Artist: H.I.M. Title: “Dark Light” Label: Sire Records Release Date: 9/27/2005 Genre: Gothic/Melodic Metal Rating: 7/10
Finland’s H.I.M. certainly seem to be making a dent in the American music world and this is no surprise when one considers the overall appeal and quality of some of their songs. Thanks to the efforts of MTV’s Bam Marguera the bands logo or “Heartagram” is no longer a mysterious image as he showcases it regularly on his program “Viva LaBam”. Though the band has been around for some ten years it was only recently that the American listener was able to purchase their music domestically and now with the release of “Dark Light” this growing audience got to experience a brand new album on its actual release date. The last two albums that surfaced early this year in “Love Metal” and “Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights” were already a couple of years old yet despite this fact the concert appearances of the group sold out very quickly. As I listened to “Dark Light” I found it continuing along in the same fashion as “Love Metal” with a strong influence of “Razorblade Romance” (two records which I enjoy very much). Lead singer Ville Vallo has found a formula that works and while labeled “Love” or Gothic Metal” the whole of H.I.M music leans more towards that which was influenced by Eighties New Wave such as Billy Idol, Depeche Mode or The Cure. The Gothic label was most likely due to their names acronym of “His Infernal Majesty” as it held a sense of darkness to it as do most things Goth. The band seldom uses the log version and very simply goes by H.I.M. these days. This fact combined with the subject matter of love and death that continually play in the same yard during their music makes you conclude that this might have been the root cause of the label. However the more you listen to the band the more you will find that is it pure and simple good Melodic Hard Rock. Continue reading “Dark Light” by HIM→
Artist: H.I.M. Title: “The Video Collection: 1997-2003” Label: Universal Records Release Date: 12/7/2004 Genre: Gothic Rock Rating: 7/10
In the United States H.I.M. seems to be an overnight sensation that just came to us early last year. In truth the group has had a far longer and more successful career in Europe for over 10 years. Most of their CD Releases were made available to us in 2004 and 2005 and among these pieces was also the DVD Collection of the bands videos. I have to inform readers that it was the video for “Join Me In Death” that first drew me to the music and this is the type of appeal that this band of Finns has over the listener. This is a perfect companion to the H.I.M. CD collection and almost a necessity since these videos will probably never be featured on MTV or VH1. To describe the music of H.I.M. to the inexperienced is quite simply to take a Rock vibe and mix with hints of Gothic and Dark overtones. The band has more in common with Billy Idol and Joy Division than other types of Finnish Metallers. Ville Vallo sings of love, loss, heartbreak and death in almost every song and while the material might seem utterly morose based on the titles you will find that the music breaks from the dismal nature and is very creative and catchy. Continue reading “Video Collection:1997-2003” by HIM→
Artist: HIM Title: “Wings Of A Butterfly” (Single) Label: Sire Records Release Date: 8/2/2005 Genre: Gothic Hard Rock Rating: 5/5
The band HIM last came at their fan base with the compilation album “And Love Said No…The Greatest Hits” which was such a comprehensive release that I have to say if you are somewhat unschooled about the group you need that item in your collection. You’re probably scratching your head about adding a hits piece of a band that you never heard of to your stash but I think it will help guide you into the band new material which is what this post is about as the Finnish rockers have just released the first single from their upcoming album “Dark Light”. The song is called “(Rip Out) The Wings Of A Butterfly” and I wanted to let you know about it as someone with a few years in on the bands output. Here I go. Continue reading “Wings Of A Butterfly” (Single) by HIM→
Artist: H.I.M. Title: “Love Metal” Label: Universal Records Release Date: 4/14/2003 Genre: Gothic Metal Rating: 7.5
Universal Music has been doing a great job of getting the music of His Infernal Majesty to the listeners in the U.S.A. They are also doing it in a manner that seems to keep the group in the public eye. Every couple of months a release that has been out in Europe arrives here. The latest addition to this list is “Love Metal” and clearly this is the band at their most polished. Fans who enjoyed “Razorblade Romance” will find a lot of the same type of driving material on this piece. It is a little more straight forward than “Deep Shadows Brilliant Highlights” was and makes for a good overall listen. Continue reading “Love Metal” by HIM→
There is something to be said about checking out a concert from a band like H.I.M. in a venue like The Bowery Ballroom. The club capacity is not that big and seems to hold just a little over 500 people. This makes it quite the intimate setting especially if you get close enough to the stage. This week, H.I.M. made their first trip to New York for two sold out shows, and I was lucky enough to attend. I have been enjoying the music of H.I.M. for many months now and was looking forward to being at this show. I was unable to secure tickets for the first show which sold out in minutes. As a matter of fact when I went to purchase my pair, the man selling them said to me “hey who are these guys that they sold out so quick”. I made sure to educate him on what to expect that evening. Continue reading HIM @ Bowery Ballroom (4/20/2004)→
