Blind Channel Blow the Roof off London’s Scala [Show Review]

For many beyond the world of rock, Blind Channel is familiar due to their participation in Eurovision 2021, where they achieved a respectable 6th place. Since then, the six-piece Finish headbangers have had their sights on bigger things outside their borders, elements of which are explored in their most recent record, Exit Emotions (read our review of the record here). Now, they are fully on their voyage to conquer the new world and spread their sound further than they initially thought possible, and their performance at London’s Scala on April 4 was just another step forward.

Opening the night for Blind Channel were fellow Finnish pop-punkers, Rock Band From Hell, and Germany-based headbangers GHØSTKID. Both bands delivered stellar performances given the small space they were afforded on half of an already tiny stage. Both bands ensured that Blind Channel would not be able to come out and play but would have to deliver a high-octane show to match that of what came before.

Between performances, the standard playlists were played to fill out the time between sets. However, Blind Channel ensured there was a fun twist to this, turning it into a parody radio show complete with promos for the band’s latest release.

When it came time for Blind Channel to start their performance, the stage went dark, signalling the moment had arrived, which was greeted with a mass cheer from the crowd. In response, the audience was bombarded with strobe lights and the opening notes of “Dead Zone” that hit the venue with the intensity of an atom bomb! To say this was loud would be an understatement! I could feel the nerves in both my ear drums struggling to maintain structural integrity, while the Nando’s in my stomach shook as the bass vibrations penetrated my very being! Despite this and acknowledging the fact I have just come across as someone complaining about the noise from those ‘damn kids,’ Blind Channel looked and sounded outstanding. I wish, in this instance, I had remembered my earplugs!

The energy on stage was unparalleled as Blind Channel made incredible use of the tiny space they had to work with as the band powered through song after song, each delivered perfectly. The only moments of levity the band gave were during brief interactions with the crowd, and it wasn’t until “Die Another Day” that Blind Channel slowed things down during their set. It was also at this point, and to the pure delight of the crowd that English signer RØRY joined the show to play her part in this emotionally driven tune. This was, indeed, a treat to be savoured!

Aside from the mention of “Die Another Day,” it’s hard to pick out specific songs from the night that had a unique impact on the evening as every tune became more like group karaoke. Not even their cover of System of a Down’s “B.Y.O.B” was able to stand apart from the set. The show was just consistently great, with a dance-along atmosphere that could not be ignored.

Honestly, Blind Channel delivered a night to remember (even if I am now officially deaf), and what they pulled off in such a small venue makes me wonder what they would be capable of on a bigger stage and with a bigger production budget. I am confident, though, that if they continue as they have, it is just a matter of time before they take another step up the ladder. Blind Channel are already rock stars; it’s now just a question of how bright they will shine.

You can read our interview with Blind Channel at Download 20 here. For details of other upcoming Blind Channel shows, check out the band’s website.

GHØSTKID Setlist:

Hollywood Suicide
Start a Fight
YØU & I
FSU
Heavy Rain
Murder
Dahlia
SUPERNØVA

Blind Channel Setlist:

Dead Zone
Where’s the Exit
Over My Dead Body
Red Tail Lights
We Are No Saints
XOXO
Not Your Bro
Died Enough for You
Die Another Day (feat. RØRY)
Keeping it Surreal
One Last Time… Again
Violent Bob (Deja Fu)
B.Y.O.B. (System of a Down cover)
Wolves in California
Balboa
Bad Idea
Encore:
Happy Doomsday
Flatline
Encore 2:
Dark Side