Hiidenhauta is a black metal band from Finland, formed in early 2012 by vocalists Fornjotur and Riena. They were soon joined by keyboardist Gastjäle, bassist Ihtirieckos, and drummer Rostiof while guitarist Marras joined shortly afterwards. Very few will be able to understand the lyrics, as they are written in old Finnish Kalevalametre but apparently they are about nature, Baltic-Finnish mythology, against Christianity, history and darkness. Just looking at the cover artwork and the logo it is possible to see that what we have here is a Black Metal act, but what makes them a little out of the ordinary is that they are a melodic Black Metal act, and there aren’t many of these around. At least not many that seem to be able to meld the melody with the brutality and cold emotion such as these guys.
The other thing that makes them stand out is the use of two singers, male and female, yes I know that bands such as Cradle of Filth have been doing this for years but it is still unusual within a scene that is heavily male oriented and dominated. That, combined with keyboard sounds they are using, means that at times they come across as slightly Gothic but it is always a tinge as opposed to full on homage and I found myself wondering what would Pete Steele would think of this, and somehow I think he would approve. There are some very good bands indeed coming out of Finland at present and there is no doubt that Hiidenhauta are worth taking a close look at. Powerful yet catchy, Black yet with hooks, this is a fascinating debut.
www.inverse.fi
