Shatraug
| Ville Pystynen | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ville Petteri Pystynen |
| Also known as | Shatraug, Hellseeker, Malice Pooper, Ghoul, Fornicator, Skaldi Shatraug |
| Born | Finland |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments |
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| Years active | 1993–present |
| Labels |
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| Associated acts | |
| Website |
horna666 |
Ville Pystynen, also commonly known by his main stage name, Shatraug, is a Finnish-born musician. In 1993, he formed the Finnish black metal band Horna. Besides Horna, Pystynen has played in several bands of different genres of metal. He founded and has played bass and guitar for Sargeist since 1999, and guitar for Behexen since 2009. Ville also has several solo and smaller projects which, in some, he plays all instruments and sings for.
Pystynen has a wide interest in playing instruments, being a live session musician, as well as writing lyrics. He is also trained in programming, mixing and engineering music. It is important to note that he owns a record label by the name Grievantee Productions, which several bands belong to. Ville also owns his own recording studio.
Ville is said to be inspired by Quorthon and has stated that Bathory has a massive influence on Horna's existence. He has also said to be inspired by bands such as Impaled Nazarene, Emperor and Darkthrone.[1]
Work as a lyricist
Ville writes most of Horna's lyrics in Finnish with many recurring themes. Apart from usual black metal themed lyrics, Pystynen writes about fantasy and the works of J. R. R. Tolkien.[2] For example, Kohti Yhdeksän Nousua (Towards Rising of the Nine) refers to Tolkien's ring wraiths, and 'A Ring to Rule' (which is uncommonly written in English) from the 1999 EP Perimä Vihassa Ja Verikostossa, regards the One Ring. There are also some Horna lyrics which regard themes from World War II, for example, Oi Kallis Kotimaa (O'Precious Fatherland) from Musta Kaipuu.
According to Shatraug, a large record label approached Horna and attempted to negotiate with them to join their label. Pystynen refused, however, as the label wanted them to use more lyrics in English.
Personal Life
Ville belonged to the Finnish military service in 2000.[3] He was kicked out, however, for being violent toward a commanding officer. He is also the father of two children.
Discography
- Horna
- Kohti Yhdeksän Nousua (1998), Solistitium Records
- Haudankylmyyden Mailla (1999), Solistitium Records
- Sudentaival (2001), Woodcut Records
- Envaatnags Eflos Solf Esgantaavne (2005), Woodcut Records
- Ääniä Yössä (2006), Moribund Records
- Sotahuuto (2007), Moribund Records
- Sanojesi Äärelle (2008), Debemur Morti Productions / Deviant Records
- Musta Kaipuu (2009), Debemur Morti Productions
- Askel lähempänä Saatanaa (2013), World Terror Committee