Album review: The Rasmus - Black Roses

The Rasmus have been around since 1994, the four Finnish boys were teens with a passion for funky funny music. As the years passed, they grew up. And so did their sound. The 2003 album Dead Letters was a huge success thanks to the hit single In The Shadows, which reached the top 10 in several countries and even number one in some of them. The sound of Dead Letters was a little darker than Into [2000], and the band’s sound was rumoured – and expected – to further develop into that dark direction. Though Hide From The Sun [2005] did have a couple of rock tracks on it, some of the other songs were poppy and boring, with less interesting lyrics than the songs on Dead Letters. Not the progression we all expected.

After a break – during which people had babies or worked on other projects – there now is The Rasmus’ seventh studio album; Black Roses. After the disappointing sound of the previous album, would this be better? Not really. The band has dubbed their style ‘Death Pop’, like HIM’s self made sound ‘Love Metal’, but worse. Cheery pop with a rocky guitar. It worked well for In The Shadows and First Day Of My Life, but has since gone back to the more poppy side.

Black Roses starts off with first single Living In A World Without You. It has an interesting start with the spoken lyrics, and the music is not bad at all. But the ‘ahahahahaaaahs’ that seem to be Lauri’s favourite way to fill up a gap are getting a bit old. Title track Black Roses has the Death Pop sound, with a catchy chorus. After this, the songs turn whiney, the lyrics cheesy.

The second half of the album is a little darker than the first. Starting from track 7; You Got It Wrong, which is a nice song (too bad the fuck’s are censored). Lost and Lonely definitely has a nice sound to it too. A doomy guitar, nothing poppy in this one at all. Thank fuck. The Fight is the fastest track on the record, but the slow chorus reminds me of that of Sail Away, one of the singles from the previous album. Interesting contrast, which would have worked better with a less standard vocal during the chorus. The song actually has a metally bit towards the end, not bad at all!

Verdict: I have almost given up on this band. Lauri's songwriting skills haven't improved, neither has his singing. Their Death Pop idea is interesting, but I think it can be developed more. Preferably towards the Death end. Some songs are definitely nice, but not more than that. I don't think this album will do very well.
Imre