What makes 1st by The Rasmus notable?

While not a commercial smash, '1st' was significant in establishing The Rasmus's presence in Finland's rock landscape. It laid the groundwork for their subsequent success and exploration of more mainstream sounds, ultimately leading to international acclaim. Released in January 1995, '1st' marks The Rasmus's debut EP, introducing their sound to the Finnish music scene. At this point, they were still forming their identity before achieving broader recognition with later albums like 'Dead Letters' in 2003.