20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
In all fairness, give HIM some credit, February 25, 2010
For as much criticism as HIM have been receiving on their latest effort, I think it's important to remain objective. I have always taken HIM at face value. I don't delve too much into their lyrics nor sound stylings. I think of them as a purely escapist-melody driven rock band. They are not goth- like Bauhaus or Sisters of Mercy. They're not industrial-like Skinny Puppy or Frontline Assembly. And they're certainly not Depeche Mode or New Order. I think they're heavily influenced by the eighties and assimilate different elements from all genres of that decade and moreover; the seventies hard rock like: Sabath, Zepplin, and Neil Diamond. They're a weird amalgamation of several of Ville's influences. With that being said, it would be unfair to compare them to one particular artist or genre.
Yes, some of Ville's lyrics are cheesy and repetitive (if I had a nickel for every time Ville says "love" or "death"). I think they are a thoroughly enjoyable and great band if you listen to them on their own merits, not what other people say they are suppose to be or sound like. Ville often pokes fun of himself for the cheesiness of some of his songs..and that's what I like! Why isn't okay to have a guilty pleasure? Why does everyone take HIM so seriously!
I don't mind that their albums are different from one to the next. They can't recreate Love Metal or Razorblade over and over again, that would be boring. Venus Doom and Screamworks are totally different and that's good...but they have always been kind of cheesy bubble gum pop, especially when you consider that they are labeled Goth...they were never goth and they are never going to be. To call them goth would be to compare them to likes of Mortiis or any other true scandinavian darkwave band. Their old stuff was truly never that heavy, nor goth, nor metal. They have never really departed from what made them HIM. You can find what made HIM, "HIM", in all their albums and they haven't really diverged to a truly unique and awe-inspiring sound; but then again never has Radiohead or Coldplay done that for all their ridiculous hype and posturing.
I think you have to truly accept these guys as being just an entertaining retro metal band, with several different influences crafting their work, to truly appreciate their music.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
pleasently suprised, February 11, 2010
I have noticed alot of the older HIM fans like myself, are not enjoying the tracks, and I will admit to being taken off Guard. BUT I LOVED IT!! and for the ones saying its not him, ville sounds different and so on, he is! He sobered up, and put his self out there in this album alot more that the others, and i give him major credit for it. It is painful to be so raw and to expose yourself like that. To the people who are criticizing the direction the band has taken: have you never made a change in your life? Have you ever shown a side of your personality that people usually dont see? I bet you have. I adore this album, and I cant wait to see them live in april! <3 HIM
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Different good and evolving sound of HIM, February 18, 2010
First off buy the 2 disc version over the mp3s or single disc, the 2nd disc is Valo doing acoustic for every song, great listening, especially if u like Uneasy Listening Vol. 1. HIM's newest album isn't Venus Doom with heavy metal overtures and it isn't dark. Its a peaceful and inspiring piece of art. Even picasso had a blue period. Things change. Lives change. This is the first time I think HIM could appear on your mom and dad's radio station. Its amazing and crafted in Love, not the hate of love. I enjoy all of HIM's albums. The theme seems to be to me, love is a gift, cherish it while you have it.....and cherish this album.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No