With more than 15 years of career and an international reach spanning from Japan to Latin America, Shiraz Lane return with their latest release In Vertigo, an album that blends hard rock, pop-metal, and a modern sound filled with powerful melodies and irresistible hooks. After their appearance on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, the Finnish band is preparing to return to Spain and take part in the prestigious Frontiers Rock Festival. We spoke with Hannes Kett, their singer, about their creative process, their influences, and the experience of performing in front of fans from all over the world.
David Aresté
First of all, thank you very much for taking a few minutes to talk with us, and congratulations on the release of your new album In Vertigo. How are you experiencing the audience’s reaction to the record so far?
Well, first of all, thank you very much for the time you’re giving me. And I’m very happy. When we started writing songs with Miki and Jani for this album, we weren’t really thinking about writing an album. We simply started finding these songs and realized that this should be an album and that it should be a metaphor for everything we’ve been through in recent years.
From the first demo we realized that there was something special in our hands. The way of working was different from what we had done before. When we recorded “Dangerous” we realized that there was something really special about it. I’m very happy that both our longtime fans and new fans are enjoying the album and sharing it with others.
In Vertigo seems like your most ambitious album to date. At what point did you feel you were entering a new phase for the band?
Most of the songs were written by just the three of us: me, Miki, and Jani, our guitarists. We decided to work directly in the studio instead of spending countless hours, days, or months in the rehearsal space, as we had done over the past ten years.
We wanted to change things and do something different. We realized that the workflow was so different and much better. We managed to get much more done in a shorter period of time, and we could be much more creative faster.
After eight hours we had our first song as a demo (although it didn’t end up on the album), but it was a great track. We realized this was going to be something different. After the first four songs we wrote during the sessions, we realized we wanted a more modern sound. To modernize the Shiraz Lane sound. The songwriting was similar to before, the band’s essence was there, but we wanted to modernize the sound because it’s now 2026.
We didn’t want to sound like an ’80s band, because we’ve never felt like one. We’ve always wanted to have our own unique style.
When you say “modernize”, what exactly do you mean?
If you think about the sonic landscape of the album, we added more effects and elements that we use live, such as pads. For example, “Bullsh!t” is a great example. The “Bullsh!t” line is not played by us; it’s a computer sound that we then tweak. The same goes for the drum sounds, which are samples created and layered.
We wanted to modernize the sound instead of sticking to something more classic. Although we still have elements that can remind people of the ’80s, we wanted to show other sides, especially in the melodies.
There are more pop melodies than ever. I love pop music, Michael Jackson has always been a major inspiration for me. I wanted to have fun singing, because if a song is boring to play or sing, then it’s not worth it. We want to enjoy making music.
You’ve worked again with Per Aldeheim. What does he bring to the band’s sound?
A lot. We started working with him on our second album and learned a great deal. He was the one who encouraged us to make our own demos, and this is the first album where we’ve truly done that with a full production from home.
That’s why the album sounds more ambitious: everything is thought out from the demos. In addition, Per is like another member of the band. He respects our vision, but he also questions it and brings new ideas that help us evolve.
The album blends hard rock, pop-metal and more modern sounds. Was that something intentional or did it come naturally?
It’s completely natural. We always make music for ourselves. If we like it, there will be people out there who like it too.
We have many influences: from hard rock to pop, soul, reggae… I love Michael Jackson, but there are also influences like Guns N’ Roses, Dire Straits or Elvis. We mix all of that and turn it into our own sound.
Of the released singles, which one best represents the band today?
“Dangerous”, without a doubt. It has groove, dark guitars, melodies and represents very well who we are.
I would also say “Stone Cold Lover”. In addition, we lowered the key of “Dangerous” so the audience could sing it better live, and it works great because people always sing along with us.
The title In Vertigo suggests chaos or movement. What does it mean to you?
All of that. Being in a band is like being in a relationship with several people, with sacrifices and difficult moments.
Life can be chaotic, but we’ve always stayed united. I’ve spent half my life in this band and we’ve experienced a lot together. The idea is to keep moving forward and be grateful every day.
Looking back, what has changed the most in the band?
The perspective on life. We’ve learned a lot over the years.
We’ve also improved in songwriting and production. Now we know when to simplify and when to make something more complex. Less can be more, and that’s something we’ve learned.
You come from Finland. Has the scene influenced you?
We’ve always followed our own path, but bands like Hanoi Rocks or Nightwish showed us that it’s possible to go far from Finland.
That motivated us to believe in ourselves.
You’ve played with bands like KISS. What have you learned?
That we belong on big stages. We also learned that, even though they are legends, they are still normal people.
Kindness is key and you should never forget where you come from.
What was it like playing on the Monsters of Rock Cruise?
It’s a unique experience. You can perform, spend time with fans and watch other bands over several days.
I’ve even made friends there that I still keep in touch with. It’s something very special.
You’re coming back to Spain. What do you remember about the audience?
The energy. People in Spain are incredible, very expressive and passionate.
After having to cancel due to illness last year, we’re very excited to come back with more shows.
You will also play at the Frontiers Rock Festival. What does it mean to you?
It’s an honor. It’s a very important festival and we want to give our best so that people remember us.
Now that the album has been out for a while, which songs work best live?
All of them work very well, especially “Dangerous”. There are also songs we haven’t played live yet that we’re really looking forward to trying.
We want to balance new songs with classics in our shows.
And finally, would you like to leave a message for your fans in Spain?
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all the support. We are five guys from Finland coming to play rock and roll for you.
We’re really looking forward to coming back, enjoying the country and sharing music with all of you. See you very soon!