The story of the warrior and the sensei continues as HOKKA presents their second single, ‘Death By Cupid’s Arrow‘. Following the powerful debut of ‘In The Darkness‘, the new track expands HOKKA’s cinematic narrative with intensity, emotion, and epic scale.

‘Death By Cupid’s Arrow‘ is released alongside another epic music video bringing the next chapter of the story vividly to life through striking visuals and dramatic storytelling. Both singles have already been performed on Finnish national television during the country’s major New Year’s Eve broadcast, introducing HOKKA to a nationwide audience and marking a significant milestone for the band.

Joel Hokka comments on the song:

“Cupid’s arrow to the chest or a knife in the back — it’s all the same. 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.”

Listen to the single on all platforms: https://hokka.bfan.link/death-by-cupid-s-arrow

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 sensei saga on stage for the first time.

The first club show:
07.05.26  FI  Helsinki – Tavastia

Confirmed Finnish festival shows:
12. – 13.06.26  FI  Lahti – Kesämössö
27.06.26          FI  Helsinki – Tuska
03. – 05.07.26  FI  Turku – Ruisrock
17. – 19.07.26  FI  Joensuu – Ilosaarirock
23. – 25.07.26  FI  Kuopio – Kuopiorock
25.07.26          FI  Oulu – QStock

line up:
Joel Hokka – vocals
Pauli Rantasalmi – guitar
Jimi Aslak – drums

Nuclear Blast Records is proud to welcome HOKKA, a powerful new force in Finnish rock, to its global roster. The band unites 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.

HOKKA makes an explosive entrance with their debut single, ‘In the Darkness’, available today on all major streaming platforms: https://hokka.bfan.link/inthedarkness

Accompanied by an epic and visually stunning music video, the song introduces the signature elements of HOKKA’s sound: deep, dark, and cold Nordic melancholy fused with a modern rock edge. Their music channels the emotional intensity of early-2000s Finnish rock while pushing boldly into new territory with unapologetic energy and ambition.

Watch ‘In the Darkness’ now and experience the dawn of HOKKA:

With a magnetic debut and a fearless creative vision, HOKKA is poised to become the next breakout act from Finland’s rich rock scene.

The band will make their first live appearance on Finnish YLE’s major New Year’s Eve TV show, broadcast live from Oulu-halli on December 31st.

“Different generations of Finnish rock are united for this newborn band proud to be part of Nuclear Blast Records roster.” comments Joel Hokka

HOKKA is here to stay and slay.