sound like?
Shatraug: For now we will take it slow and easy, just playing live and focusing on other bands of ours. When a new album begins to take form and how it will sound like I can not tell now. It's still somewhere in the distant future...
Arcana Noctis: Man, that will be all for now! Thank you so much and I hope to see you around! Do you have something to add in the end?
Shatraug: Per omnia in honorem tuo, Satanas...