MATD return with Johanna Koskiniemi on the explosive and anthemic rock single “Angels of Rock”, a high-energy track built for stadiums. The song bursts with progressive synth transitions, screeching and chugging guitars, soaring melodic vocals, and a fierce blend of 80s hair rock, goth attitude, and modern European stadium rock. It has the feel of a major rock movie soundtrack and brings the spirit of a European rock revival into 2025.

“Angels of Rock” has been added to the ROCK A-List and will also air as a special ROCK POWERPLAY at 10:30 AM Pacific USA time every day for the next month, marking the return of big, glamorous, alternative rock energy.

When the “angels of rock” arrive, they bring light, power, attitude, and an unstoppable melodic force.

The Making of “Angels of Rock”

The song first took shape in December 2024, when Finnish duo MATD sent a demo titled Hell Has Lousy Songs to singer Johanna Koskiniemi. The demo immediately made an impact. Under the direction of producer Sammy Roiha at Sound Ateljee Studio, the track evolved into an explosive, full-throttle rock anthem.

The collaboration showcases MATD’s refined musicianship and Johanna’s powerful vocal delivery. Although it began as Johanna’s first venture into hard rock singing, the performance soon became bold, emotional, and commanding. Packed with massive guitars, pounding drums, and soaring melodic lines, “Angels of Rock” was designed for arenas rather than kitchen radios.

The track was submitted to Finland’s Eurovision Song Contest selection, standing as one of MATD’s most daring releases yet. It combines melodic intensity with a message of resilience: even in “hell” the notes go wrong, and the world needs light, unity, and joy more than ever.

Johanna says, “In dark times, you have to spread light and joy.”

About Johanna Koskiniemi

Johanna Koskiniemi is a former music teacher turned dynamic rock performer. She has studied piano, saxophone, trumpet, and voice, and has appeared in vocal competitions and theatrical productions across Finland and internationally. Her voice blends technical precision with emotional power, giving “Angels of Rock” both strength and heart.

About MATD

MATD, consisting of Marcos Kuusjärvi and Veli Eronen, originally performed as Max and the Ducks before rebranding in 2020. They are known for artistic collaborations across genres and borders, building bold musical projects that combine real-life inspiration, pop culture, and touches of fantasy.

Their breakout success included “Me and My Dog” featuring Tom Bedlam. During their Max and the Ducks era, they achieved nine songs on Finland’s official download charts. Their track “Who the F** Is Alice” was once Finland’s most downloaded song of the week, and “This Bond Is Tight” reached number two and was shortlisted for Switzerland’s Eurovision selection in 2015.

MATD do not chase trends. They build their own original direction, fusing personal stories and cinematic imagination into emotionally rich music.

“Angels of Rock” stands as a statement. Even in difficult times, rock music continues to rise with wings, fire, and purpose.

Track Credits

• Music: Marcos Kuusjärvi and Veli Eronen
• Lyrics: Marcos Kuusjärvi
• Lead vocals: Johanna Koskiniemi
• Background vocals: Sammy Roiha, Hakim Petri Hietikko
• Musicians: Sammy Roiha, Jaakko Roiha, Hakim Petri Hietikko, Esa Hiltunen
• Recorded at Sound Ateljee, Finland

Official Links

Facebook
MATD: https://www.facebook.com/matdband
Johanna: https://www.facebook.com/muusikkojohannakoskiniemi

Instagram
MATD: https://www.instagram.com/matdband/
Johanna: https://www.instagram.com/artist_johanna/

TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@matdband

Twitter / X
https://x.com/matd_band

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/track/2PqRqVste6N5etbgecr5Ut?si=2d616be16176489b

YouTube
Short: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CZsbP9BD78
Official: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdgUrz2nQho

We are excited to announce that the powerful, rocking and melodic new single ‘Read My Lips’ from MATD Feat ‘Johanna Koskiniemi’ is now on our A-List Playlist. Stay tuned to hear this track night and day on the playlist + it will also be spun as a special ALTERNATIVE ROCK POWERPLAY at 8 PM Pacific for the next month.

This was the first MATD song Marcos Kuusjärvi and Veli Eronen sent to Finland’s Eurovision Song Contest. The song didn’t qualify, and it was never released. The song was completely remade in 2024, and the lyrics were also changed to a “lighter direction”. At the same time, it became more of a rock song.

The original idea of the song was that dictators don’t have a happy ending! The people will eventually revolt and put an end to the dictatorship. Maybe not the ultimate Eurovision material. The song was transformed to tell a new kind of story. In the new version, we approach a relationship. What could a cheating spouse read from your lips? Read My Lips! “As long as the heart beats with the rhythm of love Love needs trust, another one bites the dust.”

Singer Johanna Koskiniemi is a former music class teacher who has also just completed a basic degree in metalwork. She has always loved music and has been involved in some way with music all her life. Johanna has studied piano, saxophone, and trumpet and has also taken singing lessons.

She has also been seen in various singing competitions and theater productions and has studied music and acting all the way abroad. Johanna has been voted FinnRadio.FM’s hit Artist of the Year two years in a row, and the song she recorded, Tee Mulle Taivas, was chosen on the same channel as Hit of the Year 2023.

Nowadays, Johanna has consciously moved in a more pop direction in her production. The wonderful collaboration that started a year ago with the band MATD now continues with an even rockier song. Read My Lips is Johanna’s second English recording. It is a survival story about a difficult relationship and breakup. It is even faintly psychedelic verses lead the listener to a moment when they realize that life is far too short to waste on a bad relationship; stop crying, everything will be alright! In the chorus, the middle finger is shown to the whole world! I survived the cheater gets to bite the dust!

Max Duck Records Oy
https://www.facebook.com/matdband/
https://twitter.com/matd_band
https://www.tiktok.com/@matdband

Spotify

YouTube