recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Pauli Rantasalmi

Pauli Rantasalmi is one of the co-founders and former guitarist of The Rasmus from 1994 to 2022. He was one of the main songwriters for the band along with Lauri Ylönen.

## Discography

### The Rasmus

* *Peep* (1996)
* *Playboys* (1997)
* *Hell of a Tester* (1998)
* *Into* (2001)
* *Dead Letters* (2003)
* *Hide from the Sun* (2005)
* *Black Roses* (2008)
* *The Rasmus* (2012)
* *Dark Matters* (2017)
* *Rise* (2022) [Pauli has writing credits on this album, but was not a member at the time of release]

## Departure

Pauli announced his departure from The Rasmus on January 9, 2022.

> I have decided to make my departure from the band and seek for new adventures and challenges in life.
>
>
> I want to thank everybody that has made this journey possible,
> especially all you amazing Fans, for the best moments and memories, I Love You.
> I`m eternally thankful to my band brothers for everything and wish the best from the bottom of my heart. Lauri, Aki & Eero, I Love You.
>
>
> Music lives forever!
>
>
> "This is not the end, it`s just time to turn the page"
>
>
>
> Pauli
>
>

In later interviews, Lauri mentioned that Pauli had been thinking about leaving the band for some time, and that he wasn't enjoying touring or playing the guitar as much.

In The Rasmus' book that was released in September 2022, Pauli elaborates further on his departure.

> "I felt that my values ​​and those of the band had changed. Although I respect Desmond [Child], I didn’t want to do songs with him. I wanted to write them myself. Although I like Eurovision, I don’t think a band like Rasmus needs to compete in it."
>
>

## References

1. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CYgViA4qxr9/?hl=en
2. ↑ https://youtu.be/81yoMBXTfqM
3. ↑ https://pledgetimes.com/book-review-the-rasmus-is-a-boring-band-that-lacks-angular-guys-thats-why-the-band-book-about-it-should-be-valued-mainly-as-a-documentation-of-finnish-rock-history/
Night After Night (Out of the Shadows)

***Night After Night (Out of the Shadows)*** is the second track from The Rasmus' sixth studio album, *Hide from the Sun*.

## Background

Lauri Ylönen described the song as a part two to *In the Shadows*: *"Lyrically,* Night After Night (Out Of The Shadows) *is a continuance from* In The Shadows*. It’s a very positive song, I can call for my angel and she or he can come and help me out if I’m in trouble. A load of things happened in my life after* In The Shadows *came out. It was the busiest year we ever had, we went to so many countries and we were very happy at some times and sad and disappointed at others. A lot of things happened to make us feel reassured. We got a lot of new people interested in the band and realised who the most important people in our lives were."*

## Lyrics

Heaven sent you to bring the answer

Heaven sent you to cure this cancer

For a moment, unbeatable chance

For a moment, the world in my hands

(*Like an angel you came*)

Every time when I prayed

(*Guardian of my dreams*)

Watching me when I sleep

(*Like an angel you came*)

Every time when I screamed

Time after time I lose again

Night after night I wake up shaking

'Cause my world is breaking

I'm fool enough to fail again

Night after night I wake up crying

'Cause I feel like dying

Still disconnected and unprotected

Still I'm haunted, but unwanted

For a moment, unbreakable stars

For a moment, you stayed in my arms

(*Like an angel you came*)

Every time when I prayed

(*Guardian of my dreams*)

Watching me when I sleep

(*Like an angel you came*)

Every time when I screamed

Time after time I lose again

Night after night I wake up shaking

'Cause my world is breaking

I'm fool enough to fail again

Night after night I wake up crying

'Cause I feel like dying

Time after time I lose again

Night after night I wake up shaking

'Cause my world is breaking

I'm fool enough to fail again

Night after night I wake up crying

'Cause I feel like dying

(*Time after time I lose again*)

Night after night I wake up shaking

'Cause my world is breaking

I'm fool enough to fail again

(*Fool enough to fail again*)

Night after night I wake up crying

'Cause I feel like dying

## References

1. ↑ https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/funeralsong/viewtopic.php?p=5782050#p5782050
Have a Little Mercy

***Have a Little Mercy*** is the third track from Lauri Ylönen's first solo album, *New World*.

## Background

Lauri said this song is about the sensitive subject of anorexia.

> "Looking into the mirror isn’t always easy for anybody, but for some people self-criticism gets out of control. The pressure that comes from the “examples” around us distort people’s conception about beauty."
>
>

## References

1. ↑ https://www.therasmus-hellofasite.it/en/archives/13100
Desmond Child

John Charles Barrett (born October 28, 1953), known professionally as Desmond Child, is an American songwriter and producer. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008.

His hits as a songwriter include Kiss's "I Was Made for Lovin' You"; Joan Jett & the Blackhearts' "I Hate Myself for Loving You"; Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name", "Livin' on a Prayer", "Bad Medicine", and "Born to Be My Baby "; Aerosmith's "Dude (Looks Like a Lady), "Angel", "What It Takes" and "Crazy"; Cher's "We All Sleep Alone" and "Just Like Jesse James"; Alice Cooper's "Poison"; Michael Bolton's "How Can We Be Lovers?"; and Ricky Martin's "The Cup of Life" and "Livin' la Vida Loca".

## Connection to The Rasmus

Desmond produced The Rasmus' album *Black Roses* and three songs on *Rise* - *Jezebel*, *Rise* and *Live and Never Die*.

In December 2022, Desmond confirmed he is working with Lauri again on music for The Rasmus' eleventh studio album.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CmTCqBxsITA/
Amanda

**Amanda** is the pseudonym Lauri Ylönen used to release a couple of his solo singles in 2013.

He created a puppet called Amanda as a mascot of the project, which was first seen in the music video for *Heavy* in 2011.

Some limited merch with the Amanda logo was available to purchase whilst he was promoting his debut album, *New World*.

Lauri had planned to release a second solo album under this name in early 2014, but it didn't come to fruition for unknown reasons.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.therasmus-hellofasite.it/en/archives/12764
New World (song)

***New World*** is the tenth and final track from Lauri Ylönen's debut solo album, *New World*.

## Background

Lauri said the guest in this song is a robot named Vicky.

> "A live gig could easily start with this song! It has a hint of a judgment day and Terminator to it."
>
>

## References

1. ↑ https://www.therasmus-hellofasite.it/en/archives/13100
Can't Stop Me

***Can't Stop Me*** is a song that was recorded during the *Into* sessions, but didn't make the final cut. It was released on the bonus edition of the album on November 5, 2003.

## Lyrics

Dying of laughter, but you know the answer

Who will be the one?

To finally stand up and take a chance

'Cause life has just begun

And I don't need the TV

I don't need the shotgun

I don't have to run, I can reach you

I'll follow the feeling

Swallow the meaning

I don't have to run if I need you

I can reach you

I will do what I feel like

Hey, can't stop me now

I will do what I feel like

Hey, can't stop me now

I will do what I feel like

I don't need to rule ya

I don't have to fool ya

I've got nothing to prove

I can reach you from here

Swallow the shotgun

Show you the meaning

I don't want to deal with the feelings of fear

I will do what I feel like

Hey, can't stop me now

I will do what I feel like

Hey, can't stop me now

I will do what I, do what I do

I own my cloud

The only one

I'll be alone

And from now on

I don't need the TV

I don't need the shotgun

Hey, I will do what I feel like

Follow the feeling

Swallow the meaning

Do what I feel like, hey

Do what I feel like, hey

I will do what I feel like
2004 MTV Europe Music Awards

The 2004 MTV Europe Music Awards were held at Tor di Valle Racecourse in Rome, Italy on 18th November 2004.

Award presenters on the night included Jamelia, Alicia Keys, N.E.R.D, Naomi Campbell, Andre 3000, Kid Rock and Kanye West.

The Rasmus were nominated for "Best New Act," but unfortunately lost to Maroon 5. The band did not attend the event as they were touring at the time.
Dynasty

***Dynasty*** is an association founded in 1999 by the Finnish bands The Rasmus, Killer and Kwan.

## Background

The reasons for founding the association was to strengthen the co-operation between the bands and subsequently their members. Members are anticipated to display the Dynasty logo, for example as part of tattoos or on guitar straps. Co-operation within the association transcends the main bands, and guest appearances are common. Aki Hakala has played in both Killer and Kwan, also appearing in Kwan's music video for the song *Padam*. Killer was co-produced and co-managed by Lauri Ylönen and Pauli Rantasalmi from The Rasmus. Rantasalmi has also produced the Kwan song *Chillin' at the Grotto*.

Since Killer disbanded in early 2005 the association has consisted of The Rasmus and Kwan. Later the same year Ylönen and Rantasalmi founded a recording studio in Helsinki, Finland. The record label was named Dynasty Recordings. The alternative rock bands Von Hertzen Brothers become part of the association and Happiness were signed to the label in 2006. A few years later the studio closed as it cost too much to run.

In 2008 the record label signed the singer Belle Who.

Lauri released his first solo album, *New World*, under this label.

Lauri mentioned in 2022 that he hasn't done anything under this label for a while, and thought that he was moving more towards the industry side of things instead of the music.

## Dynasty Recordings

Dynasty Recordings is a small, independent record label for recruitment of new Finnish artists. The owners are Rantasalmi, Ylönen, Antti Eriksson, and Antti Eräkangas from Kwan and Happiness. Rantasalmi and Ylönen are the main songwriters. Rantasalmi also doubles as producer along Eräkangas. Eriksson is the managing director.

### Artists included in Dynasty Recordings

#### Former

* Killer (1999-2005)
* Kwan (1999–2009)
* Von Hertzen Brothers (2006–2008)
* Happiness (2006–2007)
* Belle Who (2008–2009)
* Iconcrash (2009–2010)

## References

1. ↑ https://youtu.be/LJroEKjRw9c
2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6YrRIdqo18
Blind Channel

Blind Channel is a post-hardcore band from Oulu, Finland. The band define their musical style as "violent pop". They represented Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with the song *Dark Side*, finishing in sixth place.

## Connection to The Rasmus

Blind Channel have cited The Rasmus as one of their inspirations, and they later collaborated with Lauri on his Bedroom Sessions with their song, *Dark Side*, which was published to YouTube on June 6, 2021.

Both bands took part in an Instagram live together in February 2022.

## Discography

* *Revolutions* (2016)
* *Blood Brothers* (2018)
* *Violent Pop* (2020)
* *Lifestyles of the Sick & Dangerous* (2022)

## Band members

* Joel Hokka – vocals
* Niko Moilanen – vocals
* Joonas Porko – guitar
* Olli Matela – bass
* Tommi Lalli – drums
* Aleksi Kaunisvesi – samples, percussion, DJ
Tarja Turunen

Tarja Soile Susanna Turunen-Cabuli (born 17 August 1977), known professionally as Tarja Turunen or simply Tarja, is a Finnish heavy metal singer-songwriter. She is best known as one of the co-founders and former lead vocalist of Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish from 1996 to 2005.

## Connection to The Rasmus

Tarja and Lauri Ylönen featured in a joint interview for the magazine, Rock Sound, that was published in October 2005. She also attended The Rasmus' first show in Argentina on March 29, 2006 as she was living in the country at that time. They remain good friends.

Tarja was asked if she would like to provide the female vocals for *October & April*, but she declined.

## Discography

### Solo

* *Henkäys ikuisuudesta* (2006, Christmas album)
* *My Winter Storm* (2007)
* *What Lies Beneath* (2010)
* *Colours in the Dark* (2013)
* *Ave Maria – En Plein Air* (2015, classical album)
* *The Brightest Void* (2016)
* *The Shadow Self* (2016)
* *From Spirits and Ghosts (Score for a Dark Christmas)* (2017, Christmas album)
* *In the Raw* (2019)

### Nightwish

* *Angels Fall First* (1997)
* *Oceanborn* (1998)
* *Wishmaster* (2000)
* *Century Child* (2002)
* *Once* (2004)

### Outlanders (with Torsten Stenzel)

* *Closer to the Sky* (2021, single)
* *The Cruellest Goodbye* (2022, single)
* *World in My Eyes* (2022, single)
* *The Sleeping Indian* (2022, single)
* *Land of Sea and Sun* (2022, single)
* *We Own This Sky* (2023, single)
* *Echoes* (2023, single)

## External Links

* Tarja - Official Website
* Tarja - Official Facebook
* Tarja - Official Twitter
* Tarja - Official Instagram
* Tarja - Official YouTube
Dead Promises

***Dead Promises*** is the sixth track from The Rasmus' sixth studio album, *Hide from the Sun*. It was later chosen by fans to feature on the 2019 fan edition of *Dead Letters*.

The track features Finnish symphonic metal band, Apocalyptica, on cellos.

## Lyrics

The break of dawn kills all the beauty

The dead of night is drifting away

Should I stay and welcome the day?

Or should I follow the one and hide from the sun?

The ray of light cuts like a razor

The blazing fire burns in my eyes

The day reveals the dreadful betrayer

And his wicked mind

And hide from the sun

Hide from the sun

Hide from the sun

Dead promises

Paintings of the world so pure

Ancient prophecies

Remains of the world so cruel

The time has come to hide from the sun

Like a rat I run to the darkness

The ray of night embraces my mind

Afraid to look back in to the heartless

World of dust and blood

I'll hide from the sun

Hide from the sun

Hide from the sun

Dead promises

Paintings of the world so pure

Ancient prophecies

Remains of the world so cruel

The time has come to hide from the sun

I know me better

I won't be as bitter

In my own heaven

I'll be gone forever

Won't fall back, never

I won't crack, ever

Won't look back, never

Dead promises

Paintings of the world so pure

Ancient prophecies

Remains of the world so cruel

The time has come to hide from the sun

## Did you know?

* The Rasmus didn't play this song live until 14 years after it's release. It made it's debut on September 30, 2019 at the Docks in Hamburg, Germany.
Siiri Nordin

Siiri Nordin (born October 15, 1980) is a Finnish singer. She was the lead singer of the now defunct Finnish rock band Killer.

Siiri was born in Helsinki. In 2003, she had a solo hit with the song *Sydämeni osuman sai*, included on the soundtrack of the movie Helmiä ja sikoja. The song is a cover version of the David and Jonathan hit song *Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart*.

In 2004, Nordin took a break from music and took up boat carpentry. She entered a civil union with her girlfriend, Mirja, in the autumn. She has also worked as a taxi driver.

In April 2006, she released a solo album called *Me Too*, released by the Finnish label, Next Big Thing. In March 2008, she released the Finnish-language album *Lyö Tahtia*.

Siiri participated in the 2011 Dancing with the Stars Compatible 6 with Jani Rasimus as her partner.

In 2017, she moved from Helsinki to the village of Matildan in southwest Finland.

## Connection to The Rasmus

Killer was a part of the Dynasty association along with Kwan and The Rasmus, until Killer broke up in 2005.

Lauri Ylönen featured his vocals on an alternative version of Killer's song, *All I Want*, in 2001. Lauri and Pauli Rantasalmi also produced the song.

Siiri recorded additional vocals on the "revamped" version of *In the Shadows*.

## Discography

### Killer

* *Sickeningly Pretty & Unpleasantly Vain* (2001)
* *Sure You Know How to Drive This Thing* (2003)

### Solo

* *Sydämeni osuman sai* (2003, single)
* *Me Too* (2006)
* *Lyö Tahtia* (2008)
Back in the Picture

***Back in the Picture*** is the ninth track from The Rasmus' fifth studio album, *Dead Letters*.

## Background

In a 2019 interview where Lauri Ylönen and Aki Hakala discuss *Dead Letters* track-by-track, this is what they had to say about the song:

Lauri: "The happiest song on the album. I wrote this on the roof of my parents’ house. It was where I liked to play my guitar there in Suutarila where I was living. It was a familiar place and it got me writing happy and positive music."

Aki: "I claim that we’ve never played this song live."

## Lyrics

There were times in my life I was down on my knees, now it's over

Deep inside my heart I know

Simply put I've been stabbed in the back ever since I remember

Deep inside it hurt to let go, woah!

Back in the picture, back in the picture

I wonder what took so long, so long

Back in the picture, back in the picture

I wonder what took so long, so long, so long

Dedicate everything I create

To my friends I would die for

But you will always be the one

Memories that you can't overrun

Memories I could cry for

I thought I'd always be on the run, run

Back in the picture, back in the picture

I wonder what took so long, so long

Back in the picture, back in the picture

I wonder what took so long, so long, so long

There were times in my life I was down on my knees, now it's over

Deep inside my heart I know

Back in the picture, back in the picture

I wonder what took so long, so long

Back in the picture, back in the picture

I wonder what took so long, so long, so long, so long, so long

## Trivia

* The Rasmus only performed this song a handful of times in the 2000's, but for the Dead Letters Anniversary Tour in 2018/2019 it was included in every show.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.therasmus-hellofasite.it/en/2019/11/lauri-and-aki-go-through-dead-letters-track-by-track/
Disco-nnect

***Disco-nnect*** is the first track from Lauri Ylönen's first solo album, *New World*.

## Background

Lauri said some of the demo vocal tracks were kept for the song.

> "This song has still the vocal tracks and original lyrics of the demo-version left. The song was totally improvised, and maybe that’s the reason why it’s one of the most fresh and surprising tunes for me. The same spontaneity went on to become the theme of the entire album. Any detail that felt good during the recording session was left intact, and wasn’t touched later."
>
>

## Lyrics

You make me dead inside

I see no guiding light

I see no purpose in forgiving

And trying to fix it

I want no more confusion

Don't want this endless war

This is the end of the world

That we've created from nothing

## References

1. ↑ https://www.therasmus-hellofasite.it/en/archives/13100
Trigger

***Trigger*** is a song that was recorded during the *Hide from the Sun* sessions, but didn't make the final cut. It was released as a bonus track on the Japanese and US editions of the album.

## Background

The instrumentation is reminiscent of The Rasmus' early days prior to *Dead Letters* - when they used to incorporate "funk" in their music.
In My Life

***In My Life*** is the fourth track from The Rasmus' fifth studio album, *Dead Letters*. It was released as the second single from the album on June 13, 2003.

A longer version of the song was released as the single in 2003, then later on *Dead Letters: Fan Edition* in 2019, whereas the shorter version was released on the original release of *Dead Letters*.

## Lyrics

Feel the heat below my feet

I have to go, no time for sleep

Can't believe the things you say

I turn my head and walk away

You make me sick, you make me nervous

Times had gone when you would say

This is the one and seize the day

Times had gone for honesty

My victory is your defeat

Oh can't you see you've been mistaken

In my life, I decide

And it turns me on

How I am

How I live

Who I love, yeah

In my way, I feel strong

And it turns me on

In my life, I decide

I decide, I decide

I decide

All you do, you can't deny

It's a waste of time

Waste of life

Can I suggest that you invest

In something more than hopelessness

Before you know the ride is over

In my life, I decide

And it turns me on

How I am

How I live

Who I love, yeah

In my way, I feel strong

And it turns me on

In my life, I decide

I decide

It's up to you if you give it up

It's up to you if you won't stop

It's up to you if you give it up

It's up to you if you won't stop

It's up to you if you give it up, give it up

It's up to you if you won't stop

It's up to you if you give it up, give it up

It's up to you

It's up to you!

The record shows that you're dead, but you're still living

Every time you have died you have been given

Another chance to fix your bad attitude

And make a move, it's up to you!

It's up to you if you give it up, give it up!

It's up to you if you give it up, give it up!

It's up to you if you give it up, give it up!

It's up to you!

It's up to you!

(*You!*) Give it up, give it up!

Give it up, give it up!

Give it up, give it up!

Give it up, give it up!

## Music Video

Directed by: Niclas Fronda and Fredrik Löfberg

Location: Cuba

Date of filming: May 6-8, 2003

Release date: June 13, 2003

## Chart Performance

It reached number two on the Finnish singles chart.
What Are You Waiting For?

***What Are You Waiting For?*** is the eighth track from Lauri Ylönen's first solo album, *New World*. It was released as the third and final single from the album on November 4, 2011.

## Background

Lauri said the lyrics are about a one night stand, and described the song as a "hot blast."

## Lyrics

Tell me you love me

Tell me a lie

What are you waiting

What are you waiting for?

Tell me a story

Pretend that it's true

What are you waiting

What are you waiting for?

## References

1. ↑ https://www.therasmus-hellofasite.it/en/archives/13100
Drawn Together

***Drawn Together*** is an American adult animated television sitcom created by Dave Jeserand Matt Silverstein and premiered on Comedy Central on October 27, 2004 and released on NickAdult on September 2023. The series is a parody of *The Real World* and follows the misadventures of the housemates in the fictional show of the same name and uses a sitcom format with a reality TV show setting.

The show's main characters are a combination of personalities that were recognizable and familiar prior to the series. Differently, however, *Drawn Together* used caricatures of established cartoon characters and stock characters. In addition, their character traits parody personality types that are typically seen in reality TV shows.

Comedy Central advertised it as the first animated reality TV series, and in some episodes, the characters participate in challenges that are similar to reality TV challenges, although the premise is largely dropped in later episodes.

After three seasons, the show was cancelled. Subsequently, a direct-to-video film and series finale, *The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie!* was released on April 20, 2010.
The One I Love

***The One I Love*** is the eighth track from The Rasmus' fifth studio album, *Dead Letters*.

## Background

The band explained that the song is about having a turbulent relationship with alcohol.

Lauri: "The song has a dark topic: alcoholism. It occurred to me that I was maybe sliding into it because I partied a lot in that time – now I’ve been without alcohol for 10 years. The topic made me nervous because it had been present in my family too. I was wondering what kind of darkness I was stepping into (writing about this topic), but I also wanted to go in there to see what happens."

Aki: "We spent weekends in smaller towns and there were always new friends inviting us to party. At that point, we had been partying for a week already. Rough times."

Lauri: "We thought we won’t be young forever. Alcohol is poisonous and creates so many problems in this country."

## Lyrics

Haven't slept in a week

My bed has become my coffin

Cannot breathe, cannot speak

My head's like a bomb

Still waiting

Take my heart and take my soul

I don't need them anymore

The one I love

Is striking me down on my knees

The one I love

Drowning me in my dreams

The one I love

Over and over again

Dragging me under

Hypnotised by the night

Silently rising beside me

Emptiness, nothingness

Is burning a hole inside me

Take my faith and take my pride

I don't need them anymore

The one I love

Is striking me down on my knees

The one I love

Drowning me in my dreams

The one I love

Over and over again

Dragging me under

This bed has become my chapel of stone

A garden of darkness to where I'm thrown

So take my life

I don't need it anymore

The one I love

Is striking me down on my knees

The one I love

Drowning me in my dreams

The one I love

Over and over again

Dragging me under

The one I love

Is striking me down on my knees (*Striking me down*)

Drowning me in my dreams (*Down on my knees*)

Over and over again (*Striking me down*)

Over and over and over and over again

## References

1. ↑ https://www.therasmus-hellofasite.it/en/2019/11/lauri-and-aki-go-through-dead-letters-track-by-track/
Still Standing

***Still Standing*** is the third track from The Rasmus' fifth studio album, *Dead Letters*.

## Background

The song is about an old friend of the band called Lilli who passed away from a heroine overdose.

On October 28, 2022, the band dedicated the song at their show in the Netherlands to their former drummer, Janne Heiskanen, who passed away suddenly.

## Lyrics

I wish you were here tonight with me to see the northern lights

I wish you were here tonight with me

I wish I could have you by my side tonight the sky is burning

I wish I could have you by my side

Cause I've been down

Now I've been crawling

Won't get down no more

Can't you stop the lies

Falling from the skies

Down on me

I'm still standing

Can't you roll the dice

I might be surprised

Conscience clear

I'm still standing here

Burns like a thousand stars

Though you are light years away

Burns like a thousand stars and more

Cause you're up there

You're always with me

Smiling down on me

Can't you stop the lies

Falling from the skies

Down on me

I'm still standing

Can't you roll the dice

I might be surprised

I'm still standing here

Something sacred

Something so beautiful

Something quiet to ease my mind

While the pressure's taking me over and over

Cause I've been down

And I've been crawling

Closed around and always falling

You're up there

You're always with me

Smiling down on me

Can't you stop the lies

Falling from the skies

Down on me

I'm still standing

Can't you roll the dice

I might be surprised

Conscience clear

I'm still standing here

Can't you stop the lies

Falling from the skies

Down on me

I'm still standing

Can't you roll the dice

I might be surprised

Conscience clear

I'm still standing... here

## References

1. ↑ https://www.therasmus-hellofasite.it/en/2019/11/lauri-and-aki-go-through-dead-letters-track-by-track/
Llamas with Hats

**"Llamas with Hats"** is a black comedy animated video series produced by FilmCow, an independent company created by Jason Steele after the success of his viral short film Charlie the Unicorn. The first episode was released in 2009, with twelve episodes total.The first video introduces Carl and Paul, two llamas that share an apartment, and focuses on Paul's reaction to Carl's murder of a human. It became progressively darker as time went on, with the final episode culminating in Carl's suicide some time after Paul has died.

## Characters

* Carl, voiced by Chris Alex, is a grey llama who wears a green hat. In episode 4, he describes himself as "a dangerous sociopath with a long history of violence".
* Paul, voiced by Jason Steele, is a beige llama who wears a red hat with a flower on it. His name and gender are unknown until episode 3.
Peep (album)

***Peep*** is the debut album by The Rasmus (named just *Rasmus* back then) which was released on September 23, 1996 via Warner Music Finland.

## Background

The band met their first manager and record producer, Teja Kotilainen in 1995 and signed with Warner Music Finland in February 1996. They released their first EP, called *1st*, on Teja G. Records, in December 1995, which featured the songs *Frog*, *Myself*, *Funky Jam* and *Rakkauslaulu*. The album was first released in Finland, where it went Gold, and later in Estonia and Russia, and subsequently worldwide.

## Singles

There were no specific songs released as singles, but three small EP's were released during 1995 and 1996.

### 1st

1. Frog - 2:32
2. Funky Jam - 2:11
3. Myself - 3:31
4. Rakkauslaulu - 3:35

### 2nd

1. Myself - 3:31
2. Postman - 2:36

### 3rd

1. Ghostbusters (Ray Parker Jr. cover) - 3:35
2. Fool - 3:42

## Credits

### The Rasmus

* Lauri Ylönen – vocals
* Pauli Rantasalmi – guitar
* Eero Heinonen – bass
* Janne Heiskanen – drums

### Additional Musicians

* Timo Lavanko – saxophone on *Outflow*
* Aleksi Ahoniemi – saxophone on *Postman* and *P.S.*
* Jukka Tiirikainen – trumpet on *P.S.*

### Additional Personnel

* The Rasmus and Teja Kotilainen – producers
* Juha Heininen, Ilkka Herkman, Teja Kotilainen – recorders
* Juha Heininen, Jarno Patala – mixers
* Pauli Saastamoinen – mastering
* Dick Lindberg, Klikki – photography

## Trivia

* After 1 minute and 55 seconds of silence after the song *Small*, you will hear a man saying something in Finnish and a child saying "hello" and "bye bye".
* "Julen är här igen" means "Christmas is here again" in Swedish.
* *Rakkauslaulu* wasn't included on the final track list for *Peep*, but was later included on *Hell of a Collection* in 2001.
City of the Dead

***City of the Dead*** is the sixth track from The Rasmus' third studio album, *Hell of a Tester*.

## Lyrics

You landed on time

In the city of the dead

How was your flight?

I'm glad that we met

Ain't gonna wait 'til the daylight dejection comes

Ain't gonna waste my time with the pitiful ones

You know that I'm kind

That I like to pretend

That everything's fine

The rain is my friend

Don't give a damn about fame

If I gotta have a gun

Ain't gonna like myself before I get something done here

Yeah yeah yeah yeah

You never mind of what they

Yeah yeah yeah yeah hey

Oh yeah, you never mind the things they might have said

Oh yeah, living in the city of the dead

Oh yeah, you never mind the things they might have said

Oh yeah, living in the city of the dead

I want to believe

I proceed with my choice

It's getting harder to breathe

I'm losing my voice

Ain't gonna wait 'til the daylight dejection comes

Ain't gonna waste my time with the pitiful ones

Yeah yeah yeah yeah

You never mind of what they

Yeah yeah yeah yeah oh

Oh yeah, you never mind the things they might have said

Oh yeah, living in the city of the dead

Oh yeah, you never mind the things they might have said

Oh yeah, living in the city

Aah, aah

Oh yeah, you never mind the things they might have said

Oh yeah, living in the city of the dead

Oh yeah, you never mind the things they might have said

Oh yeah, living in the city
Time to Burn

***Time to Burn*** is the fifth track from The Rasmus' fifth studio album, *Dead Letters*.

## Background

Lauri Ylönen said that the song "talks about the feeling when you have to give up your private life."

Lauri: "This is a curious song. It’s a regular album track which didn’t get attention at the time, but now we’ve played it at every gig. It has a heavy Black Sabbath style riff which has a bogeyman feeling. It’s not trying too hard to impress. The lyrics are more anxious. They talk about the feeling when you have to give up your private life. People started recognizing us. There were situations when fans rang my doorbell and a hand came in through the letterbox. On the other hand, at the same time I was grateful for at least having any hands coming in through the letterbox."

Aki: "We were teenage boys back then and it was that kind of teen fandom. I remember when we did an interview in the program called Jyrki, and afterwards I was walking home through the Esplanade Park. There were small girls screaming that they loved me. From across street, others were shouting: “Fucking fag!”. I went home and felt sad as I could only remember the bad words."

Lauri: "I haven’t been an outcast but neither the most popular guy in the class. Whenever the band left me alone, I often got beaten. I was quite sensitive and dreamy back then, in an unreal state."

## Lyrics

C'mon!

The fear of the dark

It tears me apart

Won't leave me alone

And time keeps running out

Just one more life

I'm so sick and tired

Of singing the blues

I should turn my life around

(*C'mon!*) C'mon!

Tell me why do I feel this way?

All my life I've been standing on the borderline

Too many bridges burned

Too many lies I've heard

Had a life, but I can't go back

Can't do that, it will never be the same again

And I know I don't

Have any time to burn

C'mon!

They follow me home

Disturbing my sleep

But I'll find a place

A place where they cannot find me

And maybe I'm lost

And maybe I'm scared

But too many times

I've closed the doors behind me

Tell me why do I feel this way?

All my life I've been standing on the borderline

Too many bridges burned

Too many lies I've heard

Had a life, but I can't go back

Can't do that, it will never be the same again

And I know I don't

Have any time to burn

Leave it all behind

Cross the borderline

Face the truth

Don't have any time to

Have any time to burn

Tell me why do I feel this way?

All my life I've been standing on the borderline

Too many bridges burned

Too many lies I've heard

Had a life, but I can't go back

Can't do that, it will never be the same again

Gotta go 'cause I know I don't

Have any time to burn

Tell me why do I feel this way?

All my life I've been standing on the borderline

Too many bridges burned

Too many lies I've heard

Had a life, but I can't go back

Can't do that, it will never be the same again

And I know I don't

Have any time to

Have any time to burn

C'mon!

## References

1. ↑ https://www.therasmus-hellofasite.it/en/2019/11/lauri-and-aki-go-through-dead-letters-track-by-track/
New World (album)

***New World*** is Lauri Ylönen's debut solo album (published under "Lauri") that was released on March 30, 2011.

It peaked at number 2 on the Finnish album chart.

## Background

In Autumn 2009, Lauri flew to Singapore to meet with Pauli Rantasalmi with the intention of writing new music for The Rasmus. At the time, Lauri was influenced by Daft Punk, and the songs they wrote went more in a electronic direction. In the end they agreed that the not all of the songs they wrote would fit the band's style, so Lauri decided to release them on a solo album instead.

## Singles

Heavy
(February 25, 2011)In the City
(June 17, 2011)What Are You Waiting For?
(November 4, 2011)

## Awards and nominations

* **Won:** Best Finnish Act (Lauri Ylönen) at MTV Europe Music Awards (2011)
* Nominated: Best European Act (Lauri Ylönen) at MTV Europe Music Awards (2011)

## Trivia

* The working title for this album was *Night Ride*.
Emppu Suhonen

Emilia “Emppu” Suhonen is the guitarist of The Rasmus since 2022 after the departure of Pauli Rantasalmi.

She was officially announced as The Rasmus' new guitarist on January 12, 2022 and made her debut on the single, *Jezebel*. She was the band's first choice to replace Pauli.

Before joining The Rasmus, Emppu was in an all-girl punk band called Tiktak from 1997-2007. Together they released eight studio albums and twenty-four singles. The band broke up in 2007, but played live together a few times in 2018.

## Discography

### Tiktak

* *Frendit* [*Friends*] (1999)
* *Jotain muuta* [*Something Else*] (2001)
* *Jotain muuta... ja jotain uutta!* [*Something Else...and Something New*] (2002)
* *Ympyrää* [*In a Circle*] (2003)
* *Hei me soitetaan... oikeesti!* [*Hey, We Play... Really!*] (2004)
* *Myrskyn edellä* [*Before the Storm*] (2005)
* *Sinkut 99-07* [*Singles 99-07*] (2007)

### Alavala

* *Secret Whale* (2012)
* *Minuntai* [*Monday*] (2014)
* *Lopullisia alkuja* [*Final Beginnings*] (2016)

### Solo

* *Tää laulu on sun* [*This Song is Yours*] (2020, single)
* *Uusia tatuointeja* [*New Tattoos*] (2021, single)

### The Rasmus

* *Rise* (2022) [Emppu has no writing credits on this album, but did record some of the guitar parts]

## General Facts

### Personal

* Current residence: Finland
* Star sign: Sagittarius
* Chinese zodiac sign: Ox
* Marital status: In a relationship
* Children: 0
* Pets: 2 cats (Amidala and Yoda)

### Music

* Tiktak was marketed in the U.S. where they were called Tik N' Tak. In 2000, they were on the Radio Disney tour and in early 2001 they opened for Aaron Carter.
* After Tiktak had broken up, Emppu started two other bands called Dame and Alavala, however both have now disbanded.
* Emppu was scheduled to release a solo album at the beginning of 2022, but this didn't happen. Most likely because of her commitments with The Rasmus.

### Other

* Emppu is vegan.
* Emppu has worked as a special education teacher and music therapist.
* Emppu does athletics and represents the Helsinki Runner's Club.
* Emppu has been dating musician Muro since 2017.
October & April

(feat. Anette Olzon)

***October & April*** is the fourth track from The Rasmus' second compilation album, *Best of The Rasmus 2001-2009*. It was released as the first and only single from the album on October 19, 2009

The song features vocals from Anette Olzon, who is best known as the former Nightwish singer from 2007-2012.

## Background

The Rasmus had first asked Tarja Turunen if she would like to be a guest vocalist on the song, but she declined.

Then t.A.T.u. singer, Lena Katina, was offered the part and she accepted. However, after recording her vocals it's reported that her label was not happy with it, and therefore they were unable to use Lena's vocals. This version eventually leaked online in 2010.

Anette Olzon was then approached and she accepted to provide the vocals, and this ultimately became the officially released version of the song.

## Lyrics

She was like April sky

Sunrise in her eyes

Child of light

Shining star

Fire in her heart

Brightest day

Melting snow

Breaking through the chill

October and April

He was like frozen sky

In October night

Darkest cloud

Endless storm

Raining from his heart

Coldest moon

Deepest blue

Tearing down the spring

October and April

Like hate and love

World's apart

This fatal love was like poison right from the start

Like light and dark

World's apart

This fatal love was like poison right from the start

We were like loaded guns

Sacrificed our lives

We were like love undone

Craving to entwine

Fatal touch

Final thrill

Love was bound to kill

October and April

Like hate and love

World's apart

This fatal love was like poison right from the start

Like light and dark

World's apart

This fatal love was like poison right from the start

Hate and love

World's apart

This fatal love was like poison right from the start

Light and dark

World's apart

This fatal love was like poison right from the start

October and April

October and April

October and April

## Music Video

Directed by: Owe Lingvall

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Date of filming: 11-13 August 2009

Release date: October 19, 2009

## Did you know?

* The song was originally recorded during the *Black Roses* sessions, but wasn't included as it didn't follow the album concept.
Hay & Stone

**Hay & Stone** is a Finnish band that Eero Heinonen formed in 2003. Their style of music mixes elements of alternative rock with post-grunge, which are influenced by Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

They released their debut album, *Making Waves*, on September 20, 2006. This was later added to streaming services in August 2022.

On 15th February 2023, Eero released the song *Binati Suniye* under the band's name.

## Band Members

* Eero Heinonen - vocals and bass (2003-present)
* Hannu Risku - guitar (2003-present)
* Petri Kivimäki - drums (2003-present)
Paradise

***Paradise*** is the first track from The Rasmus' ninth studio album, *Dark Matters*. It was released as the first single from the album on March 31, 2017.

## Background

In a *Dark Matters* promo video uploaded to YouTube on October 13, 2017, Lauri Ylönen said this about *Paradise*:

> "When I was writing *Paradise*, I had this picture in my head of palm trees against the sunny sky. But like I would look at it through some kind of a filter, like it was night time during the day time. Like something was really wrong in the picture."
>
>

## Lyrics

I'm dead, but I'm living

I play the part I've been given

Still kicked outta heaven

I'm into nothing new

Every day is a battle

I made a deal with the Devil

And now I'm deep into trouble

So tired, I was trying to find a better way

But every day's the same

I'm trying to break the numbness

And it's driving me insane

You could be my saviour

You can be just what I need

So I lie down and pray for something better

Go ahead and leave me paralyzed

There's nothing left to sacrifice

In hell I'm shooting paradise

I'm ready so I close my eyes

This is my paradise

This is my paradise

It's gonna hurt, but I'm ready

It's clear where I'm heading

Don't call paramedics

I'm into nothing new

I'll be gone in a minute

I'm not afraid to admit it

So wrong, but I love it

So tired, I was trying to find a better way

But every day's the same

I'm trying to break the numbness

And it's driving me insane

You could be my saviour

You can be just what I need

So I lie down and pray for something better

Go ahead and leave me paralyzed

There's nothing left to sacrifice

In hell I'm shooting paradise

I'm ready so I close my eyes

This is my paradise

This is my paradise

I made a deal with the deal with the Devil

Every day is a battle

Every day is a battle

This is my paradise

I made a deal with the deal with the Devil

Every day is a battle

Every day is a battle

This is my paradise

This is my paradise

This is my paradise

This is my paradise
Hide from the Sun

***Hide from the Sun*** is the sixth studio album by The Rasmus which was released in mainland Europe, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Japan on September 12, 2005 via Playground Music. It was later released in the United States on October 10, 2006.

It received Platinum status in Finland and sold more than 15,000 in the UK and 20,000 in the US. Overall the album has sold over 500,000 copies worldwide.

## Background

Lauri Ylönen said in an interview with Kerrang! Magazine that the album's title referenced how they felt whilst touring for *Dead Letters*: "The name is how we felt after touring last time. That's where we got the inspiration. It's quite dramatic and had beautiful melodies, but we wanted to sharpen it a little and make it a little more edgy."

## Singles

No Fear
(August 19, 2005)Sail Away
(September 22, 2005)Shot
(March 30, 2006)

## B-sides

* Open My Eyes
* Trigger
* Dancer in the Dark

## Credits

### The Rasmus

* Lauri Ylönen – vocals
* Pauli Rantasalmi – guitar
* Eero Heinonen – bass
* Aki Hakala – drums

### Other Personnel

* Apocalyptica – cellos and arrangements on *Dead Promises*
* Jesper Nordenström – string arrangements on *Lucifer's Angel* and *Sail Away*
* Jakob Ruthberg, Anna S Wallgren, Roland Kress, Christian Bergqvist – strings on *Lucifer's Angel* and *Sail Away*

### Production

* Mikael Nord – producer, recording and mixing
* Martin Hansen – producer, recording and mixing
* Christofer Stannow – mastering
* Roger Lian – remastering
* Walse/Undén – sleeve and photography

## Chart Performance

### Album

 France Albums Chart
 Sweden Albums Chart

### Singles

 France Singles Chart
 Sweden Singles Chart
 "Sail Away"
 Sweden Singles Chart
 2006

## Awards & Nominations

* Nominated: Rock Album of the Year at Emma Gaala

## Trivia

* Finnish symphonic metal band, Apocalyptica, feature on the song *Dead Promises*.
* *Dancer in the Dark* was inspired by the movie of the same name that stars Icelandic singer, Björk - Lauri's favourite artist.
* The butterfly used on the cover was painted by former guitarist Pauli Rantasalmi.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/funeralsong/viewtopic.php?p=5782050#p5782050
2. ↑ 2005/37 heti Album Top 40 slágerlista (hu). MAHASZ.
Guilty

***Guilty*** is the sixth track from The Rasmus' fifth studio album, *Dead Letters*. It was released as the fifth and final single from the album on August 4, 2004.

## Background

The band have said that this song is about how they have neglected their family and friends because of the demanding and time-consuming nature of their job.

> Lauri: "This song is about a bad conscience. Neglecting old relationships. We spent 300 days of the year on tour, and relationships froze with many people. They didn’t understand, they thought our fame had gone to our heads."
>
>
> Aki: "We were not seen in graduation parties. We were not around. That was the price."
>
>
>
> Lauri: "It felt grim that success and the band isolated us from the rest of the world."
>
>

## Lyrics

Woah! Yeah!

I feel guilty

My words are empty

No signs to give you

I don't have the time for you

You say I'm heartless

And you say I don't care

I used to be there for you

You've said I seem so dead

That I have changed

But so have you

Guilty, woah!

Guilty, I feel so empty, yeah!

Empty, you know how to make me feel

I put a shield upon you

I didn't mean to hurt you

I would have only poisoned your mind

Never meant to make you cry

You've been so thoughtless

I can see right through you

You used to be there for me

Don't you leave and say goodbye

'Cause you have changed

But so have I

Guilty, woah!

Guilty, I feel so empty, yeah!

Empty, you know how to make me feel

I never thought that the time and the distance

Between us made you so much colder

I'll carry the world on my shoulders

Oh!

(*Guilty*) Woah!

(*Guilty*) Yeah!

(*Guilty*)

Guilty, woah!

Empty, yeah!

Guilty, woah!

Guilty, I feel so empty, yeah!

Empty, you know how to make me feel

Guilty, woah!

Empty, yeah!

You know how to make me feel guilty

So guilty

Empty, so empty

You know how to make me feel

## Music video

Directed by: Nathan Cox

Location: Los Angeles, California

Date of filming: May 19-20, 2004

Release date: August 4, 2004

## Awards & nominations

* Nominated: Best Finnish Video at NRJ Radio Awards (2005)

## Trivia

* British rock magazine, Kerrang!, attended the video shoot and released a two-page spread in issue 1011 which was released on June 26, 2004.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.therasmus-hellofasite.it/en/2019/11/lauri-and-aki-go-through-dead-letters-track-by-track/
Because of You

***Because of You*** is the seventh track from Lauri Ylönen's first solo album, *New World*.

## Background

Lauri said this is "the first and possibly the last" song he wrote about his eldest son, Julius, and the influence he's had on his life.

## Lyrics

Because of you I find myself surviving, trying harder

Because of you I've done things that I never thought of doing

I let my soul to taste the pain

I put myself against the grain (*put myself against the grain*)

Because of you, I don't allow the night

To fill my sky, to darken my view

Because of you, I lean towards the light

Because of you, I have something to lose

You watch and learn, never complain about mistakes I'm making

Your trusting eyes burn on my skin, inside my heart is weeping

I miss the years of disarray, but I'm afraid of yesterday (*I'm afraid of yesterday*)

Because of you, I don't allow the night

To fill my sky, to darken my view

Because of you, I lean towards the light

Because of you, I have something to lose

(*Because of you*)

## References

1. ↑ https://www.therasmus-hellofasite.it/en/archives/13100