Legendary grunge rockers Pearl Jam have emerged from the studio with a new heavy-hitting single entitled "Dark Matter." The propulsive track is the first taste of their upcoming 12th album, also titled Dark Matter, due out April 19th.
"Dark Matter" finds the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers in fine form, with chunky guitars, rumbling bass, and drummer Matt Cameron's fills powering a punk-influenced rocker reminiscent of their earlier work. The release comes three years after 2020's Gigaton, which frontman Eddie Vedder has called their most experimental album yet. But if this new single is any indication, Pearl Jam is returning to a more straightforward rock sound.
The band previewed Dark Matter in its entirety last month at an intimate event in Los Angeles, with Vedder proudly proclaiming to attendees that the album captures Pearl Jam at the peak of their powers. "No hyperbole, I think this is our best work," he stated. Producer Andrew Watt, known for his work with rock acts like Ozzy Osbourne, recorded the album at the legendary Shangri-La Studios.
Pearl Jam will take their new material on the road this summer, with festival headline spots at BottleRock and shows overseas. As they approach their fourth decade, Pearl Jam is still making vital music that connects to fans. And with a world tour ahead, the band looks ready to conquer stages both old and new.