Dead Letters

The Rasmus

The Rasmus were already massive rock stars in their native Finland, as well as various other parts of Europe, by the time Dead Letters was finally released in the U.S. in March 2004. Really, one can't help but wonder what took them so long to get here. Boasting hook-heavy guitars and anthemic lyrics, most of the tracks on Dead Letters sound tailor-made for radios and stadiums, from hit single "In the Shadows" to the urgent "In My Life," which has an epic, fists-in-the-air chorus worthy of later Bon Jovi. Still, those expecting rock in the vein of the Darkness will be disappointed by the overpolished earnestness of Dead Letters--the Rasmus's sound is more akin to a goth INXS than any spandex-clad rock gods. A lot of that could well be down to the production, which is at times too clean and sanitized; several of these tracks would benefit from being just a bit rougher around the edges. Still, those who find H.I.M too heavy or Evanescence too wet will probably find something to love in the Rasmus. --Robert Burrow

Dead Letters Album: