Scandinavia has always been a great source for black metal. The region has produced many greats within the genre, and continues to produce many up and coming acts that deserve the spotlight as well. One of these new bands is Havukrunnu, a group that plays raw Pagan black metal, and does so very well. In 2017, the band released their sophomore full-length, titled “Kelle Surut Soi”, and it’s an album that shows off that an epic feel doesn’t need to come with higher production value. “Jo Nakyvi Pohan Portit” opens this album up, and does so with the sound of wind, before launching into some well-written raw black metal. The vocals on here are well done, and this song features one of many guitar solos on this album. “Vainovalkeat” is the next track, and has an ambient intro, before a really nice riff kicks in. This song has solid writing, and features plenty of melodic riffing and another nice solo.
This is followed up by “Noidanhauta”, which opens with a nice acoustic guitar. This track has a haunting vibe and more terrific riffs. This song definitely has more of the Pagan side of the band showing, and it provides some much-needed variation. “Vainajain Valot” is next, and this song is fast and chaotic as hell. The fast pace continues through the whole song, despite softening towards the end. There are also some really nice clean vocals on here, which add another layer to this group’s sound. This leads into “Vaeltaja” which begins with another good riff. The pace on this song is a bit slower. The cleans are used here again, and the lead guitar features some very melodic writing. “Myrskynkutsja” is next, and this song begins with an ambient intro that slowly builds into a raw but epic black metal song with even more well-written riffs. The writing on here is tight, and there is another great solo on here.
“Verikuu” has a nice black metal opening, and continues the use of clean vocals. This song is much more melodic than the previous songs, definitely giving it a different vibe. “Kelle Surut Soi” ends this album, and does so on a great note. Opening with waves and acoustic guitar, the album then launches into more well-written black metal. The riffs are, as always, well written, and the lead guitar helps the melody of this track. The solo featured on this song is great as well, and helps complete the package. This is a very good album. The band is able to combine the melody and the raw production very well, providing a strong outing that is worth checking out.
Overall Score: 9.0/10
Review by Sam Hookom
