Horna (FI)

About

Also known as: Shadowed

Horna, whose name translates from Finnish as "abyss" or "hell", has been one of Finland's most prolific black metal acts since forming in Lappeenranta in 1994. Over three decades they have amassed a catalog of more than fifty releases, spanning demos, splits, EPs and full length albums, with lyrics steeped in Satanism and anti Christian themes. Some early material even drew on J.R.R. Tolkien's mythology, which gives you a sense of how the band's sonic world evolved over time. Founded by guitarist Shatraug, who remains the one constant member, Horna has cycled through vocalists and lineups while keeping their raw, uncompromising sound intact. Their 2024 album Nyx, subtitled Hymnejä Yölle, shows the band is still very much active and releasing new work, with tracks like the three part Hymni series appearing that same year. They've never been without controversy, largely tied to the views of former vocalist Nazgul von Armageddon, though the band has consistently distanced itself from any nationalist or political ideology.