Him
The Kiss Of Dawn

Two years after the release of "Dark Light," one of the softer episodes in the career of the Helsinki combo, HIM return to the market with a new single that serves as a forerunner for the upcoming "Venus Doom," scheduled for the end of September and announcing some changes within a sound considered somewhat repetitive by many.

The previous album accumulated many negative criticisms, accused of being a sellout, overly commercial, and monotonous. In response, the Finns counter with first-rate sales figures that even lead them to achieve unexpected placements in overseas charts. So, what are the much-anticipated changes? Well... they have significantly toughened the sound by creating more structured pieces and employing a guitar impact that impresses with its expressive strength.

"The Kiss Of Dawn", in fact, flaunts a blazing opening riff quickly followed by a relentless drumbeat, creating a striking contrast with the delicacy of the verse, where Ville exhibits his usual admirable expressive ability. The chorus is engaging, characterized by those poignant harmonies to which we have become pleasantly accustomed, and the solo that follows is surprising: precise, fast, endowed with a truly unexpected metallic attitude. An easily memorable and easy-listening piece that nonetheless reveals impressive execution quality, sweeping away thousands of accusations about the supposed incapacity of the aforementioned musicians!

The next chapter "Venus Doom" further increases the energy level, living on tight incisive and penetrating riffs followed by a pianistic opening in duet with Valo's velvety lament. The chorus is excellent, vaguely epic, well-supported by a pungent, never boring rhythmic section. Another blazing solo and a grand crescendo finale give the piece an additional emotional touch.

In conclusion, an excellent appetizer in anticipation of the upcoming full-length, two tracks that highlight a band in shape and ready to surprise fans and detractors with a first-rate "heavy" attitude while maintaining the characteristics of previous works intact. A quality product, with the usual sparkling production for a package that will undoubtedly not disappoint admirers and might, perhaps, break through the expectations of the most skeptical.