H.I.M.- Dark Light (WWWW)
(Sire/Warner)
Like him or hate him, there’s
no doubt that Valle Valo will pull at your heartstrings. Valo, lead singer of
Finland’s His Infernal Majesty (or simply “H.I.M.”), has made a living leaving
his heart on his sleeve (and baring his chest, but that’s a different matter), and,
after an eight-year career that spans five studio albums, you’d think that he’d
be the laughingstock of the world right about now if it wasn’t for the fact
that Valo is just that good. In and out, few can match Valo’s lyrical ability
with his ability to convey emotions without ever sounding silly, as well as the
band for excellently contemplating Valo’s diary and baritone with just the
right oomph and vigour. They’re deserved stars over in Europe and budding ones
in the United States, and albums like 2004’s “Razorblade Romance” (okay, it was
a 2000 release but American-wise it became big in 2004) and this one only
confirm that the band’s right in their groove.
The format for “Dark Light” is
similar to “Razorblade Romance” only this time it’s not a concept album, and it’s
livelier, with “Vampire Heart” and “Under The Rose” being among the catchiest
material the band’s ever done. This doesn’t mean the love metallers have
forgotten how to make ballads- on the contrary, “In The Nightside Of Eden” and “Behind
The Crimson Door” are epic ballads that give “Dark Light” a lot of depth, while
the multi-dimensional “Killing Loneliness” shows the bands’ ability to create a
dynamically enthralling song.
The best song here- and
undeniably bound to be the band’s biggest hit- is “Rip Out The Wings Of A
Butterfly”, featuring an impressive guitar riff that provides an inescapable
hook. It is, on a whole, “Dark Light”’s most versatile song making it the
perfect single- not only is it catchy, but it’s dark mood gives it depth, and
Valo’s emotive vocals and his impressive poetry (“the blood on our hands is our
wine”) make it a truly epic single. This one is bound to be remembered long
after it’s been released, and is poised to be the band’s awaited for
breakthrough U.S. track.
As far as weaknesses are
concerned, “Dark Light” may take a few spins to really “sink in”, while the
second half of the album drags a little more than the first half does.
Regardless, “Dark Light” is another fine album from the Finnish metal act, who
now finally have their U.S. breakthrough.
-DG