HIM
Dark Light

Sweet poetry.

Ville Valo returns to the scene with a work destined to strengthen the popularity of his proposal and, probably, to definitively consecrate it. In "Dark Light," all the elements that characterized the band’s sound in the four previous platters converge, enriched by a lavish mixing that enhances its atmospheric peculiarities without neglecting the impact.

As usual, everything revolves around the captivating vocal approach of the singer, revealed as inspired, heartfelt, loaded with that tearful pathos that has beguiled for ten years for talent and originality. This does not overshadow the excellent performance of the individual elements, from the hard-rocking guitars of Daniel Lindström to Burton's keyboard flourishes, culminating in the powerful rhythmic crunch of the Gas-Mige duo.
Tracks filled with warm and velvety emotions, always teetering between the delicacy of dream-pop refrains-verses combined with solid, modern guitar riffing free of unnecessary neoclassical frills or tiresome embellishments. The melodies are spot-on, supported by the harmonic wonder of Ville's voice, inimitable, always shining and able to recreate the same romantic-dramatic atmospheres as in the days of the incomparable "Greatest...".

The production remains at a high level and enhances the emotional aspect of this work, perfectly balancing the rock-metal impact with the languid-feminine attitude of the vocal approach. A further step forward compared to the previous "Love Metal" where, perhaps, too much space was given to the guitar-drums duo. Among the many pearls bestowed by the Helsinki quintet, I feel inclined to mention the seductive atmospheres of "Vampire Heart", the groove with an irresistible chorus of "Under The Rose", and the anthemic yet very accessible "Killing Loneliness" and "Behind The Crimson Door" where Valo’s histrionic ability incessantly duets with medium-fast tempos of great charisma.
A praise also to the ethereal sweetness of dreamy pieces like "Play Dead" and "In The Nightside Of Eden" that bring us back to the territories of floating amorous sensations akin to the final tracks of the celebrated "Razorblade Romance".

In conclusion, a work with simple sound architectures and probably a bit stereotyped but perfect in amplifying the qualities admired in past works to a higher degree. The union between the luxurious mastering and a promotional work finally up to par will give the combo the deserved success and the award of debuting at the eighteenth position in the American charts, a feat never achieved by artists coming from Finland.

In their genre, undoubtedly the best as well as imitated globally (with no results).

Consecrated.