Released 9 years ago this October
Dark Matters
The Rasmus · 2017
35 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A darkly atmospheric blend of alternative and pop rock that intertwines haunting melodies with introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Paradise Start here — The opening track sets an evocative tone with its rich instrumentation and explores themes of longing and escapism that resonate throughout the album.
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Something in the Dark — This track combines an infectious chorus with darker lyrical themes, representing the album's exploration of internal struggles against a backdrop of catchy pop-rock melodies.
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Dragons Into Dreams — Closing the album, this song encapsulates a journey from despair to hope, showcasing the band's ability to blend emotional depth with uplifting soundscapes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends atmospheric rock with pop elements, showcasing strong melodies but lacks cohesion in pacing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
- The last two tracks incorporate orchestral elements, adding depth and a cinematic quality to the overall sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo enjoyment
- engaging melodies for sing-alongs
- dark lyrical themes explored
- short bursts of energetic vibes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, expansive albums
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — This album shows continued vitality and a fresh direction after lineup changes.
- Themes
- modern existentialism· dark romanticism
- Career context
- Released in 2017, Dark Matters is The Rasmus' eighth studio album and their first since the departure of guitarist Pauli Rantasalmi. This album marked a significant moment as it sought to reestablish the band's presence in the international music scene after a hiatus following their previous album, which had not achieved the same commercial success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- HIM· Placebo· 30 Seconds to Mars
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Something in the Dark
The narrator confronts their fears directly, reflecting on internal battles while hinting at possible redemption.
This moment employs vivid imagery and a shift from passive reflection to active confrontation, enhancing the song's emotional intensity.
Tracklist
- 1 Paradise Start here 3:29
- 2 Something in the Dark 3:30
- 3 Wonderman 3:24
- 4 Nothing 3:42
- 5 Empire 3:31
- 6 Crystalline 3:14
- 7 Black Days 3:38
- 8 Silver Night 3:57
- 9 Delirium 3:20
- 10 Dragons Into Dreams 3:34
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Attention Attention
Shinedown
Shares modern rock energy with polished production and themes of personal struggle and resilience.
Badlands
Halsey
Explores dark romanticism and existential themes with a vibrant pop-rock sound and atmospheric production.
One More Light
Linkin Park
Combines emotional depth with polished alternative rock, reflecting on loss and existential themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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