S.L.R. Magazine

HOKKA Announce Album And Release Video For New Single “Heart Said No”

Finnish rising force HOKKA announce their highly anticipated full-length album Via Miseria IV, due out on April 24 via Nuclear Blast Records. The band brings together three major names from Finland’s rock legacy: former BLIND CHANNEL frontman Joel Hokka, THE RASMUS founding member and former guitarist-songwriter Pauli Rantasalmi, and phenomenal young drummer Jimi Aslak. Following…

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Heart Said No, HOKKA, Via Miseria IV

Finnish rising force HOKKA announce their highly anticipated full-length album Via Miseria IV, due out on April 24 via Nuclear Blast Records. The band brings together three major names from Finland’s rock legacy: former BLIND CHANNEL frontman Joel Hokka, THE RASMUS founding member and former guitarist-songwriter Pauli Rantasalmi, and phenomenal young drummer Jimi Aslak.

Following the success of the previously released singles ‘In The Darkness’ and ‘Death By Cupid’s Arrow,’ the band now unveil the powerful third single from the upcoming record, ‘Heart Said No,’ arriving together with another epic, cinematic video in unmistakable HOKKA style.

A beautiful, emotional anthem built around a captivating piano melody, ‘Heart Said No’ showcases a more vulnerable yet powerful side of HOKKA, blending soaring atmospheres with the band’s signature intensity. The track offers another glimpse into the sonic depth and thematic weight that define Via Miseria IV, an album that explores themes of struggle, resilience, and inner conflict.

An artistic illustration of a figure in a black outfit with long white hair, wearing a flowing red cape, standing against a textured background with shades of green and black. The text 'VIA MISERIA' and 'IV' is displayed prominently in the foreground.

Frontman Joel Hokka comments on the song:

“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 April 24th.”

Check out the video for “Heart Said No’: https://youtu.be/zgA0RWZKW-U

Listen to ‘Heart Said No’: https://hokka.bfan.link/heart-said-no

Pre-order Via Miseria IV: https://hokka.bfan.link/via-miseria-iv

A close-up of a hand playing piano keys, with the word 'НОЖА' overlaid in white text.

In addition, HOKKA has just announced their first live shows for 2026 giving fans the opportunity to experience the power and storytelling of the warrior and sensai saga on stage for the first time.

The first club show:
07.05.26 FI Helsinki – Tavastia

Confirmed festival shows:
12.-13.06.26 FI Lahti – Kesämössö
27.06.26 FI Helsinki – Tuska
03.-05.07.26 FI Turku – Ruisrock
04.07.26 FI Tampere – Tuhdimmat Tahdit
17.-19.07.26 FI Joensuu – Ilosaarirock
23.-25.07.26 FI Kuopio – Kuopiorock
25.07.26 FI Oulu – QStock
14.-16.08.26 CH Cudrefin – Rock The Lakes

line up:
Joel Hokka – voc
Pauli Rantasalmi – guitar
Sampo Sundström – guitar
Jimi Aslak – drums

social media:
Instagram: @joelhokka @jimiaslak @paulirantasalmi
Tiktok: @joelhokka @jimiaslak.
YouTube: @hokkasyndicate.