For all the things that black metal has been able to deliver since its inception, it’s clear that there are always a number of acts from each decade that not only stand out from the crowd, but carve a path of their own that few would dare compare themselves to. Last decade saw the undisputed rise of Havukruunu who made a phenomenal name for themselves across two EPs and three full-length albums in the course of only six years. Their streak was undeniable, and it’s now with the arrival of their fourth full-length that Havukruunu makes their impact known yet again.

Given the sheer streak that Havukruunu made for itself from 2015 to 2020, anyone familiar with the name would’ve known right away that the crafting and execution of “Tavastland” would result in anything other than what one might consider typical black metal. Having more than cemented themselves as a name that takes the concept of pagan black metal that was always able to make the sound their own while constantly putting forth a consistent display of quality that extremely few others could ever hope to tap into, “Tavastland” was damn near always destined for greatness. Well over fifty minutes of a tale that rebellion from almost eight hundred years ago that ends in frost and blood, Havukruunu yet again defies the odds and puts forth a presentation that is sure to be a standout creation when all is said and done even by the standards of this band. It’s the kind of record that never settles in one place as the full breadth of Havukruunu’s repertoire is given the full respect that it deserves to make this work something that shines brightly even in a discography that is nigh on captivating from top to bottom. Time shines favorably on a number of different bands for all sorts of reasons, and that certainly proves to be the case here.

“Tavastland” is the return many of us have been hoping for with all that went into this record nothing short of the next step forward for Havukruunu and the one of the most intoxicating performances that 2025 could have asked for. Havukruunu really began making a name for itself a decade ago, and it’s since that the Finnish act has done nothing but deliver. Even now with all they achieved in “Tavastland”, Havukruunu stands tall as a name that demands respect for all that it dares to be and can somehow deliver. Against all odds, the old world has an exceedingly strong voice through Havukruunu.

“Tavastland” releases on February 28th via Svart Records!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Tavastland” on Bandcamp here, or via YouTube below.

LIKE Havukruunu on Facebook here.