Author: Angelos Chantzigiannis
A sheer commercial record that signifies the entrance of the Finlanders into the mainstream.
Ahh, Finland. Many consider it as the cradle of metal and who am I to disagree. And justly, for a country with a population of approximately 5,5 million people and a whopping ratio of 84,5 metal bands per 100.000 people, the aforementioned claim might just be right. Ranging from symphonic metal pioneers Nightwish to goth rockers ΗΙΜ and the music phenomenon known as Lordi -claiming first place in 2006’s Eurovision song contest in Greece-, every metal subgenre had its chance to bloom in the land of the thousand lakes.
Among the vast pool of all these Finnish bands stands a company of teenagers thar refuses to grow up, despite playing for over 10 years now. Enter Blind Channel, a modern-day boyband that has set a course to conquer the world with its music. After a successful stint at 2021’s Eurovision song contest -earning sixth place- and a major label contract with Century Media, the sextet from Finland releases its new record titled “EXIT EMOTIONS”, stirring the waters around them.
Blind Channel’s self-stylized “violent pop” sound is essentially a blend of 2000s emo/metalcore -as shown by fellow Finnish band HIM- with nu metal and contemporary pop elements. Practically, “EXIT EMOTIONS” is an album of 12 radio-friendly compositions with catchy, earworm melodies.
Starting off valiantly with the hearty “Where’s The Exit”, the Finlanders transmit their eagerness and energy, showing off right from the start that their aims are super high. The double trouble of vocalists Joel Hokka and Nico Vilhelm performs with passion and grit, dragging the listener along with their hellish pace. Ranging from “Deadzone” that «screams» Bullet For My Valentine to power ballad “Die Another Day” and the hardcore outburst of “Happy Doomsday”, each track on the record is a potential radio hit single.
From a technical standpoint, Blind Channel raise the bar significantly in comparison to their previous works, also aided by the best production they have had thus far. Recorded in studios in Los Angeles, London and Berlin, “EXIT EMOTIONS” sounds as complete and magnificent as ever, and with greater variety as well. The electronic and trap influence is also apparent, while the balance between metalcore and pop elements contribute towards an inescapable commercial darling.
All in all, Blind Channel have blessed us with their best record to date, living up to the high expectations they have set thus far. Having gotten a taste of the music industry’s big game, they continue to increase their stock value by releasing an album that seems destined to chart well worldwide. Let’s hope this extended time in the light won’t lead to redundancy or even worse, hubris.
Rate: 73/100
For Rock Overdose Greece,
Angelos Chatzigiannis
BLIND CHANNEL – “EXIT EMOTIONS”
Century Media (2024)
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