Blind Channel Releases New Single 'Stars We See' and Announces Sixth Album 'Painstream' – Major Tour Announced

The Finnish rock band Blind Channel has announced the release of their new single, "Stars We See", a track that sets the tone for their upcoming sixth studio album, "Painstream". The band, well-known for its genre-crossing sound and energetic live performances, continues to develop both musically and thematically with this new material. "Painstream" will be released on October 30, 2026 via Century Media Records.

The single "Stars We See" offers a glimpse into the more hopeful side of the album and transforms existential struggle into a powerful message of hope. The song, which the band describes as a result of self-examination and musical exploration during their recent break, is part of an album that promises to delve deep into personal growth, pain, and self-reflection. Blind Channel emphasizes that a sense of optimism takes shape amidst these themes, something found both in the music and the lyrics.

The band speaks about their creative process and expresses great gratitude for the renewed energy and the positive reception their recent releases have received. They stress that the time away from the spotlight was not just a break but also an important learning journey and believe that it has led to their most mature, honest, and ambitious album so far.

"Painstream" consists of twelve tracks and marks a new chapter for Oulu-based Blind Channel. The group wants to take both old and new listeners on an intense and universally relatable journey. The album reflects both individual experiences and greater existential questions, reflecting on whether shared pain can unite rather than divide humanity. "At the heart of it all, something unexpected begins to take shape: hope," says the band, highlighting their collective enthusiasm about returning with new music.

Blind Channel has confirmed that "Stars We See" will be part of the setlist during the Painstream Tour, which kicks off at Helsinki Ice Hall on November 14, 2026. This ambitious tour takes the band from Finland to Japan and further through Europe at the beginning of 2027, with a total of 23 concerts.

• Painstream release date: October 30, 2026
• Painstream Tour start: Helsinki Ice Hall, November 14, 2026
• Tour regions: Finland, Japan, Europe (23 concerts)

Blind Channel has been a prominent name in Nordic alternative rock since their breakthrough in 2021, when they won UMK (Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu) and made history with a sixth place finish in the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam. The single "Dark Side" became an international success, amassing over 80 million streams and helping the band reach a global audience. The successes continued with acclaimed singles and an impressive victory in all six award categories they were nominated for at the 2022 Emma Gala.

With "Painstream", Blind Channel consolidates their position as one of Finland's most dynamic alternative bands. The new songs, characterized by uncompromising honesty and a drive to reach out through shared human experiences, mark an exciting new era for the band and their growing international audience.