The Rasmus - 'Weirdo'
- Rock Metal Machine
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
The Rasmus certainly know how to pen a catchy tune just right for radio play, and even in their heavier moments still manage to produce plenty of hooks to keep the listener engaged.
‘Weirdo’ is the eleventh release from Finnish Rock band The Rasmus, coming some three years after previous release ‘Rise’. The line-up has remained steady for the last few albums with ever-presents Lauri Ylönen on vocals and Eero Heinonen on bass, with Emilia “Emppu” Suhonen on guitar and Aki Hakala on drums. The band have notable success over the years, picking up six platinum and eight gold records in their time, as well as representing Finland in the Eurovision song contest in 2022. Their current musical style can best be described as a modern, hard-hitting Alternate Symphonic Rock, almost like a heavy Simple Plan.
The album contains ten tracks, the majority which were written by Ylönen and Desmond Child who had also contributed to the previous two albums, with the first single ‘Break These Chains’ also having a contribution from Marti Frederiksen. Lead track ‘Creatures Of Chaos’ (the second single) would probably not have been my choice as an opener as it takes a few spins to get in to, featuring slow heavy verses followed by a more upbeat, melodic chorus. The aforementioned ‘Break These Chains’, a song about toxic relationships, is definitely more immediate, featuring a fine guest vocal performance by Niko Vilhelm from Blind Chanel.
‘Rest In Pieces’ is a thumping upbeat Symphonic piece with a heavy backbeat and melodic hook. ‘Dead Ringer’ is a more commercial track that includes a bit of Rap at the breakdown instead of the expected solo. The title track up next is a slow paced and, I guess, an introspective into the mind of the writer. My favourite track ‘Banksy’, about the illusive urban artist, is a fast-paced number that fairly bounces along with a Beast In Black feel. ‘Love Is A Bitch’ is pure Pop track, whistling intro and all. ‘You Want It All’ is a power ballad with a very catchy sing-along chorus. We get back to the heavier side of proceedings with ‘Bad Things’ before closing out with a second ballad, ‘I’m Coming for You’.
The Rasmus certainly know how to pen a catchy tune just right for radio play, and even in their heavier moments still manage to produce plenty of hooks to keep the listener engaged.
Reviewer: Chris Mee
Label: Better Noise
Genre: Melodic Rock
Issue Reviewed In: 112
Ask your question
0%Excellent
0%Good
0%Average
0%Terrible
Over 200 more reviews in Issue #112
Comments