Dark Matters (The Rasmus album)

The album was recorded after a five-year hiatus, during which the band members pursued side projects. Guitarist Pauli Rantasalmi left the band in 2016, and was replaced by Emppu Suhonen, who contributed to the album's writing and recording. The sessions took place at various studios in Helsinki and Los Angeles, with producer Thomas "Toxic" Holopainen, known for his work with Apocalyptica and Children of Bodom.

The band aimed to capture a raw, live feel, recording most tracks in a single take. Frontman Lauri Ylönen described the process as "intense and spontaneous," drawing from personal experiences and societal observations.

Dark Matters marks a return to the band's heavier, guitar-driven sound, reminiscent of their early 2000s work, while incorporating modern production elements. The album explores themes of existential angst, love, and the darker aspects of human nature, as reflected in tracks like "Paradise" and "Wonderman."¹

The title track "Dark Matters" serves as a metaphor for the unseen forces that shape our lives, blending melancholic melodies with powerful choruses. The band's Finnish roots are evident in the brooding atmosphere, yet the lyrics are in English, maintaining their international appeal.²

Upon release, Dark Matters received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its cohesive sound and emotional depth. It debuted at number one on the Finnish Albums Chart, becoming the band's fifth chart-topping album in their home country.³

The album also charted in several European countries, including Germany and Switzerland, though it did not replicate the commercial success of their earlier international breakthrough, Dead Letters. The lead single "Paradise" was released in September 2017, accompanied by a music video directed by the band's longtime collaborator.⁴

One notable aspect is the album's cover art, which features a photograph of a black hole taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, reflecting the album's cosmic theme. The band worked with visual artist Jouni Havukainen to create the artwork, which was initially intended for a different project.⁵

Another lesser-known fact is that the album was recorded with a vintage analog console, giving it a warm, organic sound that contrasts with the digital precision of many modern rock albums. Additionally, the track "Empire" was originally written for a film soundtrack but was repurposed for the album after the film project fell through.

Playground Music Scandinavia

A record label based in Sweden, part of the Playground Music Group, which released Dark Matters.

Pauli Rantasalmi

Former guitarist of The Rasmus, who left the band in 2016.

Emppu Suhonen

Guitarist who replaced Pauli Rantasalmi and contributed to the album.

Thomas "Toxic" Holopainen

Finnish music producer known for his work with metal bands, who produced Dark Matters.