Havukruunu – Tvastland

It’s easy to get lost in a large Coniferous forest, especially in the winter when the land is frozen, the air is bracingly sharp and snow covers the scenery. Somehow Havukruunu have manifested that feeling of wonder and mystique bordering on terror and anxiety, one that is often experienced wondering the woods, though their unique and ever changing  Pagan Black Metal art.

Having released 3 full lengths in a 5 year time span, primary musician Stefa has taken the same refractory period for this new album ‘Tvastland”. Havukruunu fuse melodic BM with folk chanting and other ambient pieces to create their powerful version of Pagan BM. Guitar solos pierce through providing moments of bliss and clarity. Fans of  Moonsorrow, Kampfar and Enslaved will find alot to love here. A Track-by-track review follows.

• Kuolematon laulunhenki – The album opens with a brief spoken word sample that gives way to melodic riffs. Vocals come in and are both harsh and clean. Soon a guitar solos rips through providing a pivot point as the song winds to a close
• Yönsynty – This track begins with slow riffing , ritualistic drums and chant like vocals that remind one of many a Pagan BM bands, eventually this leads to rather melancholic solos closing out a contemplative song
• Havukruunu ja talvenvarjo – One of the more melodically relentless tracks this one starts and doesn’t let up for its runtime
• Tavastland – Bird call summons a powerful storm of riffs and catchy vocals. A dynamic song that engages the listener this is a highlight of the album
• Kuoleman oma – Starting with a short acoustic piece this is a very pretty sounding song that also keeps ones head bouncing for its duration. The vocal variety is especially effective here. A beautiful pair of solos occur just after the midpoint and the song picks up speed for its final portion
• Unissakävijä – Exploding out the gate this song is fairly straightforward and just simply ROCKS. Another highlight of the album
• Kun veri sekoittuu lumeen – A very fun song, melodic and heavy yet dynamic and full of shredding
• De Miseriis Fennorum – The album closes out much the way it began, with spoken word and epic riffing.

A wonderfully dynamic and impactful record Tvastland is one of the standout albums for the first quarter of 2025. This will be one of the best albums this year, I am sure of that. There is something here for fans of all types of metal, and the album is quite an easy listen. Havukruunu is a band that leaves an impact on the listener and is something that could be listened to all day. Tvastland is their best output to date and is a prime example for the genre and music as a whole.

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UPDATE 3/17/25

I received an answer to a few simple interview questions that are below. Thanks to Stefa for his time!

• Hello who am I communicating with and where are you located?

Hello, this is Stefa, can you hear/see me? I am located in between worlds of the living, and the dead, so there might be some slight interference, but do not be afraid: They cannot harm you if you stay still.

• All you’re albums sound slightly unique from one another, how would you describe the sound of this album compared to past releases?

I attempted originally to do “uneasy listening” but ALAS! The material made me clarify everything to the max of my ability. It’s still pretty rough around the edges, and what’s most important, total DIY job. No professional studios, no producers, no technicians. Just me and my tape recorders and stuff.

• I am curious about the landscapes and weather/atmosphere about your locale during the writing and recording of this album particularly the trees and your namesake, the “Coniferous Crown”.

Well we got the many pines, and the birch tree, i wander through my forest, i sleep on the mossy mattress, i make my intent known under the branches of the whispering aspen, and talk to the night-folk in the shadowing serenity of north woodland. I dont record trees on albums, though.

• As I am able to understand Tvastland refers to a pre modern version of finland. What does Tavastland refer to specifically? A place? A people?

Tavastia is a county in finland, and a historical part of finland. Tavastland refers to the place, and its people, the tavastians. Signs of settlement are to be traced to the ice age and beyond there. We are slow in our anger, yet once it is awakened, all hell is loose.
This place, this people still recide there. And we are proud to make our peculiar ways known, and remembered.

• Are the song lyrics historical in any way?

Yeah, well, yes and no. I often write of inner turmoil and sorrow, yet i tend to weave these emotions into metaphors that deal with natural, and supernatural elements, history, mythology, astrophysics. U know, it’s like expressionist and romantic painting with words.

• Where are the samples and quotes from?

From an old TV-documentary regarding the past of finnish and tavastian folk.

• Who is the album artist? Did they do more of the art featured on the album?

Its Heidi again, she did the cover art. I did the other pictures and photos and Kalle-Erik did the overall design.

• Any tour plans?

No tour plans, we do shows here and there, but i am chronically unwell, in many ways, and a certain nobleman uttered the known truth  that “it is a black omen to journey in poor health.”

• Favorite albums from your finnish contempries and worldwide of the last few years?

Umm Malicious did Merciless Storm a while ago which rocked my world. I dont know man, i dont much listen to metal. I more like Hällas and such.

• Is there anything you would like to say about the album, the band, or yourself?

Not really. Listen to it, and immerse yourself in a time long gone. Ditch your phone, and get out to walk, run, swim or whatever i dont care, just go.