Rhino Proof are proud to announce their new studio album, “Light, Dark, The End”, set for release on November 6th, 2026, via Astral Haven Records.
Celebrating the announcement, the band also shares the first single, “Play by the Rules”, alongside an official music video.
Guitarist Rane comments on the song:
“When I was writing the song ‘Play by the Rules’, I thought back to my youth and the fact that I used to drink heavily. I often woke up on the floor and generally behaved badly. Fortunately, I realized how foolish I was being and started living sensibly”.
Vocalist Jukka on the new song:
“The song ‘Play by the Rules’ is one of my favorites; I use my voice a little rougher on it—or actually, the guys kind of pushed me to do that—and I’m glad they did, because it fits the song’s vibe”.
Watch the music video for “Play by the Rules” below. Stream the new single here.
Rane states about the album: “Making the new album was a difficult and lengthy process. At times, the work progressed well, but then difficulties began to pile up. Certain things also came to an end, and processing them took time. This entire experience ultimately became the album’s title”.
Jukka says on the new album:
“The new album is truly fantastic overall, and while all the songs are distinct from one another, they still come together to form a cohesive whole. It ranges from heavy, pounding tracks to ballad-like interpretations. I’m proud of this album”.
Jukka shares about the vocal recordings:
“A year ago in August, we started recording the lead vocals. Even though half of the songs were completely new to me and we didn’t even have demo versions for all of them, we managed to record everything incredibly quickly, in two days! Creativity was at its peak, and the vocal melodies evolved as we recorded them”.
The album will be available as a Digipak CD and Digital release.
Pre-order “Light, Dark, The End” here.
Tracklist:
1. Play by the Rules
2. Deeper Form of Love
3. Alone With My Sin
4. Even Closer
5. My Life is Fine
6. Fashion Nonsense (CD bonus track)
7. Strong Enough
8. Shadows in the Rain
9. Safe Cracker
Album Credits:
• All songs written by Rane Riikonen
• Arrangements by Rhino Proof
• Recorded and mixed by Erkko Joronen
• Produced by Rane Riikonen and Erkko Joronen
• Mastered by Jone Väänänen
• Cover artwork by V-V Markkanen
• CD & booklet artwork by NobotX (Arch Rival, Transcendence, Hansel, etc.)
• Band photo by Markus Sotikov
The band has previously released two singles and videos for the songs “Play by the Rules” and “Deeper Form of Love”.
Speaking on the new era for the band:
“We are very excited to be working with Astral Haven Records”, adds Riikonen. “This partnership will give us the opportunity to reach more listeners from all over the world”.
Promising an ambitious, narrative-driven experience, the new album will be a conceptual release featuring a four-part story and the powerful vocals of Jukka Nummi.
Delivering a blistering blend of hard rock and heavy metal, Rhino Proof formed in Joensuu, Finland in 2016. The band has built a fierce reputation across Europe, with their 2018 self-titled debut placing in the Top 5 of Hard Rock Highlights lists in both Italy and Portugal. Now, returning stronger than ever with a rock-solid roster, the band is primed to capture the ears of rock and metal enthusiasts globally.
Line-up:
Jukka Nummi – Vocals
Rane Riikonen – Guitar
Erkko Joronen – Guitar
Pasi Nousiainen – Bass
Sami Ratilainen – Drums
Weblinks:
rhinoproof.com
www.facebook.com/rhinoproof
