There was a time not so long ago when the nu-metal genre was seen as something totally uncool, and let’s face it, the Eurovision Song Contest has never been hip. So, you’d think a band who dabbled in both would be odious and best avoided, but that’s certainly not the case with Finland’s Blind Channel. Since bursting out of Oulu in 2013, the band have been on a mission to take their sound to the world (and by any means necessary), and with their fifth album Exit Emotions about to drop, that looks set to come true, and in some style.

Blind Channel’s appearance at the finals of 2021’s Eurovision Song Contest could have been the death knell for the band, yet they come through unscathed, primarily by tackling it on their own terms. If there was any justice in the world, they should have won the event, but that’s all behind the band now and they’re ready to take on the next challenge. That challenge being global recognition, and opening shot ‘Where’s The Exit’ immediately makes itself known. Both heavy and lithe, melodic and disharmonious, it’s a pleasing tension of opposites, and one that constantly repositioning the listener, fracturing its sound in every direction…and it’s still only the first song! There’s a strong focus on song structure that places a swing underneath the beat and turns ‘Where’s The Exit’ into a real earworm.

There’s almost a pop (shock! horror!) sensibility to cuts such as ‘Wolves In California’ (and indeed the whole album) that could definitely score the band some chart action on foreign soil. Yet, it rarely feels forced, rather it is another facet of the band’s personality coming to the fore. It’s the same as the quick fire rap vocals that form the centrepiece of ‘XOXO’, it adds a different kind of heaviness to Exit Emotions rich tapestry, and evidences a band with plenty in their arsenal. As we all know, heavy music comes in different forms and both ‘KEEPING IT SURREAL’ and ‘Die Another Day’ add a touch of the emotional variety and tug hard on the heartstrings.

It’s back to the rock action with ‘PHOBIA’, and after the preceding two cuts, it hits exceptionally hard. The sequencing of this record is very important; it ululates like an old school album (as opposed to a collection of singles) and is best consumed so. While it is perfectly feasible to dip in and out, Exit Emotions is recommended swallowed whole to fully appreciate its ebb and flow. With the muscular ‘Not Your Bro’ nestling next to the quick fire ‘FLATLINE’, this album can be a rocky (but always enjoyable) ride, while ‘One Last Time…Again’ brings a real sense of closure and ensures the band bow out on a high.

The band’s fifth album (and second for Century Media) is a sure fire hit and looks certain to make the band’s dreams of global domination come true.

• Exit Emotions is released via Centaury Media on 1st March 2024.
• Official Website / X (Twitter) / Instagram / YouTube Channel

Track List:

1. Where’s The Exit
2. Deadzone
3. Wolves In California
4. XOXO
5. KEEPING IT SURREAL
6. Die Another Day
7. PHOBIA
8. Happy Doomsday
9. Red Tail Lights
10. Not Your Bro
11. FLATLINE
12. One Last Time…Again