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HIM
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Dark Light
Sire Records
Release: 9/27/2005
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Rated:
Review by:
Morley Seaver
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Dark Light finds the Finish powerhouse known as HIM treading more melodic or radio-friendly material than in the past. The goth-rockers have always had a real penchant for penning catchy material ("Razorblade Kiss" for example) but this time it's even more so.
Singer/front man Ville Valo has a voice you just have to listen to. He can croon or he can deliver in a neo-rock vehicle that reportedly connects particularly with females across the world. "Vampire Heart" kicks off the record and it sounds less urgent than what we've become accustomed to� until you get to the chorus. When it switches and goes into that guitar-driven section, you'd swear Desmond Child had a hand in the creation.
"Wings of a Butterfly" is a strong follow-up and is one of the best cuts on the record with its excellent chorus. "Under the Rose" is equal to the task as well. But "Killing Loneliness" speeds by the both of them, taking the title as the best cut on the record. The title cut is more of a majestic stance for the band, less metal and more of a platform for Valo's vocals to work their magic.
The only quibble with a lot of HIM's stuff is even though the songs are all different, they have traces of other songs within a good portion of them. "Behind the Crimson Door," while good, has elements we think we've heard before. "The Face of God" is terrific, with yet another great chorus. The keyboard riff helps "Drunk on Shadows" get to� yes, you guess it, a chorus that is bound to stick in your ears.
The sensitive "Play Dead" is just great, with a passionate vocal from Valo. "In the Night-Side of Eden" has some interesting chord changes and an unexpected style that stands out against the rest of the songs. "Venus (In Our Blood)" finds Valo with his most honest and emotive delivery. And "The Cage" ends things off on a rocking note.
While a lot of the songs sound alike and some are just ok, this is still way better than a lot of other band's best works. Dark Light beckons your wallets. |
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