Finnish Duo MATD and Johanna Koskiniemi Unleash Anthemic “Angels of Rock” on the ROCK A-List

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

Turn It Up: “Say No to War” by Mingyang Ran Joins the Playlist as a Pop Rock Powerplay!

We’re thrilled to announce that the explosive new single “Say No to War” by Mingyang Ran (冉明阳) has landed on our A-List Playlist!

This vibrant, boppy, and melodic pop-rock anthem delivers a powerful punch of rebellion and energy—blending gritty guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and raw, shouted vocals into a full-force protest anthem. Inspired by the spirit of AC/DC and recorded entirely on an 8-track analog tape machine, Say No to War” channels old-school rock authenticity with a message that hits home.

🔥 Catch this radio-friendly rocker spinning every few hours—plus, it’s our exclusive POP ROCK POWERPLAY at 10:30 AM Pacific USA time every day for the next month!

🎧 Listen to Mingyang Ran on Spotify: Click Here
📸 Follow on Instagram: @randy9545

Say it loud. Say it proud. “Say No to War” — only on our playlist.

Genre-Bending Newcomer Diemislade Unleashes “Apocalypse Now”

The explosive new single Apocalypse Now by Diemislade has officially landed on the Rock Playlist, making waves every few hours with its fierce energy and sonic power. In addition, this hard-hitting anthem has been selected as a Daily ROCK POWERPLAY at 7:30 PM Pacific USA time ensuring it will be featured prominently every day for the next month.

Formed on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in the vibrant city of Rome, Diemislade is a boundary-pushing musical project that refuses to be confined by genre. Created by visionary artist Raffaele Maggioli—also known as Julian Rada—Diemislade is named through an anagram of his latest muse, underscoring the deeply personal and ever-evolving nature of the project.

Diemislade’s sound is a striking fusion of nu-metal’s raw energy, the catchy hooks of pop, punk’s rebellious edge, the introspective grit of grunge, and the exploratory spirit of alternative rock. This genre-blending style reflects the belief that music should mirror the multifaceted dynamism of life itself.

Every track is written and composed by Maggioli, who also oversaw all aspects of production. To enhance the authenticity of the English lyrics, he collaborated with English-speaking amateur freelance vocalists. Drum tracks were recorded by freelance musicians from Italy and Australia, though some songs feature digital drums to preserve their aggressive and high-energy tone.

Lyrically and thematically, Diemislade draws inspiration from the worlds of Japanese anime, video games, and superhero films. With a mission to connect with listeners worldwide, the project aims to inspire and uplift, with the long-term hope of evolving into a full-time creative endeavor.

Official Site – Diemislade

Spotify

Diemislade YouTube