“A song about the not-so-nice side of love,” says the ex-Blind Channel frontman of new single Death By Cupid’s Arrow.
Following on from the release of their debut single In The Darkness back in November, former Blind Channel singer Joel Hokka’s new band HOKKA return with their second single, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Death By Cupid’s Arrow finds the singer lamenting the ups and downs of love over vast, goth-edged metal. Fans in Finland (or with dodgy online streams) will already have heard the tune when he performed it as part of his New Year’s Eve performance on Finnish TV. Now it’s out properly, with a video featuring what may or may not be a nod to Star Wars baddie Emperor Palpatine.
“Cupid’s arrow to the chest or a knife in the back – it’s all the same,” Joel explains. “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.”
HOKKA have also confirmed their first headline show at Helsinki's Tavastia on May 7.
Speaking to K! about how the new band came about after Blind Channel split, Joel says it was during a period of pained self-reflection and growth.
“I went through the most difficult time of my life last spring. I was completely left outside alone for the first time, and it ultimately became a powerful moment of growth, both as a person and as an artist. I started wandering alone in the dark and that’s when I met my sensei, mentor and now-bandmate Pauli [Rantasalmi, guitar], who had gone through similar experiences in his own life. What was meant to be just a therapy session turned into something more. One chord led to another, and we ended up founding a band together.
“While healing my inner child, I’m also healing my inner teenager: writing and recording my own music with my best friends. Of course, I want to take over the world and tour as much as possible in many countries. I love meeting fans and playing shows. The fans are still the most important thing to me – and to the whole band. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
