Not a new full-length, but a CD release of tracks taken from the "Envaatnags Eflos Solf Esgantaavne" recording sessions that haven't been released on CD format yet.
First 500 copies came as black polycarbonate disc.
Tracks 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10 originally released on the 2xLPs edition of Envaatnags Eflos Solf Esgantaavne.
Tracks 3 and 6 originally released on Vuohipaimen.
Track 4 originally released on Unohdetut Kasvot, Unohdettu Ääni / Un Sogno Oscuro, the split with Tenebrae In Perpetuum.
Track 5 originally released on the Morbid Tunes Of The Black Angels Part VII compilation.
Musta Kaipuu is a strange album in Horna's discography. It's status as a release is kind of complicated. Even though it's listed as a compilation album, it in fact consists of new material that, for the most part, can be heard on no other Horna release. Basically this album is a bunch of songs from an earlier session that were either not used or not completed in time. So, even though Musta Kaipuu is technically a compilation, it makes more sense to view it as a legit studio album, which is why I am writing this review.
Overall, Musta Kaipuu isn't really Horna's best work. However, when one takes into consideration the fact that these songs weren't deemed worthy of being put on a studio album, this is a fucking good album. It feels like a real album, besides a few things that I will get to later. Anyways, Musta Kaipuu begins with "Piina". I've always loved this song, it feels very dark and depressive yet at the same time there's this heavy energizing riff in the chorus that gets me hyped the fuck up. Speaking of energizing riffs, there's a lot on this album. I'd say that out of the Horna albums I've heard, this one has the most headbang worthy sections. It might be Horna's heaviest to, especially on the second side, which contains two tracks that are probably the heaviest black metal songs I've ever heard. The melodies typically associated with Horna are a strong presence as well. Sections of "Marraskuussa" have this more typical Horna vibe to them, and they do a really good job at mixing melancholy with the more traditional evil stylings of black metal. Then there's my favorite track on this album, which is "Oi Kallis Kotimaa". This one might be a little out of place to some, but I really don't give a fuck because its an awesome song. Maybe its just because its the first Horna song I've heard, but it just has a really cool battle chant type feel to it.
Now onto the less enjoyable aspects of Musta Kaipuu...most of these are really just minor quibbles and they don't really bother me but they are still worth mentioning. For one, the album isn't that cohesive. Again, I don't really give a fuck, but if you were expecting a consistent masterpiece from start to finnish you will be disappointed...this is just something to put on and enjoy the atmosphere of, not really something that has to be listened to in full. There are a few weirdly out of place songs like the aforementioned "Oi Kallis Kotimaa" and the fourth track. I'm too lazy to actually type that one out but it feels like less thought out version of "Marraskuussa" than its own song. But like I said I don't really care that much about these details, its a fucking compilation album, and those are normally just ways for labels to profit off of recycled material.
Overall, I really like this release. I don't really have much more to say, other than state what should now be obvious, that Musta Kaipuu isn't another record label moneymaking scheme, rather it is in fact a real album, and a good one at that.
Sample: youtube.com/watch?v=HWy056N2rAY
