Pearl Jam is set to unveil their twelfth studio album, "Dark Matter," under Monkeywrench Records/Republic Records on April 19, 2024, coinciding with the kickoff of a 35-date global tour in May. The album's eponymous track is currently available for streaming. Helmed by multi-GRAMMY® award-winning producer Andrew Watt, "Dark Matter" marks the band's return since the widely praised "Gigaton" in 2020.

In 2023, Pearl Jam's members - Eddie Vedder (vocals), Jeff Ament (bass), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar), Mike McCready (lead guitar), and Matt Cameron (drums) - congregated at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, collaborating closely with producer Andrew Watt. Their synergy sparked a burst of creativity, resulting in the birth of "Dark Matter" within a mere three weeks.

The album embodies the collective ethos of lifelong creative companions, encapsulating the raw essence of their musical journey. With renewed vigor and passion, Pearl Jam poured their hearts and souls into this project, infusing it with the culmination of their storied career.

Ahead of the release, the band hosted an exclusive listening event at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood during GRAMMY® week. Vedder expressed his excitement, stating, "We're still looking for ways to communicate... We still care about putting something out there that is meaningful and we hopefully think is our best work."

Ament echoed Vedder's sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the collaborative process and praising Watt's guidance in shaping the album. Additionally, the band plans to commemorate indie record stores with a special edition release of "Dark Matter" on April 20, available exclusively at participating stores as part of Record Store Day.

The album's packaging showcases captivating light painting art by Alexandr Gnezdilov, utilizing a unique technique that brings an ethereal quality to the visuals. Each letter on the cover was meticulously crafted midair with a specially designed flashlight, resulting in a mesmerizing pearlescent effect.

Pearl Jam's "Dark Matter" promises to be a testament to their enduring passion for music and their unwavering dedication to artistic integrity.

Listen to the albums title track here.

Dark Matter Tracklist

1. 1. Scared of Fear
2. 2. React, Respond
3. 3. Wreckage
4. 4. Dark Matter
5. 5. Won’t Tell
6. 6. Upper Hand
7. 7. Waiting for Stevie
8. 8. Running
9. 9. Something Special
10. 10. Got to Give
11. 11. Setting Sun

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.