Karna – Hutsulizeishn

The Manifesto of Ukrainian Hutsul Metal

Karna is a unique Ukrainian rock band from Ivano-Frankivsk. They are known for combining alternative rock and Carpathian folklore—"Hutsul Metal." “Hutsulization” is the band's fourth album, created during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Lyrically, it is a continuation of previous works, imbued with the energy of the mountains, wild drive, and the true, untamed Ukrainian spirit.

The band Karna appeared in 1997 and immediately declared themselves representatives of Ukrainian alternative metal. The band's name was chosen as a reference to pre-Christian beliefs, in which Karna is a deity that personified a mourner for the deceased. It is also the embodiment of punishment, pity, and death on the battlefield.

The album was released on May 17, 2024. The album includes both new tracks and previously known singles “Mama Halychyna,” “Richard z Hir” (Richard from the Mountains), and “Proshu Pana do Smereky” (I Ask the Gentleman to the Spruce), which were released in 2022 during the full-scale invasion. This is the first album since the return of vocalist Oleksiy Yarosh to the band. The vocals for some of the songs were recorded not far from the front line, as Sergeant Oleksiy Yarosh serves as a machine gunner in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (ZSU).

This album was released on vinyl for the first time by ТІЛЬКИТАК Records, and is issued in two variants:

• Red Galaxy: Orange marbled 180g vinyl, inside is an insert with a photo and an 8-page booklet with song lyrics. Circulation – 399 copies.
• Dark Planet: Red and black 180g vinyl, inside is an additional large poster, an exclusive insert, and an 8-page booklet with song lyrics. Circulation – 99 copies.

Both variants are externally hand-numbered with an Obi-Strip, which adds collectible value to the release.