Metal Anarchy

Blind Channel have revealed that they are planning to go on hiatus. Despite this, the band intend to finish out their 2024 commitments. This news comes as the group are preparing to release their five-part documentary series, “After Dark Side,” on December 16 through Finnish broadcaster Yle. It will also be available online as a VOD release for six months.

Blind Channel commented:

“During the last 4 years we have experienced more than we could’ve ever dreamed of.

After two full-length studio albums and 300 shows all over the world it’s time to blow the candle before it burns from both ends.

We’ve decided to go on a break after the end of 2024, not sure for how long, but it’s time to take a step back from the spotlight to ponder what the future holds.

Thankfully the madness of the past few years has been thoroughly and carefully documented:

‘After Dark Side’ -documentary comes out in December. It’s a brutally honest overview to the band’s wildest years, the everyday life of the band members, the ups and downs – all of it.

Before the break you can see us live on our two week tour in the UK and of course on our exceptionally rare club tour across Finland in November/December. Our humblest gratitude goes to our fans for all your support over the years. What a journey it’s been so far.”

Singer Joel Hokka also issued a statement:

“For the past ~11 years I’ve tried to heal a trauma & get seal of approval by being a musician, artist & part of rock band. I’ve sacrified my personal life, relationships, money, time, youth, mental & physical health for the ultimate goal to prove everyone something that doesn’t even matter in the end. To anyone who knows me personally this might be already familiar but I’ve tried to let go of my toxic ego lately. That evil on my shoulder has been a great guide towards the impossible but the flipside has been anything but good. I’ve gone through hell too many times with that unwanted friend & I don’t wanna deal with that anymore.

Last 3,5 years we’ve played nearly 300 shows worldwide, recorded & released two (#1 🇫🇮) studio albums, played the biggest rockfestivals on a planet, charted on Billboard, won 6 finnish grammys, peaked 6. on Eurovision Song Contest finals. All of this has been more than 14 yo Joel could have ever imagined. But it all came with a price.

Last spring we had massive touring schedule: 60 shows non stop in EU, UK, US & Japan. That was our 3rd year in a row with super heavy touring schedule. After the tours we started to think about our future and came up with the idea of a break. It felt scary but it was the best decision this band has ever made. We’re starting our UK + Ireland tour next week with @lacunacoil & playing the Final Emotions Tour in Finland after that with packed clubs all around the country. I recommend to get your tickets right now if you wanna see us.

Finnish national broadcasting company Yle has followed us for the past 2 years non stop. The TV documentary ’After Dark Side’ will be broadcasted on TV2 in December 2024.

”Mikään ei kestä ikuisesti, ei edes Oulun pojan erektio.” – V. Laihiala 2005.

This is not the end my friends.

Kippis ja kulaus. Nähdään helvetissä!”