Last November, Rostam teased a new era. His new album American Stories, the follow-up to 2021’s Changephobia, is coming out sometime this year. But before he’s moving forward, he’s looking back. Today the former Vampire Weekend member officially shared the original version of “Campus,” from VW’s 2008 self-titled debut album. (We posted about it back…
After a duo of huge singles, HOKKA are ready to introduce themselves to the world properly with the reveal of their debut album.
HOKKA, if you didn’t know, is the new project from former Blind Channel vocalist Joel Hokka. He is joined in the band by founding member and former guitarist-songwriter of The Rasmus, Pauli Rantasalmi, and young drummer Jimi Aslak. A trio built on Finnish rock excellence.
The album will be called ‘Via Miseria IV‘ and will be released on April 24 via Nuclear Blast.
The artwork looks like this:
And the full tracklisting is like this:
1. Blackbird 2. In the Darkness 3. Death By Cupid’s Arrow 4. Via Miseria 5. Heart Said No 6. Bon Apetit 7. Murder Ballad (Dying Flame) 8. Angels Fall 9. Serpent’s Song 10. Kiss from a Rose
So, as you can see, the record will feature previously released singles ‘Death By Cupid’s Arrow’ and ‘In The Darkness’.
It also features the newly released track, ‘Heart Said No’. A dramatic and damning piece of atmospheric, dripping in heartbroken despair and vulnerable intensity, it’s a beautiful offering that will take up residence in your soul and refuse to come out.
Joel had this to say about the tune, stating, “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.“
The band will play their debut headline show in Finland before a string of Finnish festival appearances. If that’s where you’re based, or if you fancy a little trip, that show will be taking place on May 07 at Tavastia in Helsinki. Tickets are on sale from right here.
February 19, 2026 – POWERWOLF begins their Wake Up The Wicked Tour, in Copenhagen, Denmark, at K.B. Hallen. Supporting bands are HammerFall and Wind Rose.
February 19, 2012 – POWERWOLF performed at Garage in Saarbrücken, Germany. This was TheWolfsnächte Tour and POWERWOLF were supporting their fourth studio album Blood of the Saints. Supporting bands were: Mystic Prophecy, Stormwarrior and Lonewolf.
Who Is Lauren Hart And Why Is Her Arrival In Arch Enemy A Big Deal?
Lauren Hart is best known for her commanding performances with Once Human, where her precision harsh vocals and modern aggression earned her a devoted following. Her addition marks the first major lineup shift for Arch Enemy since the Alissa White-Gluz era began — making this both a musical and symbolic turning point.
TL;DR:
Arch Enemy debut new single “To The Last Breath” Track marks first release featuring Lauren Hart on vocals Band also announces “Back To The Root Of All Evil” 2026 European club tour Signals the beginning of a clearly defined new era
Having covered Arch Enemy’s many evolutions over the years, one thing has always stood out: this band doesn’t drift — it redefines itself.
With the release of “To The Last Breath,” Arch Enemy offer fans their first true taste of the Lauren Hart era. And rather than easing listeners into the transition, the band does what it has always done best — hits hard, fast, and unapologetically heavy.
Michael Amott, guitarist and founder of Arch Enemy, comments: “Connecting with Lauren has marked an important step in my journey. Working with her was an exceptional experience — her remarkable voice, coupled with her dedication and professionalism, brings a rare level of excellence. I look forward to continuing the collaboration”
While fans and media alike have been rapidly speculating about who might step into the role behind the microphone, the band remained tight-lipped as the anticipation built to a feverous pitch across the metal community. Now, Arch Enemy are back in full force, presenting their ferocious new anthem “To The Last Breath”.
Michael Amott adds: “Make no mistake – this song is a reckoning. Musically, it’s unapologetically aligned with my original vision for the band — and I believe longtime fans will recognize that immediately. Lyrically, it’s about seeing through deception and dismantling the illusion of control. It captures that moment when you realize you’ve been fed poison — and you choose to fight back. Once that clarity hits, there’s no retreat. It’s do or die.”
The First Lauren Hart Recording Arrives With Purpose
“To The Last Breath” isn’t framed as an experiment or a cautious test run. It lands like a declaration.
The track carries Arch Enemy’s unmistakable DNA:
• Razor-edged riff work • Sweeping melodic leads • Precision drumming • A vocal performance that balances ferocity with clarity
Hart’s delivery feels neither like imitation nor rebellion. Instead, it sits confidently inside the band’s sonic architecture — aggressive, sharp, and controlled.
That balance matters.
Transitions like this can fracture fanbases. They can dilute identity. But Arch Enemy have historically treated change as fuel rather than disruption — and this single reinforces that legacy.
Alissa White-Gluz’s tenure from 2014 through 2025 reshaped Arch Enemy’s global reach. Albums like War Eternal, Will To Power, and Deceivers helped cement the band as one of modern metal’s most visible and consistent forces.
Replacing such a distinctive presence is no small task.
What’s striking about Hart’s debut is not that she “sounds different” — but that she sounds natural within Arch Enemy’s intensity.
Not forced. Not restrained. Not overshadowed.
Simply integrated.
A Strategic Return To The Underground
Alongside the single, Arch Enemy have unveiled their “Back To The Root Of All Evil” 2026 European club tour — a move that feels anything but accidental.
Rather than launching a new era on oversized stages, the band is choosing:
• Smaller venues • Tighter spaces • Maximum energy exchange
Club shows strip away spectacle. There’s nowhere to hide behind lighting rigs or massive production.
It’s sweat, volume, and proximity.
In other words: perfect conditions for a vocalist debut.
Why This Move Feels Smart
New singer. New material. Intimate environments.
That combination creates exactly what Arch Enemy thrives on — visceral fan connection.
Longtime followers know the band’s roots were built in clubs, not arenas. Returning to that setting reinforces authenticity while generating enormous curiosity.
Fans aren’t just hearing Lauren Hart.
They’re experiencing her up close.
What This Signals About The Future
While Arch Enemy have yet to formally confirm a new studio album, history suggests this isn’t a standalone release.
“To The Last Breath” feels like the opening strike, not the full offensive.
And if this single is any indication, the band isn’t retreating into nostalgia — it’s pushing forward with renewed aggression.
The Bigger Picture
Arch Enemy’s greatest strength has never been stability.
It’s adaptability without identity loss.
Bands either survive lineup changes or are defined by them. Arch Enemy have repeatedly proven they can transform without losing their core intensity.
Lauren Hart’s arrival — and this first single — suggest that streak continues.
FAQ
Is This The First Song With Lauren Hart?
Yes. To The Last Breath is Arch Enemy’s first new song featuring their new vocalist, Lauren Hart.
Did Alissa White-Gluz Leave The Band?
Yes. White-Gluz exited Arch Enemy in late 2025 after more than a decade as lead singer.
Is There A Full Album Coming?
No official announcement yet, but To The Last Breath may signal more music on the way.
What Style Is The New Song?
Melodic death metal with aggressive riffs, melodic leads, and intense vocals.
About Arch Enemy
Arch Enemy are a Swedish melodic death metal band formed in 1995 by guitarist Michael Amott. Known for blending aggressive extreme metal with melodic structures, the band has released numerous acclaimed albums and forged an enduring presence on the global metal stage.
Swedish extreme metal juggernauts Arch Enemy have officially charged into a new chapter, ending months of frantic speculation by releasing their explosive new single, “To The Last Breath”. This marks the band’s first blast of fresh material since their latest album, Blood Dynasty, and serves as a crushing statement of intent for 2026. The track … Continue reading Arch Enemy reveal new singer and drop “To The Last Breath” single/video – intimate dates announced