Customer Reviews

Dark Light

5 star:		(83)
4 star:		(33)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(24)

 

 

I would not necessarily classify the group "His Infernal Majesty", a.k.a. "H.I.M.", as heavy metal, but they certainly qualify as hard rock. Originating in the Scandinavian country of Finland in 1995, "H.I.M." was inspired by the gothic metal band "Dimmu Borgir" from the neighboring country of Sweden. What gives the five-man band "H.I.M." its unique sound are the compelling vocals by the band's front man Ville Valo, as well as the instruments played by its four other members: Migé Amour (bass), Lily Lazer (guitar), Gas Lipstick (drums), and Emerson Burton (keyboards).

The band's album "Dark Light" is not the band's first album, but is the band's official debut album in the U.S. The band's previously-released albums (which were reissued in the U.S. earlier in 2005) include its 1997 debut "Greatest Lovesongs, Vol. 666", the 2000 "Razorblade Romance", the 2001 "Deep Shadows and Brilliant Hightlights" and the 2003 "Love Metal".

"Dark Light" is somewhat different from the band's earlier albums, which has left some long-time fans disappointed; but the album's potential for a broader appeal is certainly noteworthy and I personally regard it to be an excellent album. Criticisms of "Dark Light" due to Ville's apparently changed hairstyle or because someone previously had a heartogram tattooed on themselves (a purely personal choice) as some reviewers have commented say nothing about the actual songs on the album and thus, are completely without merit and useless. My ratings (out of 5 stars) for each of the album's 10 songs follow:

1. "Vampire Heart" (5). Dark undertones punctuate this song's otherwise seemingly cheerful sound that has an interesting mix of guitar, bass, keyboards and vocals that keep it on the edge.

2. "Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly" (5+). A fast melody that relies on fast octave changes, good guitar progressions and dark lyrics make this a very good song.

3. "Under the Rose" (4.5). A soft start is immediately replaced with a fast & loud melody comprised of guitar & keyboards with good lyrics.

4. "Killing Loneliness" (5). Strong bass begins this song with softer lyrics, but a more intense chorus.

5. "Dark Light" (4.5). An interesting mix of softer tones in a slower song that could qualify it as a ballad, but with stronger choruses and with several scale changes that include frequent changes between major & minor chord emphasis.

6. "Behind the Crimson Door" (4). A faster song than the previous, using a mix of softer versus with stronger choruses.

7. "The Face of God" (5). A dark & mysterious beginning leads to percussion, bass & guitars with the keyboards starting the melody before the voice begins.

8. "Drunk on Shadows" (4.5). Another dark & fast song with interesting use of keyboards riding on top of the other instruments.

9. "Play Ahead" (5). A slower, but no less potent song using a good mix of guitar, bass and percussion to underlie the vocals.

10. "In the Nightside of Eden" (5). The longest song on the album at 5:39 minutes, keyboards are featured with bass & percussion at the beginning with the vocals that use occasional octave changes and minor chord progressions.

Overall, I rate the album "Dark Light" by "H.I.M." with 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it. To those who plan to write negative reviews for the album, please write something pertinent about why you dislike the music instead of critiques about Ville's hairstyle or descriptions of your own personal tattoos.

I will begin this review saying that I am 41 year old male. Enough said. I have always appreciated new music imported from "across the pond". It generally must be good-well written lyrics, catchy melodies, and great guitars. H.I.M. delivers the goods on this record! Who would have thought a Scandinavian troup could have take up the "Popular Scepter" and nearly dominate the scene? I am very satisfied with thier effort!

I had the chance to see them last evening at my local theatre. The crowd was a bunch of "twenty-something" post metal goths who seemed to know and love all the songs. This is the wave of the future it seems to me. I approve whole-heartedly! I felt this generation had no style or character. H.I.M clearly defines this graceful, romantic and dark style! If they keep this up, I can only see it flourish amidst "fluffy-pop trash".

Now, onto Dark Light. This album delivers all of the jewels that I come to expect from this new brand of tortured rock anthems! Comparisons will abound, of course. It is difficult to reinvent the genre. This band takes it and stylishly gives it a distictive Northern accent. There is no metal screamers here. Ville Valo's voice is melodic and filled with pain. In a musical age of violent and forgettable bands releasing unsuccessful music. H.I.M. restores a dark beauty not seen in many years.

The tracks are clean and catchy. "Vampire Heart" is kitschy, yet satisfying. "Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly" is a new goth love anthem that can be a throwback to the Mid 1980s Sisters of Mercy or the Mission U.K. "Behind the Crimsom Door" is my personal favorite. Heavy, dark, yet not burdensome. "Dark Light" the title track is moody and mysterious. Perhaps this record will show the bigger audience out there this band means business, and "dark" doesnt mean "evil". By all means-get a copy, go see them live.

THE BAND: Ville Valo (vocals), Mikko Lindstrom (guitars), Mikko "Mige" Paananen (bass), Janne "Burton" Puurtinen (keyboards), Mika "Gas" Karppinen (drums & percussion). H.I.M. - His Infernal Majesty - Origin: Finland.

THE DISC: (2005) 10 songs clocking in at approximately 45 minutes. Included with the disc is a 10-page booklet containing one band photo and song lyrics. Recorded at Paramour Studios, Los Angeles, CA. This is the band's 5th studio album. There is a limited edition disc available (complete with tin case, 24-page booklet and keychain). Label - Sire Records.

COMMENTS: As of 2007-08, I am relatively new to H.I.M. - "Dark Light" was my first purchase. For whatever reason, I knew the name, but not the music. My love of hard rock (AC/DC, Rush, Deep Purple, Van Halen, etc), 80's old school heavy metal (Iron Maiden, Metallica, Sabbath/Ozzy, etc), and newer progressive/symphonic metal bands (Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater, Symphony X) never crossed paths with H.I.M.'s pop/alternative/love metal. I had H.I.M. totally misread - judging the proverbial book by its cover. I looked at H.I.M. (Valo) and saw death metal or Marilyn Manson clone (not to mention a bad version of Tim Curry in the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" coming to mind from the cover of "Razorblade Romance"). Boy... was I ever wrong. So endearing was "Dark Light", I went out and bought all their discs. For me, it was such a wondrous find... and I initially felt that I had missed out on years of good music. As for the album, "Dark Light" is full of crunchy guitars and melodies. Songs are for the most part dark with a gothic tone - dealing with love (and love lost), suffering, loneliness, Heaven and Hell, redemption, sacrifice, scarred souls and aspects of suicide. This isn't a guitar album per say, but Lindstrom's guitar work is as much the highlight of this album as Valo's vocals. "Dark Light" was the band's break through album in the US (reaching #18 on Billboard's Top 200 list in 2005). The album also featured two hits with "Rip Out The Wings Of A Butterfly" (reaching #1 in Finland, and #20 in the US - perhaps the best track on the disc), and "Killing Loneliness". Throughout the album you'll hear some great piano/keyboards and orchestra layers. Other highlights include the (ballad) title track, the love story in "The Face Of God", the melody in "Behind The Crimson Door", and the closer "In The Nightside Of Eden". Not a weak track on the disc. Try this disc - this may be a sentimental favorite for me, but after hearing all his previous albums, I feel "Dark Light" is the band's most slick and polished album. A great introduction to H.I.M. (5 stars).

The Good
An intriguing little riff dominates "Vampire Heart" while faded chugga-chugga riffs take command of the background. Valo's vocals are tortured and eerie, but maintain a great degree of melody and fluctuation. A dark, bluesy guitar lick is the main musical focal point of "Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly". How they ever made a sad sediment sound so pleasing is beyond me. Heavy muted riffs, catchy lyrical patterns, and a piercing solo make up "Under the Rose". "Dark Light" relies a lot of Valo's soothing vocal charm. Sometimes it's hard to tell is his balladry is sincere or vengeful.

A driving piano lick leads the charge on "Behind the Crimson Door". Thick guitars and thumping bass take you the rest of the way. Once again, Valo's untamable love affair is the main focus of his lyrics. If her love is going to be the death of you behind the crimson door, maybe you should try the green one. One of the darkest tracks would be "Play Dead". It's a down-tempo song that Valo injects with plenty of hurt emotions.

The Bad
The guitar tones aren't as dark and ominous as I remember them from Razorblade Romance. There are a lot less haunting keyboards too.

The Verdict
I'm ecstatic that H.I.M. are finally getting their shot in the U.S. Their music is unlike anything we have over here, and has been for years. Although, Dark Light is not as `dark' as the last album I've heard from the group, it's still a great representation of these talented (and tortured) Finnish rockers.

Looks like Ville and the boys have done it again!!! "Dark Light" is just tremendous, and a grower too!! At first listen, it was like the Ramones or Sigur Ros, where they have a completely individual sound (ie gothic "love metal"), and don't change it much from album to album. BUT, the more I listened to "Dark Light", the more the songs grew on me, and the expert layering and songwriting became more apparent.

Clearly, Ville Valo and his friends know EXACTLY what they are doing, playing to their strengths here. I've been a H.I.M. fan for a coupla years now, nothing to do with Bam whatsoever...I knew about their stuff since I saw "Razorblade Romance" as an expensive import at NYC's Virgin Megastore back in 1999, and became a big fan once their catalogue came out in the US through Jimmy Pop and Universal and I got a chance to hear RR...fantastic, hunches confirmed, became an instant fan, loyal ever since, regardless of the Bam connection and the skater kids. Well, the new "Dark Light" just confirms why this is, and solidifies why I'll be a fan for life.

As for the reviewer who said H.I.M. does not stand for "His Infernal Majesty", that person is wrong. If you watch the DVD that came out a year ago, and pop on the "Interrogation Footage", Ville CLEARLY says the band started out as "His Infernal Majesty" because they were inspired by Black Sabbath who took their name from a horror movie, so they did as well...but then shortened it to H.I.M. because, being from Scandinavia, there were all these black metal bands burning churches and stuff, and they didn't want to be associated with all that activity, that they were not part of that genre of music. Plus, Ville says, H.I.M. is pronounceable in every language, be it English or Finnish, which by the way, looks like the most odd language ever invented, so it blows my mind how fantastic and poetic a lyricist Ville is, in the English language!!!!

Combine that with haunting + beautiful, yet ultramelodic tunes and AMAZING choruses that just send the listener to the moon or in a state of complete euphoria, plus rocking riffs + arrangements that never fail to impress how accomplished H.I.M. are as musicians.

The new album is no exception..."Rip Out The Wings Of A Butterfly" is just a KILLER first single...the chorus will repeat over and over in unsuspecting heads for months on end...in the wrong hands, it would be a repetitive mess, but in H.I.M.'s hands, it's a top, powerpoppish tune...not only cuz it's well-written, but the lyrics are poetic, hypnotic and mysterious, the arrangement is memorable, the riffs rock, and the combination of Ville's voice and Linde's haunting backing vocal mesh into total magic.

Then again, EVERY song is great here...they latch on you a bit at first, and then keep on growing like a magical plant. The artwork on the limited edition is just WOW...could it be inspired by the Lord Of The Rings...the Two Towers??? With Ville's handwritten lyrics...nice touch. The bonus track, "The Cage" is worth the extra dough...but where's that other track?????? I had no idea there was an internet tin box edition with that other song...if I don't get it, maybe it will be a B-side, like their Ramones cover of "Poison Heart"???

Now I need a ticket to their NYC Hammerstein gig...before it sells out...yikes!!!!!!

The Good
An intriguing little riff dominates "Vampire Heart" while faded chugga-chugga riffs take command of the background. Valo's vocals are tortured and eerie, but maintain a great degree of melody and fluctuation. A dark, bluesy guitar lick is the main musical focal point of "Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly". How they ever made a sad sediment sound so pleasing is beyond me. Heavy muted riffs, catchy lyrical patterns, and a piercing solo make up "Under the Rose". "Dark Light" relies a lot of Valo's soothing vocal charm. Sometimes it's hard to tell is his balladry is sincere or vengeful.

A driving piano lick leads the charge on "Behind the Crimson Door". Thick guitars and thumping bass take you the rest of the way. Once again, Valo's untamable love affair is the main focus of his lyrics. If her love is going to be the death of you behind the crimson door, maybe you should try the green one. One of the darkest tracks would be "Play Dead". It's a down-tempo song that Valo injects with plenty of hurt emotions.

The Bad
The guitar tones aren't as dark and ominous as I remember them from Razorblade Romance. There are a lot less haunting keyboards too.

The Verdict
I'm ecstatic that H.I.M. are finally getting their shot in the U.S. Their music is unlike anything we have over here, and has been for years. Although, Dark Light is not as `dark' as the last album I've heard from the group, it's still a great representation of these talented (and tortured) Finnish rockers.

HIM's 5th studio album (Yes, And Love Said No counts because they DID go into the studio to do the new songs and the remake of It's All Tears (Drown In This Love)[U.K. Version]) is well up to par with the band's previous albums.
According to many reviews I've read the album is their "sell-out" album, what people don't seem to understand is that bands constantly change their style throughout their careers.
Also, you must put into perspective the fact that this is their FIRST release in the U.S. under the name HIM through a major American distribution.
With that out of the way, I will begin the reviewing.

I personally have had the album for longer than it has been out and listening to it atleast once EVERYDAY since September 20th and I have to say even though it is not my FAVORITE release, it is the 2nd as just a release, but my first in the talents and production they've achieved.

For one Ville has gone back and layered his vocals quite extensively, which I think adds a whole new level to the music itself as a whole.

Gas's drumming has improved and has atleast a little more content in this release than in earlier ones.

Mige's bass playing hasn't changed a whole lot, but his backing vocals seem to have improved.

Linde, of course is always good, this man is amazing on guitar and almost eerie with his low toned vocal talents.

And another thing you will notice is that Burton, has a MUCH bigger role in this album than in earlier releases, so much bigger, you will notice quite a bit if you listen to any of their other releases he is on and then listen to Dark Light, the pianos and keyboards are much more prodominate, almost even over Linde's guitars.
I'll go through the album now and give each song a rating with a particular thing you should listen for.

Vampire Heart - 9/10
- Ville's vocal layering and Burton's keyboards.

...Wings Of A Butterfly - 10/10
- Linde's guitars and Ville's vocals

Under The Rose - 9/10
- Linde's guitars, Ville's vocals (Not so much layered but still very good seeing as how upbeat the song is), Burton's keyboards.

Killing Loneliness - 10/10
- Ville's vocals (So much layering to it and depth), Burton's keyboards.

Dark Light - 10/10
- Burton's keyboards, Ville's vocals.

Behind The Crimson Door - 8/10
- Not my favorite song on the album, I don't really see anything special to this song other than Ville's vocals.

The Face Of God - 10/10
- Ville's vocals, Linde's guitars, Burton's keyboards.

Drunk On Shadows - 10/10
- Linde's guitars

Play Dead - 10/10
- Linde's guitars, Ville's vocals (VERY beautiful and mellow, partially sorrowful yet slightly content), Burton's keyboards.

In The Nightside Of Eden - 9/10
- Ville's vocals, Linde's guitars.

(Bonus Tracks)

Venus (In Our Blood)[!!Not On This Special Edition!!] 10/10
- My favorite track on the whole album, the context and the words just move me, and the music is incredible all around!

The Cage - 10/10
- I just really love this song, not much to it but it's really really good in my opinion.

To tell you the truth Deep Shadows & Brilliant Highlights was my favorite HIM album, but this one has more depth to it I think than any of the other albums.
I bought a copy of each version, the Internet Only Tin Box Edition, the Special Edition Hardbound Book Hot Topic Version, and the Black Shrinkwrap Store Edition...Totally worth it to have all the neat goodies.
So go out and buy it, support the greatest rock band to ever come out of Finland!

Tyler Louthan
Team Leader
Oklahoma HIM Street-Team
(...)

Dark Light,HIM's newest album dominates the rest. Ville Valo, frontman of the Finnish band, has shown us once again the band isn't losing it's touch. With haunting lyrics and a voice to go with it, Dark Light has got to be one of the best albums of '05.

This 2005 HIM release 'Dark Light' is much better than anything HIM has put out since 'Razorblade Romance'. The album is very brilliant, creative, and well put together. It really goes back to that 1996-2000 HIM era...not so much the Deep Shadows, and Love Metal sound.

Here are my ratings on each individual track.
(1 being the lowest, 10 being the highest)

1. Vampire Heart
The intro is a very "twilight-zone-like" guitar then goes into the first verse which is very catchy and will have you humming it to yourself or singing it in the shower for the next few days. One of the most outstanding tracks on the album. Smart and catchy.
8.5

2. Rip Out The Wings of a Butterfly
This is the first single off the album to be released. Another highlight on the album. Pretty simple and catchy. It's my current ringtone on my cell.
8.0

3. Under The Rose
This is the only song that kinda gives off that 2003-Love Metalish sound on the album. Something about this song is weird, I don't know what it is...but that's just me. Not my favorite track, but it's alright.
6.0

4. Killing Loneliness
This track is amazing. It's probably one of the best HIM songs of all time. Well thought-out with beautiful structure.
9.5

5. Dark Light
My favorite.
10.0

6. Behind The Crimson Door
This song is not a bad song but it gives off the same tone as 'Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly' and 'Vampire Heart' making it not stand out as much. Not too original on this track. It's okay though.
6.0

7. The Face of God
The song starts off with like a gothic soundscape...like a creepy ambience. The song is your typical gothrock masterpiece. It spits Razorblade Romance all over it.
7.0

8. Drunk on Shadows
I found the song title to be very cheesey, and cliche...but it turns out this song is amazing. Very powerful and well constructed. One of the better HIM songs I have heard in the past few years...
9.0

9. Play Dead
Comes in with a very atmospheric keyboard pad then a downtempo guitar riff. The song is very moody and dark. It's defitnally an amazing song.
9.5

10. In the Nightside of Eden
This is probably the "darkest" track on the album, with a "dark" set of lyrics. Very goth. Oh so Goth. Sounds very much like The 69 Eyes in a few fragments.
7.9

HIM's music has always been really hard to categorise, and it leaves you left with the only one it is possible to put them in: LOVE METAL. And that is exactly what they are.
HIM's music is metal, there's no doubt about it, though it has absolutely gorgeous melody and there is no screaming, just the rich, smoke-infected baritone that Ville Valo is so lucky to possess. And the songs are about love of course.
I have been waiting for Dark Light to hit the shops for months on end, eager to see if they could pull off what they have been pulling off since they first came out, circa '97 - '98 with their first album "Greatest Lovesongs Vol.666". Only a dedicated fan would risk the almost arctic Scottish weather conditions that I was faced with on September 26th when I went out to get it in town.
It was worth the wait. This album is everything HIM was, and that little bit more. There is melody, there is darkness, there are Ville's ever-haunting vocals. But it is also that much more gothic than before, casting your mind back to the first album.
"Vampire Heart" just oozes this gothicness, with a suitable title.
"Rip Out The Wings Of A Butterfly" (the first single) disguises it's dark lyrics with an utterly fantastic tune and an amazing chorus.
"Under The Rose" was originally revealed when the band played it acoustically during a power-outage at a gig. It is obviously a lot heavier, and extremely catchy, with some warped lyrics.
"Killing Loneliness" (to be the second single) is known to be Ville's favourite on the album, and is one of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard. It sends a shiver down your spine.
"Dark Light", the title track, sadly fails to impress as much, though it is in no way a terrible track. It just doesn't pack a punch like the others.
"Behind The Crimson Door" is another amazing track, with an infectiously dark chorus and fantastic lyrics (apparantly written by Valo in around 5 minutes!).
"Face Of God" is an interesting track, with extremely good vocals from Valo, and an amazing tune choice.
"Drunk On Shadows" is another catchy tune. The chorus is suitably exciting and makes you want to just get up and dance. In a gothic way obviously....
"Play Dead" is the big ballad on this record, a real lighters-in-the-air moment. Valo's vocals soar on this track and the tune is absolutely gorgeous.
"In The Nightside Of Eden" has some very different choral work on it, what sounds like a male choir during the chorus, with a very good job done by Valo. This is a fantastic track.

My personal favourite is akin to Ville's - "Killing Loneliness". My other favourites are "Rip Out The Wings Of A Butterfly" and "Behind The Crimson Door". But the album on a whole is really really thrilling, and is worth going out and buying straight away. I strongly recommend it.