The Rasmus has teamed with Theory Of A Deadman’s lead singer Tyler Connolly to release an exciting new version of The Rasmus‘ outsider anthem ‘Creatures Of Chaos’, that was originally released back in March, as the second single from their 11th studio album, Weirdo.
”Tyler (Connolly) is an amazing singer and he added a new dimension to the song,” said singer Lauri Ylönen. “This song is one of our best from the new album and it’s so cool that it gets some spotlight now.”
Tyler Connolly said:“I got asked to guest sing on this Rasmus song and once I heard it, I was like, ‘Heck Yeah’! Loved the track and love the band! Really enjoyed the back-and-forth verses between us, and it truly rocks! Now I got to get myself to Finland!!!”
Ylönen said the song is a “global shout out and an invitation to all misfits and anyone out there who’s ever felt like an outsider to join us! It was one of the first songs, and that’s kind of how the album title came about. It’s also about accepting people as they are, which in this world is getting much harder for people to do. For me, it’s more personal: I sing like I could have been a soldier, but I’m afraid of guns. I could have been this or that, but I wasn’t strong enough to be those. My job is to do this. And I’m singing to one fan in the front row, giving her or him strength to carry on. It’s another kind of hero.”
“’Creatures Of Chaos’ is “also about the pressure of social media,” Ylönen added. “People feel like by 25 they need to have money, investments, be somebody. A lot of people are scared of growing up. I’ve always gained strength from being the underdog, and I love that. It keeps me going.”
It is the band’s first US rock radio single and you can listen to it here and watch the lyric video below. The six times platinum and eight times gold certified, record-breaking Finnish rock outfit is known for their musically dark atmospheres, the band is said to subversively merge catchy modern pop stylings with stadium-sized guitar crunch throughout the album.
With their latest album, Weirdo, out now via Better Noise Music (their first for the label) and Playground Music, Lauri Ylönen said:“I find it comforting that our 11th album, Weirdo, has pretty much the same message as on our first album released in 1996. “It is to defend and praise the ones who are different from the masses and proudly being themselves as they are. It has been our philosophy from the very beginning.”
Ylönen went on to explain his thoughts about the power behind being a weirdo. “In this society I’ve always felt that I’ve had to prove myself for being the way I am or doing the things I do. I’ve always felt like an outsider not fitting the norm. I’ve been called a weirdo, misfit and a freak. That used to make me angry – But not anymore. It’s become my source of strength and confidence. I’ve realised the power of it. All the people I find exciting and inspiring are somehow strange. We, the weirdos, unite and feed off people’s judging attitudes. The fact is they’re just afraid of us. Afraid of our capability to create new and change the future. Are you a weirdo? Join us.”
In July, The Rasmus played a charity concert in Ukraine on as the headliner of theAtlas Festival, as the only foreign artist at the event. Over 110,000 people were in attendance, and there was a comprehensive security system and evacuation plan for the audience and performers in just a few minutes if it was necessary. Thankfully the festival went off without any issues.
“Going back to Ukraine really hit us hard. The people there are just incredible,” said Ylönen. “Their strength, their spirit, the way they come together…it’s powerful to see and even more powerful to feel. We also got to catch up with Kalush Orchestra, which was great! Playing ‘In The Shadows Of Ukraine’ with all those people in front of us – That’s the kind of thing you never forget.”
They ultimately raised over 3.5 million hryvnias ($84,000) which was turned into a donation of special surgical instruments for the Okhmatdyt National Children’s Specialized Hospital.
The Rasmus has released a short documentary film, The Rasmus In Ukraine about their time in the country. The income generated from YouTube will be donated to The Good Donations Foundation and you can check it out here via RAMzine.
The funds were used to order and purchase modern, high-quality surgical kits from Germany. This equipment has already been delivered to Ukraine and handed over to doctors at the Okhmatdyt National Children’s Specialized Hospital. For medical professionals who save children’s lives every day, the quality and reliability of instruments is crucial. The official handover of the instruments took place on 25th September. Despite being on tour promoting their new album, The Rasmus joined the event online and spoke personally with the team of doctors at the hospital.
As headliners of the festival, the band – Lauri Ylönen (Vocals), Emppu Suhonen (Guitars), Eero Heinonen (Bass), and Aki Hakala (Drums)—not only performed on stage but also took part in charity activities such as autograph sessions, raffles of unique merchandise bundles, and a personal visit to the hospital. During the meeting with the doctors, the musicians emphasised that “The doctors who work here are real heroes. They provide assistance even during air raid sirens and rocket attacks. We were impressed by their professionalism. It is very important that they have equipment that matches their level. Because these doctors can do even more if they have everything they need.”
The Good Donations Foundation expressed its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the collection: “Together, we were able to give doctors instruments that give children a chance at life and hope to their families.
Following previous single releases, The Rasmus also issued the title track as a single in September, with The Funeral Portrait singer Lee Jennings featured on both it and the video that you can check out here at RAMzine.
“‘Weirdo’ was the first song we wrote and it shaped the concept for the entire album,” said Ylönen. “It celebrates being different and individual. Since the first song I ever wrote in 1994 called ‘Myself,’ I’ve felt like an outcast and someone who doesn’t quite fit in.”
“Being a part of ‘Weirdo’ with The Rasmus has been incredible,” said contributor Lee Jennings. “It’s an anthem for the outcasts, and I’m beyond proud of how it turned out. Working with such an iconic band has been awesome, and now we’re hitting the road together across Europe. Get ready! The Funeral Portrait and The Rasmus are coming to represent all of the weirdos across Europe this November.”
Weirdo, as well as limited-edition merchandise bundles, are available here.
The Rasmus is currenly on a full UK-EU headlining tour until the end of the year with support from The Funeral Portrait, dates listed below.
THE RASMUS/THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT UK TOUR
11/30 Glasgow, GB – SWG3 Galvanizers
12/1 Manchester, GB – O2 Ritz
12/2 Cardiff, GB – Great Hall
12/4 London, GB – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
12/5 Southampton, GB – 1865
12/6 Nottingham, GB – Rock City
