Horna

Horna is a Finnish black metal group from Lappeenranta, Finland. It forms in 1994 and remains active. The band is also known as Shadowed in an earlier incarnation.

Background

Horna takes its name from a Finnish word meaning “abyss” or “hell”. The name is chosen by Shatraug because it sounds harsh and powerful to him. The group is formed by vocalist and guitarist Shatraug and guitarist Moredhel.

The band does not begin recording until early 1995. Its first demo, Varjoissa, appears in September 1995 and sells out.

Recordings and releases

In 1996, Nazgul von Armageddon takes over vocal duties. The band records its first full-length album, Hiidentorni, in January 1997, which leads to a deal with the Greek label Solistitium Records. Horna continues to release albums through this label until June 1998.

By this point, Moredhel and bassist Skratt leave the band. Bassist Thanatos replaces Skratt soon afterwards, and Moredhel rejoins that August.

In 1999, Horna signs to the Norwegian label Oskorei Productions for a vinyl-only release of its third album, Haudankylmyyden Mailla. Through much of the early 2000s, the group releases a run of limited vinyl-only EPs and split albums, with full-length studio albums appearing in the latter half of the decade.

Across its career, Horna appears on more than thirty releases, including splits, demos, EPs and albums, issued through numerous record labels.

Line-up changes and later activity

Nazgul von Armageddon leaves in 2002, after which Corvus handles vocals. In July 2003, guitarist Aarni T. Otava leaves the group; Horna says the reason is a loss of dedication, and notes that its performance at Tuska Open Air Metal Festival in 2003 is its last with Otava on guitar.

In 2008, the band tours the United States and plays its first American show on Halloween at The Black Castle.

Members

Current members listed for the band include Jyri Vahvanen, Jarkko Heilimo, Shatraug, Lauri Penttilä, Vainaja, Lord Sargofagian and Tuomas Rytkönen.