Retreating to Shangri-La Studios nestled in the serene confines of Malibu, Pearl Jam looked to rekindle the primal essence of being five friends in a rock band. With producer Andrew Watt manning the board, the band wanted to refuel on the raw emotion and uninhibited creativity that launched them to the kind of rare heights that few rock bands reach. For three weeks, the band members convened in an intimate space, facing each other as they unleashed a torrent of tunes. What emerged is Dark Matter, an album in which every note and chord feels like a band reborn.

Ahead of the album's release, the band offered a glimpse into what Dark Matter meant to them with an exclusive listening party at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood. Reflecting on the long, strange, and unexpected trip that led to this momentous record, Eddie Vedder expressed a profound sense of pride and purpose, declaring it as their finest work yet. Jeff Ament echoed Vedder's sentiments, acknowledging the transformative influence of Watt's encyclopedic knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, which helped the band venture into uncharted territory, propelled by one vision.

The album's visual identity, created by light painting artist Alexandr Gnezdilov, adds another layer to the overall package. Each letter on the album cover was captured midair, illuminated by a specially designed flashlight, to achieve a pearlescent effect - an homage to the ethereal beauty of the music captured on Dark Matter. Embarking on yet another new chapter of an already incredible career, Pearl Jam invites fans old and new to join them on a trip through the mysteries of the universe and the power of music to light up the darkness. They also continue their longstanding tradition of philanthropy and activism through their Vitalogy Foundation. With over $50 million raised for various causes, ranging from climate change to healthcare, they remain a beacon of hope and compassion in an ever-challenging world.