Explore the sacred domains

Hæedrunn belongs to that brief, flickering wave of Latvian atmospheric black metal projects that emerged in the mid‑20200s—bands formed by young musicians already cross‑linked through other Riga underground acts, creating short‑lived but emotionally charged projects. Their lifespan was only 2023–2025, yet the project left behind a clear aesthetic: melancholic, melodic, and rooted in the softer, dream‑fogged edge of atmospheric black metal.

Project identity and atmosphere

Hæedrunn’s sound leaned toward the introspective and wistful side of the genre. Their two singles, Līdz rītam and Mieru, suggest a focus on nocturnal moods, longing, and emotional stillness rather than aggression. The band’s instrumentation—dual guitars, expressive bass, and airy vocal delivery—placed them closer to the post‑black and atmospheric continuum than to traditional black metal.

Several traits defined their aesthetic:

• Dreamlike guitar layering, often built around slow, drifting chord progressions.
• Soft, melancholic vocal presence, more emotive than harsh.
• A sense of fragility, typical of young atmospheric projects that prioritize mood over extremity.
• A modern Riga underground sensibility, shaped by musicians active in multiple cross‑pollinating bands.

Their dissolution in 2025 feels less like a collapse and more like a natural dispersal—members moving on to other projects where their stylistic tendencies could evolve.

Discography

Hæedrunn’s recorded output is small but coherent, each release marking a step in their short arc.

Līdz rītam — Single, 2024

A gentle, atmospheric piece built around longing and nocturnal ambience. The title (“Until Morning”) captures the project’s emotional palette.

Mieru — Single, 2025

Their final release, more mature and texturally layered. The title (“Peace”) suggests a closing gesture—quiet, introspective, and final.

No EPs or full‑lengths were completed before the project dissolved.

Lineup and scene connections

Hæedrunn’s members were young but already deeply embedded in the Latvian underground, especially the post‑black, atmospheric, and experimental scenes.

Final lineup (2025)

• Mikus Kalniņš — Vocals

  • Also active in Krauja, bringing emotional intensity and modern black metal sensibilities.

• Ennija Karandašova — Guitars

  • A core melodic voice of the project.

• Helēna Buka — Guitars (2024–2025)

  • Previously in Baltais Ciemiņš and Iekod, adding a more textured, expressive guitar layer.

• Toms Graudums — Bass

  • Also in Yr, formerly Polycephaly; his playing grounded the band’s atmospheric drift with a darker low‑end.

• Kristiāns Kārkliņš — Drums (2025)

  • Joined during the project’s final phase.

Past member

• Aleksis Rupeiks — Drums (2025)
  • ex‑Trencheard; part of the early rhythmic foundation.

The lineup reflects a typical Riga pattern: musicians moving between projects, carrying ideas from one band to another, creating a shared aesthetic vocabulary across the scene.

Legacy and dissolution

Hæedrunn’s lifespan was short, but their work fits neatly into the emerging 2020s Latvian atmospheric black metal micro‑scene—bands defined by mood, youth, and emotional sincerity rather than long discographies. Their dissolution in 2025 left behind a small but cohesive body of work and a set of musicians who continue shaping the Latvian underground through other projects.