"In the Shadows" is a song by Finnish alternative rock band the Rasmus, included on the group's fifth studio album, Dead Letters (2003). Released in Finland in January 2003, the single achieved considerable chart success throughout Europe and Oceania, topping the charts of Finland, Germany, Hungary, and New Zealand and peaking at 3 in the United Kingdom. It was also successful in South America, reaching No. 1 in Bolivia, Chile, and Paraguay. The song was nominated for the Kerrang! Award for Best Single in 2004.
Composition "In the Shadows" is written in the key of F minor. The chorus is based on the "millennial whoop" vocal pattern, and is considered the earliest 21st-century example of this tool in popular music. The Millennial Whoop: the melodic hook that’s taken over pop music | Pop and rock | The Guardian The "whoop" did exist before, but only became ubiquitous after "In the Shadows".
Music videos There are four different music videos for the song: the Finnish version, the European version, the American version, and a fourth, simplified version. A new version of the song, co-written by and featuring Ukrainian rap group Kalush Orchestra, is accompanied by a music video.
Finnish version Widely known as Bandit Version, directed in Helsinki on 13 December 2002, shows the Rasmus performing on a stage that resembles a helipad, and are in the process of stealing from a bank when the police arrive unexpectedly. Lauri Ylönen is almost caught, but manages to grab onto the safe-door, which is being dragged behind the tow-car that the group uses for the robbery, and goes skidding down the road. He falls off and runs into the woods where police dogs find him. Drummer Aki Hakala then ushers him into the car where Lauri makes his lucky escape and the car drives off. The video was included in the soundtrack of Finnish movie Pahat pojat and footage from the film was used in the video.
European version This is the most famous version of music video, also known as the Crow Version. The band are placed on a stage in a nondescript location and perform the song. Around the room there are crows flying around, who later break through the small rectangular windows. Towards the end, one crow breaks a light on the ceiling with its wings and the band performs in a shower of sparks. In the end, the band transforms into feathers.
US and UK version In the video, directed by Philipp Stölzl in Bucharest, Romania, the band are performing a concert in what looks to be an old Victorian mansion. During the verses, a maid is seen constantly busy serving the masters of the house in what appears to be the past of the mansion. The maid sees (lead singer) Lauri and the concert in mirrors on the walls, which causes her to become distracted, making mistakes and dropping trays. Eventually, while despairing over her errors in her room, she sees Lauri and all the fans in her mirror, while the master of the house is approaching with somebody else, possibly the head maid, presumably to reprimand the new maid. Lauri tugs her through the mirror in her room to where they are performing. She then finishes watching the concert. It concludes with the master of the house and the others entering to find the maid's room empty.
Fourth version The Rasmus are seen performing in a plain-looking room, similar in appearance to where they perform in the "Crow" version.
Kalush Orchestra version In 2022, the group released a new version of the song, titled "In the Shadows of Ukraine" and featuring Ukrainian rap group Kalush Orchestra. The music video for this version is directed by Leonid Kolosovskyi.
Track listings
Charts
Weekly charts Original version Chart (2003–2004)PeakpositionBolivia (Notimex)1Canada CHR/Pop Top 30 (Radio & Records)19Chile (Notimex)1Czech Republic (IFPI)22Ecuador (Notimex)5Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)6Paraguay (Notimex)1Peru (Notimex)3Romania (Romanian Top 100)70
Chart (2022–2025)PeakpositionPoland (Polish Airplay Top 100)42
Kalush Orchestra featuring the Rasmus Chart (2022)Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (2003)PositionAustria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)9Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)99CIS Airplay (TopHit)64CIS Airplay (TopHit)9Germany (Media Control GfK)10Italy (FIMI)27Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)16Netherlands (Single Top 100)43Russia Airplay (TopHit)48Russia Airplay (TopHit)5Sweden (Hitlistan)4Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)10Ukraine Airplay (TopHit)71Ukraine Airplay (TopHit)13
Chart (2004)PositionAustralia (ARIA)90Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)75Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)24CIS Airplay (TopHit)164France (SNEP)28Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)26Italy (FIMI)17New Zealand (RIANZ)18Russia Airplay (TopHit)137Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)71Ukraine Airplay (TopHit)168UK Singles (OCC)22
Chart (2022)PositionUkraine Airplay (TopHit)139
Certifications
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Finland10 January 2003CDGermany30 June 2003United Kingdom5 April 2004Australia3 May 2004CD
In popular culture "In the Shadows" was released for Guitar Hero: World Tour as downloadable content. It is available as either a single track or as part of the European Track Pack 03 alongside "Break It Out" by Vanilla Sky and "C'est comme ça" by Les Rita Mitsouko. The song was also unlockable in Guitar Rock Tour.
References
External links The Rasmus' official website Lyrics