HOKKA ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM VIA MISERIA IV REVEAL VIDEO FOR THIRD SINGLE 'HEART SAID NO'

February 19, 2026

Finnish rising force HOKKA announce their highly anticipated full-length album Via Miseria IV, due out on April 24 via Nuclear Blast Records. The band brings together three major names from Finland’s rock legacy: former BLIND CHANNEL frontman Joel Hokka, THE RASMUSfounding member and former guitarist-songwriter Pauli Rantasalmi, and phenomenal young drummer Jimi Aslak.

Following the success of the previously released singles 'In The Darkness' and 'Death By Cupid's Arrow,' the band now unveil the powerful third single from the upcoming record, 'Heart Said No,' arriving together with another epic, cinematic video in unmistakable HOKKA style.

A beautiful, emotional anthem built around a captivating piano melody, 'Heart Said No' showcases a more vulnerable yet powerful side of HOKKA, blending soaring atmospheres with the band’s signature intensity. The track offers another glimpse into the sonic depth and thematic weight that define Via Miseria IV, an album that explores themes of struggle, resilience, and inner conflict.

Frontman Joel Hokka comments on the song:

“Big boys don’t cry — except when writing songs like this. 'Heart Said No' was the first song I ever wrote with tears in my eyes — and I wasn’t the only one in the band. The song is a raw and authentic deep dive into self-reflection, shaped by minds steeped in melancholy. We’re incredibly proud to announce that our first album, Via Miseria IV, will be released on April 24th.”

Check out the video for "Heart Said No' Below:

Listen to 'Heart Said No': https://hokka.bfan.link/heart-said-no

Pre-order Via Miseria IV: https://hokka.bfan.link/via-miseria-iv

In addition, HOKKA has just announced their first live shows for 2026 giving fans the opportunity to experience the power and storytelling of the warrior and sensai saga on stage for the first time.

The first club show:
07.05.26 FI Helsinki - Tavastia

Confirmed festival shows:
12.-13.06.26 FI Lahti - Kesämössö
27.06.26 FI Helsinki - Tuska
03.-05.07.26 FI Turku - Ruisrock
04.07.26 FI Tampere - Tuhdimmat Tahdit
17.-19.07.26 FI Joensuu - Ilosaarirock
23.-25.07.26 FI Kuopio - Kuopiorock
25.07.26 FI Oulu - QStock
14.-16.08.26 CH Cudrefin - Rock The Lakes

line up:
Joel Hokka - voc
Pauli Rantasalmi - guitar
Sampo Sundström - guitar
Jimi Aslak - drums

social media:
Instagram: @joelhokka @jimiaslak @paulirantasalmi
Tiktok: @joelhokka @jimiaslak.
YouTube: @hokkasyndicate.

HOKKA UNLEASHES VIDEO FOR SECOND SINGLE 'DEATH BY CUPID'S ARROW'

January 8, 2026

The story of the warrior and the sensai continues as HOKKA presents their second single, 'Death By Cupid’s Arrow'. Following the powerful debut of 'In The Darkness', the new track expandsHOKKA’s cinematic narrative with intensity, emotion, and epic scale.

'Death By Cupid’s Arrow' is released alongside another epic music video bringing the next chapter of the story vividly to life through striking visuals and dramatic storytelling.

Both singles have already been performed on Finnish national television during the country’s major New Year's Eve broadcast, introducing HOKKA to a nationwide audience and marking a significant milestone for the band.

Joel Hokka comments on the song:

“Cupid’s arrow to the chest or a knife in the back — it’s all the same. Death by Cupid’s Arrow is a song about the not-so-nice side of love. Time after time, a poor broken heart cries out its pain as it drowns.”

Check out the video Below:

Listen to the single on all platforms: https://hokka.bfan.link/death-by-cupid-s-arrow

In addition, HOKKA has just announced their first live shows for 2026 giving fans the opportunity to experience the power and storytelling of the warrior and sensai saga on stage for the first time.

The first club show:
07.05.26 FI Helsinki - Tavastia

Confirmed Finnish festival shows:
12. - 13.06.26 FI Lahti - Kesämössö
27.06.26 FI Helsinki - Tuska
03. - 05.07.26 FI Turku - Ruisrock
17. - 19.07.26 FI Joensuu - Ilosaarirock
23. - 25.07.26 FI Kuopio - Kuopiorock
25.07.26 FI Oulu - QStock

Nuclear Blast Records Announces Worldwide Signing of HOKKA

November 11, 2025

Nuclear Blast Records is proud to welcome HOKKA, a powerful new force in Finnish rock, to its global roster. The band unites three major names from Finland’s rock legacy: former BLIND CHANNEL frontman Joel Hokka, THE RASMUS founding member and former guitarist-songwriter Pauli Rantasalmi, and phenomenal young drummer Jimi Aslak.

HOKKA makes an explosive entrance with their debut single, 'In the Darkness', available today on all major streaming platforms: https://hokka.bfan.link/inthedarkness

Accompanied by an epic and visually stunning music video, the song introduces the signature elements of HOKKA’s sound: deep, dark, and cold Nordic melancholy fused with a modern rock edge. Their music channels the emotional intensity of early-2000s Finnish rock while pushing boldly into new territory with unapologetic energy and ambition.

Watch 'In the Darkness' now and experience the dawn of HOKKA ,Below

With a magnetic debut and a fearless creative vision, HOKKA is poised to become the next breakout act from Finland’s rich rock scene.
The band will make their first live appearance on Finnish YLE’s major New Year’s Eve TV show, broadcast live from Oulu-halli on December 31st.

"Different generations of Finnish rock are united for this newborn band proud to be part of Nuclear Blast Records roster." comments Joel Hokka

HOKKA is here to stay and slay.

line up:
Joel Hokka - voc
Pauli Rantasalmi - guitar
Jimi Aslak - drums

social media:
Instagram: @joelhokka @jimiaslak @paulirantasalmi
Tiktok: @joelhokka @jimiaslak.
YouTube: @hokkasyndicate.