A decade on from the release of their debut EP, Finnish melodic rockers Shiraz Lane are still operating with a healthy heartbeat. Known for their big, brash in your face approach, they return cocked and loaded with their third album, In Vertigo.
Shiraz Lane – In Vertigo
Release Date: 24 October 2025
Words: Brian Boyle
Shiraz Lane open up In Vertigo in glam-tastic fashion on a rowdy ditty called Stone Cold Lover, which has a distinct smattering of The Sweet’s Blockbuster on its opening chimes.
Nothing wrong with that, and like a lot of ’70s glam rock bands, Shiraz Lane’s music also has a sizzling shock and awe element to it. The tamely titled Bullshit is bold and arrogant, and has a chorus that nails you to the wall, where the pop rock extravaganza Dangerous will put you straight through it.
Although their rock credentials are authentic and believable, tunes like Plastic Heart, Come Alive, and the punchy little hip swivel of Live A Little More would not be out of place in, dare I say it, “a disco”, or whatever they call them these days.
And in fairness, most tracks get your attention early doors, even the overly sugary The Ray Of Light keeps your ears pricked for the whole duration.
If you are not altogether familiar with Shiraz Lane and like your rock ‘n’ roll with less saccharine, then vocalist Hannes Kett’s vocal style might get under your skin. But this guy gives it the whole nine yards, and his non-conventional voice suits this band’s pop-driven material down to the ground.
On a track like Sayonara Love, he sounds like he is in his element, and there is no shame in saying this banger could rack up multiple douze points and shake up one of those bile-inducing Eurovision Song Contests.
The role of producer and co-writer Per Aldeheim must not be overlooked either. Bringing him back on board after giving them a kick up the jacksie on 2022’s Forgotten Shades Of Life was a smart bit of business.
Though not on the same level as a Def Leppard/Mutt Lange combo, they still have their own unique chemistry, and sound a much more self-assured unit than when they burst out of the traps ten years ago with the Be The Slave Or Be The Change EP.
And by putting the album’s highlight tune, the classic AOR-flavoured Brand New Day at the tail end of the album, their belief in the quality of the material is gloriously evident.
In Vertigo is pop rock fusion at its very best, and a huge leap in the right direction from the Finland boys.
Shiraz Lane release In Vertigo via Frontiers Music Srl on 24 October 2025. For pre-orders, visit ffm.to/shirazlane_invertigo.
