Finnish melancholic gothic rock outfit Hokka — the new band uniting former Blind Channel frontman Joel Hokka, The Rasmus founding member and ex‑guitarist‑songwriter Pauli Rantasalmi, and rising drum talent Jimi Aslak — have announced the release of their highly anticipated debut full‑length, Via Miseria IV. The album is set to drop on 24 April via Nuclear Blast Records.
Following the strong reception of the earlier singles “In The Darkness” and “Death By Cupid’s Arrow”, the trio now present the album’s third offering, “Heart Said No”, accompanied by another visually striking, cinematic video in unmistakable Hokka fashion.
Built around a beautifully melancholic piano motif, “Heart Said No” reveals a more vulnerable yet no less powerful side of the band. The track blends sweeping atmospheres with Hokka’s characteristic emotional intensity, offering a deeper look into the sonic breadth and thematic weight of Via Miseria IV. The album delves into struggle, resilience, and the turbulence of inner conflict — themes that run like a dark thread through the band’s emerging identity.
Frontman Joel Hokka reflects on the new single: “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 24 April.”
Via Miseria IV paints a world where vengeance intertwines with the fragile thread of love, offering an anthemic and deeply melancholic journey for those unafraid to confront their own vulnerability. From the stirring opener “Blackbird” to the haunting title track, Hokka deliver a debut that promises both emotional weight and cathartic power.
More details, tracklist, and additional singles are expected soon as the release date approaches. Link
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