Horna

Envaatnags Eflos Solf Esgantaavne
The End/Woodcut Records

9.5/10 – Evangels of Satan…

8 tracks; 48:56

INCREDIBLE!!!! This release contains two of the catchiest songs recorded, in any genre of music, ever! These two songs are worth the price of admission alone. The first being track 3 ‘Vala Pedolle’. I really can’t put into words how infectious this song is. It begins with this massively, upbeat, addictive riff. From there it kicks into this hypnotic, spooky, Burzumish riff. The whole thing actually reeks of Burzum, even the screams of mainman Corvus, who manages to out anguish the Count himself. Now, it is very rare anymore to experience such a high-quality song within the oversaturated BM scene, yet Horna manage to do it twice on one album! Track 6 ‘Kuoleva Lupaus’ also contains perhaps the grooviest BM riffs this side of hell!

For those not in the know, Horna make their home amongst the icy confines of Finland, comprising members of Behexen, Sargeist, Pest - amongst many others. Shatraug and crew have been plugging away on the Horna beast for just over 10yrs now, and it shows. The sound is very raw & primitive, yet the clarity still abounds. Yes this is an underground BM release (everything outta Finland can be considered underground) but because of the melody peppered throughout the songs, Horna kinda crosses-over into a more accessible form of BM. Lyrically I have no idea what the hell they are trying to say, cos every word written & screamed is done in their native tongue, yet it only adds to the mystery and intrigue that surrounds Envaatnags Eflos Solf Esgantaavne. This album is consistent in its ability to engage the listener from start to finish - a feat in and of itself!

I have absolutely no complaints about this album at all. Everything from the artwork adorning the cover (a masterpiece of Dark Art) to the band logo, has been well thought-out and, in doing so, achieves near perfect status. I just wish I could better describe the overall vibe I got from this album… hmmmmmm… I think I have it! Horna breed the groove of Green Day, with the terror of Burzum. How’s that for a comparison?!?!?

Jason Deaville