A Finnish Hard Rock band, fronted by Hannu 'Guts' Leiden, that had their 'Indian Warrior' album released by Capitol Records in America. Former guitarist Muddy Manninen opted out to join PAVE'S MISTAKE then GRINGOS LOCOS. Guitarist Hannu Leiden is ex-SARCOFAGUS. HAVANA BLACK toured North America opening for management stable mates GREAT WHITE on a three band bill below MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP.

'Indian Warrior', HAVANA BLACK's second album following a Finnish only released debut, was recorded with drummer Paku Pakkanen whom J.T. superseded. Another HAVANA BLACK drummer, ex-CHRISTINE man Atte Sarkima, would much later join Progressive Rock outfit FIVE FIFTEEN in October 2000. That same year Hannu Leiden produced the 'Rock Hell' album for fellow Finns GANDALF. In June of 2004 Sarkima enrolled into the ranks of Black Metal band AJATTARA.

An interesting diversion for Finnish Metal fans came in on 4th August 2005 when HAVANA BLACK's Markku Heiskanen partnered with the MANNHAI credited bassist Oppu Laine, keyboard player Kasper Martenson and drummer Mikko Pietinen and Nalle Ȫsterman, of CHAOSBREED, LULLACRY and GANDALF repute, to put in a one off tribute show to THE DOORS with a band entitled THE BLUE HORSE.