Rising again: The Rasmus live at Black Box, Helsinki
The last day of September was a very special night for everyone The Rasmus for the fans who attended the Black Box on a not-so-cold Finnish autumn evening.
Just a week after the release of their 10th studio album “Rise” and a few weeks after the release of the official biography, the band prepared an unusual show. They are enjoying a great moment with their participation in Eurovision earlier this year and the success of new member Jezebel. Emppu Suhonenthe band renewed itself and offered even more energetic performances.
The first thing you noticed on stage, after that Ramesses II‘s opening concert, was a slightly different stage than the “yellow box” that the band had at live shows earlier this year. Thanks to the light strips covering both sides and the back of the stage, the eye was drawn to a large screen that continued below the drum floor. Special production!
When the four members took the stage, you could see what kind of atmosphere the show would have from then on: positive! With the sound trilogy from the classic Dead Letters album, the band showed excitement with “First Day of My Life” and “Guilty”.
Lauri was already interacting with the audience and in these first songs it was already possible to see one of the best things that this recent visibility has produced. Fans from the early 2000s shared the audience with teenagers and many children, showing how the band managed to rejuvenate and renew their fan base. Many parents share the joy of the concert with their children.
At the end of the episode, “In My Life”, this time paying special attention Shoot who walks on stage with great joy and enthusiastic interaction also with the charismatic drummer Aki.
Despite the absence of a keyboard player, the background songs work very well, as for example in “No Fear”, which was a song sung by everyone present. With the special guitar intro of the single “Paradise”, it was time to show what The Rasmus sounded like a few years ago, when they tried something more electronic with synthesizers. An interesting atmosphere in the air. If before we heard something more relaxed, “Time to Burn” tried to change that with heavier guitars and a strong bassist’s backing vocals. Eero. Another mix of effects on screen and also under the drum kit that matched a lot of the song’s lyrics.
The first guest of the evening was none other than the legend Michael Monroewho just a week earlier performed a three-hour show at the same venue and also performed a The Cliffs of Hanoi reunion. This time, sax in hand and with his usual charisma, he joined the band to perform in his own words the band’s favorite song “Chill”. An interesting and very pleasant combination that should be repeated more often, I hope!
The latest single “Live and Never Die” did not receive much enthusiasm or applause in its introduction, besides proving to be a bit difficult as a song. Lauri sings, but it’s an upbeat track that shows the band’s new phase. On the other hand, Lauri delivered an incredible vocal on “Wonderman” that struck a good balance between heavy and melodic, another highlight for the audience chorus.
The tenth song of the evening was the beginning of a small acoustic set, where the members were in the middle of the stage in a very intimate atmosphere. “Sophia” opened with Lauri plays the kazoo and sound effects from the bassist Eerosaving the band’s life in the 90s. One of the funniest and most fascinating moments of the show.
String Quartet Triosis+ appeared for the first time of the night to perform “Ten Black Roses,” which took on even more drama with this new arrangement. The effect of lasers on lighting got its last work, this time with “October & April”. Shoot replacing Anette Olzonthe vocals recorded in the studio version, and the guitarist did a very beautiful job with his deep voice.
A long time ago, The Rasmus was known only as Rasmus and four young boys had fun on stage with their teenage antics and lots to say. 25 years later, the quartet shows they still have the energy as they covered “Playboys” and “Ghostbusters” with the saxophonist on stage. One of the most touching moments yet.
Direct from the album “Hell of a Tester” from 1998, “Liquid” brought back the performance Triosis+ bring blue tones and a lot of emotion to the performance of the song Lauri and great backing vocals Shoot and Eero. Otherwise, what a voice support The Rasmus‘bass player so far!
The title song of the new album brought a new dose of joy to most of the audience, showing that the new work already has a special place in the band’s discography. It’s a shame that the string part was played through backing tracks, because it would be nice to see it with a live arrangement where Triosis+.
The classic “Immortal” showed how the setlist was balanced and presented a sharp band. A very strong performance from the singer Lauri and a guitarist Shoot. As mentioned, the setlist featured heavier and more introspective songs, such as the beautiful ballad “Justify” from the “Black Roses” album. Another fascinating work on the big screen and a beautiful sound arrangement Shoot, Eero and LauriMeanwhile Aki remains precise and intense in the rhythm section.
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Then one of the most emotional moments of the evening happened. Ellinora is a Finnish pop singer who in Vain Elämää TV show, where Lauri also participated, created a Finnish version of “Funeral Song”, made it to the charts and revived the classic through another perspective. When the singer appeared on stage, everyone already knew what the next song would be, but although some expected a mix of both versions, only the recently recorded version was presented, which brought a lot of emotion and both singers sang in their original language. Great!
“Livin’ in a World Without You” has a register that matches well Lauri– voice, but drummer Aki stands out for his enthusiasm. With green and orange lights, one of the biggest hits of the Finnish rock scene echoed in the hall, when the first riffs of “FFF-Falling” made everyone present sing every verse and witness the band’s happiness on stage.
Arguably the biggest hit and anthem of the band’s generation, ‘In The Shadows’ was smoke and smiles everywhere you looked. Interacting with the audience mid-song makes the show The Rasmus definitely has good energies. An absolute classic that will stand the test of time with excellent quality.
The return to the encore has already started with the first chords of the song “Jezebel”, which raised the band to a place of appreciation again, presenting the new composition and phase of the Helsinki quartet. Unfortunately, that night’s performance didn’t have all the impact and strength of Eurovision, but still a song that is already part of the band’s history and will hardly leave the set list. With yellow and black colors flashing on the screen, the band finished the story of the fictional character and prepared for the last song of the evening.
The ending “Sail Away” brought the final entry Triosis+but I admit that “In The Shadows” could have been chosen for the final act, such is its quality, but the song on “Hide From the Sun” has lyrics that work well as a final act farewell.
When most of the guests are present on stage, The Rasmus said goodbye to applause and applause from every fan present. From fans, from the band’s founding as teenagers to today, when young people fall in love every day with a rich and wonderful discography. Lauri, Eero, Aki and Shoot provided a night full of emotion and joy that was sure to be something special for every fan there.
may The Rasmus‘ feathers is still the face of the soundtrack of a generation because those smiles and tears of joy were real that night.