The Rasmus announces new album “WEIRDO” – Collaborates with Blind Channel’s Niko Vilhelm on “Break These Chains” single

Finnish rock veterans The Rasmus have released a new single titled “Break These Chains” via Better Noise Music and Playground Music, featuring a special guest appearance from Blind Channel vocalist Niko Vilhelm. The track, which explores the dynamics of a toxic relationship, marks a new chapter for the band with a heavier sound direction.

“The Rasmus has always been one of my musical inspirations, so I was naturally thrilled when Lauri called and asked me to collaborate,” Vilhelm comments on the partnership. “My excitement only grew when I heard the song. The heavier sound suits the band incredibly well. It’s amazing to see where The Rasmus is heading now.“

Alongside the single release, the band has announced their 11th studio album, “WEIRDO”, scheduled for release on September 12, 2025. Pre-orders for the album begin today, May 16.

The songs for the “WEIRDO” album were primarily written in Folegandros, Greece, in collaboration with legendary songwriters Desmond Child (Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper) and Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne). Demo recordings were created in Finland before the album was finalized at Frederiksen’s Sienna Studios in Nashville. Production duties were shared between Frederiksen, Child, and Joseph McQueen, whose additional production brings extra punch to tracks like “Creatures of Chaos” and “Break These Chains.” Lead vocalist Lauri Ylönen also stepped into the producer role for the track “Rest in Pieces” alongside Alex Mattson. Previously released singles from the album include “Rest in Pieces” and “Creatures of Chaos.”

“Our 11th album WEIRDO largely carries the same message as our first record in 1996: defending uniqueness and the courage to be yourself. That’s been our philosophy from the beginning,” Ylönen explains. “I’ve always felt like an outsider and been called a freak or weird. These days I don’t feel ashamed of it—on the contrary, it’s my strength. All interesting people are somewhat strange,” he adds.

The Rasmus will bring their powerful live performance to a worldwide WEIRDO tour in 2025. The band just completed a month-long U.S. tour with The Funeral Portrait and is currently continuing their North American tour. Finnish dates are scheduled for September.

“We’re excited to tour around the world again. Meeting our fans always feels like coming home to family,” says Ylönen.

The band will perform at Ukraine’s Atlas Festival on July 19 as the only international artist. The event expects over 60,000 attendees, with proceeds directed to charity, including hospitals and emergency medical personnel support.

“It’s frightening to perform in the midst of war, but we want to show our support for the Ukrainian people. We have a large fan base there and have previously collaborated with Kalush Orchestra,” Ylönen states.

“WEIRDO” album tracklist:

1. Creatures of Chaos
2. Break These Chains
3. Rest in Pieces
4. Dead Ringer
5. Weirdo
6. Banksy
7. Love Is a Bitch
8. You Want It All
9. Bad Things
10. I’m Coming for You

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