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

Leave Your Heart At The Door by Joseph H Dean Blasts onto Hollywood FM’s Rock Playlist

Blasting onto our Rock Playlist is the scorching new single from Joseph H Dean, as he returns in full force with his third release Leave Your Heart At The Door. Hear it all day and night on the A-List Playlist and as a special ROCK POWERPLAY at 5 PM Pacific USA time for the entire month.

Joseph H Dean storms back into the spotlight with his third single Leave Your Heart At The Door, delivering another riff-driven rock anthem that blends retro grit with modern stadium-sized energy. The track brims with sharp guitar riffs, chugging rhythms, and high melodic vocals that effortlessly soar from deep, resonant tones to powerful highs. The chorus bursts with a timeless melody that could fill arenas, while the lyrics cut with emotional precision.

From start to finish, the song flows with a classic rock spirit that makes it perfect for blasting down the highway, head-banging in sync with screeching guitars that channel the swagger of ZZ Top and the electrifying force of AC/DC. It’s a bold, riff-based performance where the vocals follow the groove, creating a retro-meets-modern classic that cements Joseph H Dean’s growing reputation as a rock revivalist.

The inspiration behind his relentless passion runs deeper than just music. After losing his wife to cancer, Dean found strength and solace in the music of Lady Gaga. As he explains, “I can be having the worst day of my life… and for some reason when she sings it just kicks my soul out of my body and gives me some kind of peace, if only for a few moments.” That unwavering emotional connection fuels his own artistry, pushing him to create songs that lift and energize listeners.

Joseph H Dean Official Website:
Joseph H Dean
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/65rmM7qv2dIxfDgnQVcj2e