Blind Channel announce hiatus and reveal documentary release

Blind Channel have announced that they'll be going on hiatus for the foreseeable future once their current run of touring finishes in December.

It comes as a surprise at the end of a mammoth year for the one-time Eurovision contestants, which saw them releasing their second album, Exit Emotions, and playing their biggest-ever headline show at the Nokia Arena in Tampere.

Along with the news, the Oulu band – whose UK and Ireland tour with Lacuna Coil begins on October 15 – have also announced the release of a documentary capturing their journey, to be released on December 16.

“During the last four years we have experienced more than we could’ve ever dreamed of," said the band in a statement announcing the news. "After two full-length studio albums and 300 shows all over the world it’s time to blow the candle before it burns from both ends.

“We’ve decided to go on a break after the end of 2024, not sure for how long, but it’s time to take a step back from the spotlight to ponder what the future holds.

“Thankfully the madness of the past few years has been thoroughly and carefully documented: After Dark Side – documentary comes out in December. It’s a brutally honest overview to the band’s wildest years, the everyday life of the band members, the ups and downs – all of it.

“Before the break you can see us live on our two week tour in the UK and of course on our exceptionally rare club tour across Finland in November/December. Our humblest gratitude goes to our fans for all your support over the years. What a journey it’s been.”

Watch the trailer for the documentary on their Instagram post:

In a separate post on Instagram, singer Joel Hokka added his own message to fans about the split, quoting the words of fellow Oulu resident, Ville Laihiala of Sentenced, from when his own band called it a day.

“For the past 11 years I’ve tried to heal a trauma & get seal of approval by being a musician, artist & part of rock band. I’ve sacrified my personal life, relationships, money, time, youth, mental & physical health for the ultimate goal to prove everyone something that doesn’t even matter in the end.

“To anyone who knows me personally this might be already familiar but I’ve tried to let go of my toxic ego lately. That evil on my shoulder has been a great guide towards the impossible but the flipside has been anything but good. I’ve gone through hell too many times with that unwanted friend & I don’t wanna deal with that anymore.

“Last 3.5 years we’ve played nearly 300 shows worldwide, recorded & released two #1 studio albums, played the biggest rock festivals on a planet, charted on Billboard, won 6 Finnish GRAMMYs, peaked 6. on Eurovision Song Contest finals. All of this has been more than 14 yo Joel could have ever imagined. But it all came with a price.

“Last spring we had massive touring schedule: 60 shows non stop in EU, UK, US & Japan. That was our 3rd year in a row with super heavy touring schedule. After the tours we started to think about our future and came up with the idea of a break. It felt scary but it was the best decision this band has ever made. We’re starting our UK + Ireland tour next week with @lacunacoil & playing the Final Emotions Tour in Finland after that with packed clubs all around the country. I recommend to get your tickets right now if you wanna see us.

“Finnish national broadcasting company Yle has followed us for the past 2 years non stop. The TV documentary ’After Dark Side’ will be broadcasted on TV2 in December 2024.

“‘Mikään ei kestä ikuisesti, ei edes Oulun pojan erektio.’ (‘Nothing lasts forever, not even the erection of a boy from Oulu’) – V. Laihiala 2005.

“This is not the end my friends.

“Kippis ja kulaus. Nähdään helvetissä! (‘Cheers and sip. See you in hell’)”

Catch Blind Channel live with Lacuna Coil this month:

October

15 Belfast Limelight
16 Dublin Academy
18 Bournemouth O2 Academy
20 Manchester Academy
21 Glasgow SWG3
22 Wolverhampton KK’s Steelmill
24 Nottingham Rock City
25 London Roundhouse
26 Bristol O2 Academy

Read this: Blind Channel: “In Finland you’re told not to follow your dream – we want to be the biggest band in the world”