Blind Channel

Blind Channel

Blind Channel is an alternative rock band from Oulu, Finland. The group forms in 2013 and presents itself around the term “Violent Pop”, combining rock, rap, nu metal and electronic elements with heavy guitar riffs and pop melodies. The group’s line-up is Joel Hokka, Tommi Lalli, Olli Matela, Niko Moilanen, Joonas Porko and Alex Mattson.

Formation and style

The band begins in September 2013 with Joel Hokka and Joonas Porko, before expanding into a six-piece. Its sound is described through a mix of alternative rock, metal, nu metal, post-hardcore and rock, with rapcore and electronic influences also present in its early and later recordings. Blind Channel builds its identity around energetic production and a blend of aggressive and melodic elements.

Early releases and live activity

The first single, “Save Me”, appears in 2013 and quickly reaches Finnish radio. The band is then named YleX’s “basement band” of the week. A music video for an early release gains attention in Finland, helping raise the group’s profile. Blind Channel also performs extensively around Finland, including in the country’s southern metropolitan areas.

Another early release, “Calling Out”, is paired with “Naysayers” and promoted through radio play, including a premiere on Radio City with an interview. The release is produced by Mikko Mäkitalo. The band also takes part in Finnish festivals including JääliCityRock, Provinssirock, Ilosaarirock, Qstock and Nummirock.

Competition wins and label activity

Blind Channel wins the Wacken Metal Battle in Finland, which leads to its first performance abroad at Wacken Open Air in Germany. Following that success, the band signs to the Finnish label Ranka Kustannus and begins work on its debut album. In 2021 it signs to Century Media and Sony Music.

Albums and singles

The debut studio album, Revolutions, is released in 2016 and includes the singles “Unforgiving”, “Don’t”, “Darker Than Black”, “Deja FU” and “Enemy for Me”. The second studio album, Blood Brothers, follows in 2018 and includes “Alone Against All”, “Sharks Love Blood”, “Wolfpack” and “Out of Town”.

The third album, Violent Pop, is released in 2020. Its singles include “Over My Dead Body”, “Timebomb” featuring Alex Mattson, “Snake” featuring GG6 of Amaranthe, “Died Enough for You”, “Fever” and “Gun”. During the same period, Blind Channel releases a studio version of Anastacia’s “Left Outside Alone” and records an acoustic livestream from 45 Oulu, where it debuts songs from the album and performs a cover of Linkin Park’s “Numb”.

The band’s fourth album, Lifestyles of the Sick & Dangerous, follows in 2022. Related releases include remixes of “Alive Or Only Burning”, one featuring Zero 9:36 and another by INHUMAN, as well as a remix of “Bad Idea” by Alex Mattson. The fifth studio album, EXIT EMOTIONS, is released in 2024 and includes “DIE ANOTHER DAY” featuring RØRY and “XOXO” featuring From Ashes To New.

Eurovision and collaborations

Blind Channel represents Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with “Dark Side”, after winning the Finnish selection with 54.3% of the vote. In the final, the band places sixth with 301 points. The song becomes the most streamed Finnish song of 2021. Blind Channel also records a version of “Dark Side” with Lauri Ylönen of The Rasmus.

Tours and later activity

The band tours Finland and surrounding countries after its early releases, and later supports acts including Amaranthe, Royal Republic, Simple Plan, Hollywood Undead, Enter Shikari, All That Remains and Sevendust. It also completes a UK tour in support of All That Remains and Sevendust. In 2020, planned touring connected to Violent Pop is cancelled.

In 2024 the group announces the “Final Emotions Tour” and later an indefinite hiatus. A documentary titled After Dark Side follows in December 2024. Joel Hokka leaves the band in 2025 because of ongoing insomnia and general health issues.