Formed in Helsinki in 1994 by high school friends Lauri Ylönen (vocals), Eero Heinonen (bass), Pauli Rantasalmi (guitar), and Janne Heiskanen (drums), the band initially leaned toward funk rock. After Heiskanen’s departure, Aki Hakala joined as drummer in 1999, completing the lineup most fans recognize today.
Their big breakthrough came with the 2003 album Dead Letters, which featured the global hit single “In the Shadows”. The track topped charts across Europe and became a defining anthem of the era, thanks to its gothic aesthetic, dramatic music video, and Lauri’s haunting vocals. The album marked a shift toward a darker, more polished alternative rock sound, with lyrics often exploring themes of isolation, identity, and inner struggle. Dead Letters earned them a massive following and several international music awards.
Following that success, The Rasmus released several albums including Hide from the Sun (2005), Black Roses (2008), and The Rasmus (2012), continuing their blend of melancholic melodies and arena rock energy. While their mainstream visibility declined over time, their fanbase remained strong, especially in Europe and Latin America. In 2022, the band returned to the spotlight when they represented Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest with their song “Jezebel,” written in collaboration with Desmond Child. The track signaled a nostalgic yet modern take on their signature sound.
Throughout their career, The Rasmus has been celebrated for their emotional sincerity, visual storytelling, and Lauri Ylönen’s instantly recognizable voice. They’ve managed to evolve stylistically while staying true to their roots in moody rock-pop, earning their place as one of Finland’s most successful musical exports.
We invite singers, bands, DJs, comedians, influencers, promoters, and other performers based in UAE to showcase their talents at Comingsoon.ae!
