Grunge icons PEARL JAM have just unveiled new four-track EP inspired by HBO’s The Last of Us, bridging the emotional depth of the acclaimed video game franchise and television series with the band’s storied musical legacy.
Titled simply The Last of Us, the release celebrates PEARL JAM’s artistic connection to the post-apocalyptic world that has captivated millions of fans worldwide. Deeply rooted in themes of loss, survival, and hope, the EP also reflects the band’s personal ties to the story’s setting—Seattle, their hometown and a prominent backdrop in The Last of Us Part II and the current HBO adaptation.
At the heart of this tribute is the band’s haunting ballad “Future Days,” originally released on their 2013 album Lightning Bolt. The song has become an emotional cornerstone within The Last of Us universe, memorably performed by Joel (Pedro Pascal) in both the game and the series, symbolizing connection and grief in a world torn apart.
Future Days (Studio version, Lightning Bolt, 2013)
All or None (Riot Act, 2002)
Future Days (Live at the 2024 Ohana Festival)
Present Tense (Redux) – a reimagined take on the No Code (1996) classic
For Ten Club members, an exclusive vinyl edition of the EP is being released.
The EP arrives in the midst of PEARL JAM’s expansive 2025 world tour, supporting their twelfth studio album Dark Matter, which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. The tour has already delivered unforgettable moments, including a surprise duet of “Black” with legendary guitarist Peter Frampton in Nashville.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.