PEARL JAM’s twelfth studio album, “Dark Matter”, will be released on April 19 via Monkeywrench Records/Republic Records. The LP’s latest single, “Wreckage”, can be streamed below
In 2023, PEARL JAM retreated to Rick Rubin‘s Shangri-La Studio in Malibu, California where they simply plugged in and played under producer Andrew Watt‘s watch. Writing and recording in a burst of inspiration, “Dark Matter” was born in just three weeks. As a result, “Dark Matter” channels the shared spirit of a group of lifelong creative confidants and brothers in one room playing as if their very lives depended on it.
PEARL JAM guitarist Stone Gossard states about “Wreckage”: “That one probably has the biggest build for me personally, in terms of hearing it at first and thinking, it’s kind of an Ed [Vedder, PEARL JAM singer] song. I wasn’t quite aware of its potency until later. Andrew encouraged me to play this little harmonic, acoustic part almost like a CURE melody. I’ve been playing along with the song to relearn it and I’m really looking forward to playing it live. It’s a really powerful lyric and I think we did a really great job of taking something and really pushing it to its limit.”
Watt adds: “[‘Wreckage’] started with the riff and everyone kind of formulating sections together. That song just came to Ed right away. Within the first couple takes before the music was even right, his vocals were right. His melodies and words are so strong in that song. Once the initial spark was there and there were a few sections, it was just really about following him.”
The album’s packaging features light painting art by Alexandr Gnezdilov. The album cover art was crafted using a large self-made kaleidoscope. Each letter visible on the cover was individually captured and handwritten midair with a specially designed flashlight to create the pearlescent effect.
PEARL JAM will celebrate indie record stores with the release of a special edition of “Dark Matter” on April 20, only at participating stores as part of Record Store Day. Get more information and find stores at www.recordstoreday.com.
PEARL JAM reportedly held a listening party for “Dark Matter” in late January at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, during which Vedder told those in attendance that he considered the LP to be “our best work.”
PEARL JAM “Dark Matter” track listing:
01. Scared Of Fear
02. React, Respond
03. Wreckage
04. Dark Matter
05. Won’t Tell
06. Upper Hand
07. Waiting For Stevie
08. Running
09. Something Special
10. Got To Give
11. Setting Sun
2020 marked a significant milestone for PEARL JAM as the iconic band celebrated three decades of electrifying live performances. With eleven studio albums under their belt, alongside countless memorable live shows and official concert bootleg releases, PEARL JAM has solidified their status as both critical darlings and commercial juggernauts, boasting an impressive tally of over 85 million albums sold worldwide. The pinnacle of their illustrious career came in 2017 when they were honored with induction into the prestigious Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
In March 2020, PEARL JAM unleashed their highly anticipated album “Gigaton” to widespread acclaim. Featuring standout tracks such as “Dance Of The Clairvoyants,” “Superblood Wolfmoon,” and “Quick Escape,” the album made an explosive debut by claiming the top spot on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums, Top Alternative Albums, and Billboard Vinyl Albums Chart. Not content with just that, “Gigaton” also soared into the Top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart and secured the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart. The album’s impact was further amplified by its staggering success in the streaming realm, amassing over 200 million global streams to date.
Critics were quick to shower praise on “Gigaton,” with Entertainment Weekly hailing it as a “sturdy rock album” crafted by a band of seasoned pros who have honed their craft over the years. The publication lauded PEARL JAM‘s ability to seamlessly integrate new influences while maintaining their signature sound, resulting in a record that exudes both confidence and camaraderie. With “Gigaton,” PEARL JAM reaffirmed their position as one of rock music’s most enduring and influential acts, proving that after three decades, their creative flame continues to burn brighter than ever.