Karahka Unleash a Fierce Stoner Rock Blast on “Summer Hell”

Karahka’s new single “Summer Hell” is a burst of aggressive stoner rock that flirts with punk and hard rock. The band spices things up with a touch of metallic edge, resulting in a uniquely aggressive form of rock.

“Summer Hell” is a wryly self-ironic story about the band’s chaotic summer schedule. The “summer hell” breaks loose when gigs are double-booked, one member has scheduled a holiday trip, another has a dentist appointment, and someone is working night shifts.
The new single marks another step toward Karahka’s third album, scheduled for release in early 2027. A substantial amount of material has already been written, and the album’s overarching theme is now clear. The record will consist of stories in which circumstances push people to the brink of madness and what can happen at its worst.

“Summer Hell” represents the lighter, tongue-in-cheek side of that theme.

“The upcoming album will also feature glimpses of hope in the midst of a mad world. Close relationships and communities can carry you through, even when reality feels chaotic. The families and communities we grow up in can either break your mind or help you survive,” says guitarist Juuso Vettenranta.

Formed in 2020, Karahka is a prolific band. Their debut album Dark Side of the Night was released in 2024, followed by their second album Modern Fanfares in December 2025.
The first single from the upcoming album, “Temptations,” was released earlier this spring.

“Summer Hell” available on:
Spotify
Apple Music
Tidal
Qobuz
Deezer
“Summer Hell” lyric video:
YouTube
Line-up:
Jaan Lehti – drums, vocals
Juuso Vettenranta – guitar, backing vocals
Mikko Teittinen – guitar, backing vocals
Ari Enqvist – bass, vocals

Molly Johnson Announces New Album 'Talk to Me' Out June 26

 

 

Recognized as one of Canada’s greatest voices, Molly Johnson announces her new album Talk To Me, arriving June 26 via Universal Music Canada. The 10-track project combines music from Johnson’s recent All I See and Long Time Running EPs with four new recordings, including lead single “Holiday,” out now, further showcasing her unmistakable voice and continued artistic evolution.

Across the album, Johnson collaborates with artists from across generations of Canadian music, including JUNO Award-winning rapper Haviah Mighty, rising producer and artist CUBE, and Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo. The result is a deeply collaborative body of work that blends soul, jazz, R&B, and rock through Johnson’s singular artistic lens.

At the heart of the album is “Talk To Me,” a call-and-response collaboration with Haviah Mighty centred around listening, dialogue, and connection across generations. Pairing Molly’s signature vocal style with Haviah’s sharp lyricism, the track reflects a meaningful exchange between two distinct voices and perspectives.

“What does a 67-year-old woman and a 21-year-old kid have in common? A real love of great music,” says Johnson about working with producer and artist CUBE. “I really believe we need to listen to younger voices, and I feel so excited that I get to be part of this new generation of music. The future looks bright to me.”

The album also features Johnson’s stirring interpretation of The Tragically Hip’s “Long Time Running,” recorded with Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo. First released in 1991, the song remains a defining piece of the Canadian musical canon, here reimagined with a sense of intimacy and reverence that honours its enduring legacy.

“This has been a long time coming,” says Johnson. “I’ve always wanted to record a duet with Jim. We’ve been friends for years, so to finally collaborate on a song by our beloved The Tragically Hip feels like real magic.”

Across the album, Johnson is joined by her long-time collaborators, including Davide Di Renzo, Mike Downes and Robi Botos, whose enduring musical partnership remains central to her sound. New recordings including “Holiday,” “Happy,” “Sunday Morning,” and “Just As Bad As You” further expand the album’s rich and deeply collaborative musical world.

Talk To Me will be available June 26 via Universal Music Canada.