Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights [ENHANCED]

H.I.M.

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 28, 2004)
• Original Release Date: March 26, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Umvd Labels
• ASIN: B0002ZMIY4
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #72,586 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as love metal, but right up there, April 15, 2005

By	Dark lord of all that is itchy (Narnia) - See all my reviews

This is probably HIM's lightest album (which is saying something, all things considered). All the signature traights of HIM are present here from the mellowing baritone vocals to the soulful electronica style guitar work and piano interludes. There is more acoustic work on this album than on their other efforts, which in some senses compromises the quality slightly, but on the other hand shows the skill with which the band handles this particular type of music. I say it hinders the qualtiy only because after about 4 acoustic-y songs in a row, they kind of start to sound the same. Once again, some of the songs have those signature catchy tunes such as the first few tracks (salt in our wounds, heartache every moment, and lose you tonight). Good musical quality, but the album as a whole could use a bit more variety.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars HIM ~ Deep Shadows & Brilliant Highlights, September 28, 2004

By	Greg "gkw1982" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This is HIM's third full-length album, but only their second album to be released in the U.S. (the other album was "Razorblade Romance). The only difference between this version and the import version is that they were released on different record labels...and this U.S. version is MUCH cheaper. All the songs and artwork are the same though.
This was a great album for HIM, although it's probably their most radio-friendly and commercial sounding album, it has all the deep lyrics and romantic melodies over heavy guitar. While most of the band's other albums are generally heavier or more experimental, this album focuses on the softer sides of the group...particuarlly on songs like "In Joy And Sorrow", "Close To The Flame" and "Beautiful". But as I said, some of the group's rock n' roll side is shown on songs like "Salt In Our Wounds" and "Lose You Tonight". And ofcourse songs like "Pretending" and "Heartache Every Moment" were big hits for the group. Oh, and anyone who is a fan of Bam Margera knows how big of a HIM fan he is. Bam's movie "Haggard" featured 5 songs off of this album! Anyway, this is a terrific album whether you're a fan of Type O Negative or The Cure.

01) "SALT IN OUR WOUNDS" - Begins with a Radiohead type drum-loop and starts slow, but builds to a rockin' chorus!
02) "HEARTACHE EVERY MOMENT" - One of the album's singles, heavy guitar layered by piano.
03) "LOSE YOU TONIGHT" - Just a good song to rock out to!
04) "IN JOY AND SORROW" - Another single, a slow-paced love song.
05) "PRETENDING" - The album's major single, a good rockin' love song.
06) "CLOSE TO THE FLAME" - The album's slowest song, similar to "One Last Time."
07) "PLEASE DON'T LET IT GO" - One of my favorites. This song had the potential to be a single...sounds similar to "Pretending."
08) "BEAUTIFUL" - The name speaks for itself, a slow love song with great melody.
09) "DON'T CLOSE YOUR HEART" - Definitley more upbeat than HIM's past work, but a great song none the less.
10) "LOVE YOU LIKE I DO" - A slow gothic song, with an organ that reminds me of Type O Negative and vocals that remind me of Jim Morrison.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark and Refined, March 30, 2006

By	Calix Vincent (dancing at Lost-Hope) - See all my reviews

I could go into a long essay about this album, but I won't. I must say that I love every song on this album, some less than others, but I do love all of them.

A great listen, and though some would say that Razorblade Romance is a better album, I'd have to disagree. Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights is much more refined and elegant (and underrated, if you ask me), and appealed a lot more to my tastes. I feel HIM brought their best into every song on this album, and they really take you through a range of emotions with the different sounds of each song.

If you're looking for an introduction to this wonderful group, I'd wholeheartedly recommend this album for your first.