Havukruunu Interview (Stefan)

Havukruunu is a name that I often saw as the best of the latest Black Metal from the Finnish area. At the time when “Havulinnaan” (2015) or “Kelle surut soi” (2017) passed through my ears, there was no striking detail that could surpass or improve other bands from their country. Out there some influencers said Pagan Black Metal. Still, in those albums that folkloric idea was almost non-existent, and like almost all Finnish bands, that concept of associating their folklore with metal comes from the early 90s. There are important names within the most extreme that managed to do that, and they were never called pagan for that concept. So, I clarify that, this band had an interesting movement within the Black Metal circle, and all the albums were recommended at the time by lovers of the style and other circles, so now we have their fourth studio album called “Tavastland”.  

Para leer la entrevista en español: Entrevista a Havukruunu  

Metallerium: Thank you for joining Metallerium Webzine! We’re honored to have you. How are you feeling ahead of Tavastland’s release, and how has the band been navigating this milestone?  

Havukruunu: Hello hello no problem. We're pretty okay, trying not too much to think about it. Recorded and mixed it fairly quick this time, you have to remember we do everything ourselves, and go to normal jobs at the same time so six months of production time is actually pretty impressive from me.  

Metallerium: Tavastland arrives nearly five years after Uinuos syömein sota (2020). When did work on this album truly begin, and what contributed to the extended creative process?  

Havukruunu: I dont remember actually? Maybe a year, year and a half ago? I wasn’t planning on doing anymore albums, I was so caught up playing the old songs to audience, and I don’t really like it all that much, so I was actually done for, but i don’t know. I woke one night and had this concept in my head. Couple of older songs, then enter trance and do new songs and there it is.  

Metallerium: How do you decide when to compose new material? Is it driven by label expectations, spontaneous inspiration, or a disciplined routine?  

Havukruunu: It's a calling, surefire signs are that I start to sleepwalk again. So spontaneous inspiration could hit close to home. Label expectations get laughed at with us, and my disciplined routine is to go to work and succumb to the expectations of a dull social system.  

Metallerium: Why did you choose Tavastland as the album’s title? What does it symbolize, and how does it tie into the lyrical and musical themes of this record compared to past work?  

Havukruunu: It's who I am. I am a Tavastian, and I think deep, I turn inwards for answers, I am slow to anger, but when I do, you'll have a hard time. This album is an introspective work for me, and reflects on years and years of odd thinking, and mental and physical illness.  

Metallerium: Your lyrics are proudly in Finnish, which adds a unique cultural layer. How do fans outside Finland connect with your music despite the language barrier?  

Havukruunu: What's weird, I feel being understanded regardless of the language barrier? Maybe it’s the way the lyrics and music match on a spiritual level. I like writing in finnish, feels natural and fresh. I could try to do couple of songs in english, but i need to practice for a while, I think.  

Metallerium: 2024 marks 20 years since Havukruunu’s formation. What does Tavastland represent for the band at this pivotal career moment?  

Havukruunu: Maybe a growth in confidence, and a very important step of not giving a fuck anymore. Also, we have to slow down and start playing dad rock, cos we're getting old.  

Metallerium: Your music blends raw intensity with immersive, almost cinematic atmosphere. How do you approach composition to evoke these timeless, transportive soundscapes?  

Havukruunu: I am basically in trance when creating, I couldn’t explain. I am but a vessel to NIGHT-FOLK and old spirits of the northern wild lands. I speak with the words of old pagan gods, and my approach to songwriting and lyric writing is DARK SORCERY, so no, I will not elaborate.  

Metallerium: After Tavastland drops, what’s next? Are there tours, collaborations, or other projects in motion? Would you consider touring Latin America?  

Havukruunu: I don't wanna tour basically at all, I am weary and ill, and have been so all my life. I continue working here, and creating in my "free time"  

Metallerium: The singles, including the title track, are already resonating. Do you follow fan feedback or media reviews? How do you handle criticism versus praise?  

Havukruunu: I don't follow feedback, you are free to hate or like, and you are free to criticize art, I think the important part of art is to create thoughts and discussion between people. And to think that’s between people who disagree???? DANGEROUS DANGEROUS!!!?!?!?!  

Metallerium: For new listeners discovering you now, what song or album would you recommend as an entry point to your discography?  

Havukruunu: Maybe some of the new stuff on Tavastland, I don't know.  

Metallerium: Are there lesser-known Finnish or international bands you feel deserve more recognition?  

Havukruunu: Yeah, PUHELINKOPPI and JUKKA & JYTÄMIMMIT.  

Metallerium: Today’s scene prioritizes singles and instant content. What drives you to keep creating full-length albums in this fast-paced era?  

Havukruunu: This is a work of art (imo) and its a 45-minutes we have provided you (and me) to disengage from waking life, and societal pressure and a means to escape the exhausting realities of normal life, which is actually, believe it or not; shit.   Also, describing music, or art as mere content is offending. How did things which are basically basic human needs turn into monetizable content and a product? We need to create, we need to interpret, dance, sing, paint, enter into a trance, commune with the netherworld, the way art has become a consumable, and "content" is not what it's supposed to be.  

Metallerium: Social media is flooded with reaction videos and “worst album” lists. Do you engage with this content? Is there value in it, or does it harm artistry?  

Havukruunu: No, I do not engage, and I think you should not too, and none should produce that kind of trash content. Social media is a waste of time and creativity, ditch your phones and live life.  

Metallerium: Have you explored metal from Latin America? What message would you share with fans and aspiring musicians there?  

Havukruunu: Sarcofago rules. No message, try to behave and take heed of what you do. Dont litter, do not disturb natures harmony.