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Love Metal by: HIM

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Rating: - So close to being a classic

Close, but yet it never quite reaches the potential it perhaps has. Dark, foreboding lyrics, classic gothic power chords, subtle keyboards, production layers piled upon other layers of excellent musicianship, but yet it doesn't quite have that 'je ne sais quoi' that puts it into the classic league. Now, if Tony Iommi was playing the guitars, and Meatloaf (or Ozzy) was singing then we'd be talking all-time classic. Nevertheless, the world moves on and new talent is fortunately coming through at last. This is a fine album and can be highly recommended to those of a heavier persuasion who don't get too worried by all the develish references.

Rating: - This was my first HIM album...

quite a few years ago I picked this album up for £5 from a music store that was having a summer sale. Before that I'd never heard of HIM, Ville or any of his music. Up until then, I had no idea he even existed or that he was even from Finland. So, I bought this interesting looking album on the basis that I liked the album cover...

So, I got it home and started listening. After the last song faded out I was silent...almost in awe of how beautiful the album was. There is so much depth to his music and a lot of emotion that I Iike in my music. The interesting mix of gothic metal with a few pop and grunge rhythms make for a curiously interesting mix of sounds.

In terms of songs my personal favourites are "Sweet Pandemonium" and "The Sacrament", both of which are very haunting aswell as pulsing with the kinds of rhythm that gets into your head and your heart.

I have never been disappointed by this album because of it's sheer beauty. And for those of you yet to discover how great this guy really is...where on earth have you been!?

HIM (His Infernal Majesty) ~ Sir I salute you

FINLAND'S GREATEST EVER EXPORT

Rating: - Perfect Fusion

This album represents, so far as I can tell, the most perfect fusion of lyricism and instrumental cohesion in the metal genre, a feat particularly commendable given the subject matter that Valo seems hell bent on bleeding dry. It appears people are far too quick to write off the instrumental side, too; make no mistake, all of the musicians backing Valo -- who, undoubtedly, is the star attraction, being responsible both for writing the poetic lyrics which pepper this album, and their deliverance -- are very talented. Perhaps they don't randomly submit to the overwhelming compulsion to tail off on a spasmodic solo tangent, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Just look at Tool, or Rush; both incredibly talented instrumentally, but their music is tailored to give an overall sound, to be a whole piece of music, rather than a fragmented collection of solos. It is, effectively, the difference between viewing a painting and a comic strip; HIM's music is beautiful because each individual band members is perfectly in tune with the next, so that the overall sound is synchronised to the point at which it creates the desired effect[s] for the listener. Having said that, I'll give a brief overview of what's on offer with each song:

Buried Alive by Love: A shame it has been a little bit over-played on music stations, because it is a very addictive song, although not as sophisticated as some of the others -- 8.5/10.0

The Funeral of Hearts: One of the stronger songs from a lyrical perspective, it is a little hard to see the attraction at first, but after a few listens you'll find it growing on you -- 8.0/10.0

Beyond Redemption: A little bit cliche, but still rather profound; anyone who has experienced the self-destructive effects of unrequited love should feel a sudden twinge upon first listening to it -- 9.0/10.0

Sweet Pandemonium -- Possibly the weakest song on the album, falling between the heavier elements of Buried Alive by Love and Soul on Fire without really finding the graceful soul of ballads like The Sacrament and The Path -- 8.0/10.0

Soul on Fire -- This one hits all the right notes if you prefer the heavier side of HIM [or to metal in general]; I defy you not to get chills the first time you hear Valo screaming, 'Addicted to our divine despair/The venom of the cross we bear/The guilt will follow us to death' in perfect harmony with lily's screeching guitar. Only loses out on top marks because some of the lyrics are a bit cheesy in this one if, perhaps, misunderstood by most -- 9.8/10.0

The Sacrament -- From the moment you hear the piano it is obvious you've found your first pure ballad; and what a ballad it is. Beautifully haunting, it wreaks of denial and loss; anyone who takes the time to truly listen to this will be touched, although perhaps not quite so profoundly as by The Path -- 9.8/10.0

This Fortress of Tears -- Almost certainly the weakest song on the album; it's unfair to call it filler, but it probably would've been best left out. Ironically, it is only because of the excellence of the other 9 songs that this one stands out as slightly inferior. It is not altogether bad, just ever so slightly cringe-worthy -- 7.5/10.0

Circle of Fear -- Perhaps they sensed that the last song wasn't quite going to cut it and upped their game, because this is a far better account of HIM on their softer, more melodic side -- although, having said that, I would be one to argue that even many of their heavier songs are quite melodic -- 8.5/10.0

Endless Dark -- Quite a catchy song, if a bit repetitive after a few listens. Still, beautiful vocals throughout and worth a listen if only for the final verse and its sensational execution by Valo -- 9.0/10.0

The Path -- HIM's magnum opus? Possibly. I am reminded of the technical and lyrical prowess Tool exhibited on Lateralus, where the guitar work actually made one feel as if one was swirling through a spiraling musical vortex; all of the instruments are in perfect harmony, Valo's vocals shine brighter than ever and the lyrics are probably the best on the album. I want to give it full marks, but I won't; nothing is perfect, after all. -- 9.9/10.0

Rating: - Songs about love, romance and death

What makes this album so good is the first 6 tracks - all of which are great catchy pop goth songs with good lyrics, musicianship and melodies. All these songs have HIM's distinctive sound which mainly revolves around Ville Valo's ,angst ridden but excellent, vocals. Highlights include "Buried alive by love", "Beyond redemption" and "Soul on fire." This is a must for anyone who likes HIM or similar bans such as sisters of mercy. The only thing that lets this album down, and prevents it from a 5 star rating, is the weak ending to the album as i personally would class tracks 7-10 as fillers. In short, this has to be in any HIM fans record collection as it is amongst their best work, along with Dark Light and razorblade romance. If you are new to the band it would be a good place to start along with the band's latest release Dark Light. I am now looking forward to september, when the bands latest offering, Venus Doom, is due. Enjoy!

Rating: - At First a Dissapointment...at Second a Fantastic Change in Pace

This was the first album i brought by HIM, and was the album that was most a comercial success, making BMG alot of dosh im sure. By this time the band had gotten over their petty differences and their ego's had reduced to a more acceptible size, thanks to touring as Daniel Lioneye for a while. This album was meant to be an ode to their influences 'from Jimi Hendrix to Slayer' said Ville of the release, and was mixed by Tim Palmer, who had worked with the one of the bands favorite influences The Mission UK. While fans may have been let down by the more rock and commercial approuch compared to Deep Shadows, it embraced by all as another landmark for the band. The monster Buried Alive By Love (though i tend to think it starts off as abit of an anti climax) kicks things off, making it very accesible to new fans (of which there were many). The quality of songs through out is fairly high, though it doesnt flow nearly as well as the previous two albums. Occasionally it feels abit forced, but still very stylish and new. Ide highly reccomend tryng to get hold of a copy of the LImited Edition pressing, as doing so means you get tracks The Path and Love's Requiem, to me the best two tracks off the album.

Compared to their second and third albums, this falls just short of the high mark they set themselves. Though the sudden surge in popularity of the band thanks to this album put many fans off HIM, i think this s still a good album in its own right. If you own the album and dont think you like it, i highly reccomend giving it another chance. A essential album for the collection, and great for winter evernings to warm things up abit.

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