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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
Finland's His Infernal Majesty (H.I.M.) has managed to release a solid, if not wholly overwhelming album. Listening to vocalist Ville Valo work his magic on the title tune, where he bridges the distance between Bono and Bowie, you almost believe you're listening to one of the great voices, maybe even great bands, of the age. The sharp, hook-laden tunes such as "Killing Loneliness," "Vampire Heart" and "Rip Out The Wings Of A Butterfly" only seem to confirm that initial spark of discovery. However, the brilliance evident at the beginning barely stretches to the halfway mark. "The Face Of God" and "Drunk On Shadows" are little more than hooks around which other things happen rather than the promising, fully realized material found at the album's start. That said, Dark Light ultimately proves an album worth owning even if it's just to hear Valo work his unmistakable magic from end to end. --Jedd Beaudoin

Album Description
After conquering the rest of the world with chart-topping albums and sold-out tours, Finland's HIM (His Infernal Majesty) makes its U.S. debut with Dark Light. A Scandinavian rock icon, HIM enjoys more than a mere buzz overseas. It's a frenzy. Haunting, gothic, rocking, beautiful and melodic-produced by Tim Palmer (Robert Plant, U2) with the band recording for the first time in the U.S.-Dark Light opens the eyes of America to HIM.

Album Description
After conquering the rest of the world with chart-topping albums and sold-out tours that have seen them play before literally hundreds of thousands of fans over the last decade, Finland's finest are finally making the push for American dominance with Dark Light. Some musicians might feel pressure, but HIM front man Ville Valo had one concern in making Dark Light - bettering himself. Mixed at New York's famed Electric Ladyland studios with producer Tim Palmer (Robert Plant, U2), the band recorded for the first time in the States, holing up for several weeks in the famed Paramour house in Silver Lake, California. The goal was to create a crazy, surreal, weird, David Lynch, Tim Burton feel, but all within the AC/DC context. You can still shake your hips to it, bang your head, or play air guitar. The results are the kind of songs that have made HIM global rock stars, earning Valo a recent spot on the cover of British metal magazine Kerrang! alongside Ozzy Osbourne and Slash. This 10-song collection is classic HIM: haunting, gothic, rocking, beautiful, melodic, and an album that can only come from Valo and his mates. Warner. 2005.

Customer Reviews: Read 141 more reviews...

Compelling Gothic Vocals Showcase "H.I.M." in "Dark Light" October 23, 2005
81 out of 87 found this review helpful

I would not necessarily classify the group "His Infernal Majesty", a.k.a. "H.I.M.", as heavy metal, but they certainly qualify as hard rock. Originating in the Scandinavian country of Finland in 1995, "H.I.M." was inspired by the gothic metal band "Dimmu Borgir" from the neighboring country of Sweden. What gives the five-man band "H.I.M." its unique sound are the compelling vocals by the band's front man Ville Valo, as well as the instruments played by its four other members: Mige Amour (bass), Lily Lazer (guitar), Gas Lipstick (drums), and Emerson Burton (keyboards).

The band's album "Dark Light" is not the band's first album, but is the band's official debut album in the U.S. The band's previously-released albums (which were reissued in the U.S. earlier in 2005) include its 1997 debut "Greatest Lovesongs, Vol. 666", the 2000 "Razorblade Romance", the 2001 "Deep Shadows and Brilliant Hightlights" and the 2003 "Love Metal".

"Dark Light" is somewhat different from the band's earlier albums, which has left some long-time fans disappointed; but the album's potential for a broader appeal is certainly noteworthy and I personally regard it to be an excellent album. Criticisms of "Dark Light" due to Ville's apparently changed hairstyle or because someone previously had a heartogram tattooed on themselves (a purely personal choice) as some reviewers have commented say nothing about the actual songs on the album and thus, are completely without merit and useless. My ratings (out of 5 stars) for each of the album's 10 songs follow:

1. "Vampire Heart" (5). Dark undertones punctuate this song's otherwise seemingly cheerful sound that has an interesting mix of guitar, bass, keyboards and vocals that keep it on the edge.

2. "Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly" (5+). A fast melody that relies on fast octave changes, good guitar progressions and dark lyrics make this a very good song.

3. "Under the Rose" (4.5). A soft start is immediately replaced with a fast & loud melody comprised of guitar & keyboards with good lyrics.

4. "Killing Loneliness" (5). Strong bass begins this song with softer lyrics, but a more intense chorus.

5. "Dark Light" (4.5). An interesting mix of softer tones in a slower song that could qualify it as a ballad, but with stronger choruses and with several scale changes that include frequent changes between major & minor chord emphasis.

6. "Behind the Crimson Door" (4). A faster song than the previous, using a mix of softer versus with stronger choruses.

7. "The Face of God" (5). A dark & mysterious beginning leads to percussion, bass & guitars with the keyboards starting the melody before the voice begins.

8. "Drunk on Shadows" (4.5). Another dark & fast song with interesting use of keyboards riding on top of the other instruments.

9. "Play Ahead" (5). A slower, but no less potent song using a good mix of guitar, bass and percussion to underlie the vocals.

10. "In the Nightside of Eden" (5). The longest song on the album at 5:39 minutes, keyboards are featured with bass & percussion at the beginning with the vocals that use occasional octave changes and minor chord progressions.

Overall, I rate the album "Dark Light" by "H.I.M." with 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it. To those who plan to write negative reviews for the album, please write something pertinent about why you dislike the music instead of critiques about Ville's hairstyle or descriptions of your own personal tattoos.

4 out of 5 stars

Not as `dark' as the last album I've heard from the group, it's still a great representation October 14, 2005
19 out of 23 found this review helpful

The Good
An intriguing little riff dominates "Vampire Heart" while faded chugga-chugga riffs take command of the background. Valo's vocals are tortured and eerie, but maintain a great degree of melody and fluctuation. A dark, bluesy guitar lick is the main musical focal point of "Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly". How they ever made a sad sediment sound so pleasing is beyond me. Heavy muted riffs, catchy lyrical patterns, and a piercing solo make up "Under the Rose". "Dark Light" relies a lot of Valo's soothing vocal charm. Sometimes it's hard to tell is his balladry is sincere or vengeful.

A driving piano lick leads the charge on "Behind the Crimson Door". Thick guitars and thumping bass take you the rest of the way. Once again, Valo's untamable love affair is the main focus of his lyrics. If her love is going to be the death of you behind the crimson door, maybe you should try the green one. One of the darkest tracks would be "Play Dead". It's a down-tempo song that Valo injects with plenty of hurt emotions.

The Bad
The guitar tones aren't as dark and ominous as I remember them from Razorblade Romance. There are a lot less haunting keyboards too.

The Verdict
I'm ecstatic that H.I.M. are finally getting their shot in the U.S. Their music is unlike anything we have over here, and has been for years. Although, Dark Light is not as `dark' as the last album I've heard from the group, it's still a great representation of these talented (and tortured) Finnish rockers.

5 out of 5 stars

Unexpectedly Great! November 9, 2005
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I will begin this review saying that I am 41 year old male. Enough said. I have always appreciated new music imported from "across the pond". It generally must be good-well written lyrics, catchy melodies, and great guitars. H.I.M. delivers the goods on this record! Who would have thought a Scandinavian troup could have take up the "Popular Scepter" and nearly dominate the scene? I am very satisfied with thier effort!

I had the chance to see them last evening at my local theatre. The crowd was a bunch of "twenty-something" post metal goths who seemed to know and love all the songs. This is the wave of the future it seems to me. I approve whole-heartedly! I felt this generation had no style or character. H.I.M clearly defines this graceful, romantic and dark style! If they keep this up, I can only see it flourish amidst "fluffy-pop trash".

Now, onto Dark Light. This album delivers all of the jewels that I come to expect from this new brand of tortured rock anthems! Comparisons will abound, of course. It is difficult to reinvent the genre. This band takes it and stylishly gives it a distictive Northern accent. There is no metal screamers here. Ville Valo's voice is melodic and filled with pain. In a musical age of violent and forgettable bands releasing unsuccessful music. H.I.M. restores a dark beauty not seen in many years.

The tracks are clean and catchy. "Vampire Heart" is kitschy, yet satisfying. "Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly" is a new goth love anthem that can be a throwback to the Mid 1980s Sisters of Mercy or the Mission U.K. "Behind the Crimsom Door" is my personal favorite. Heavy, dark, yet not burdensome. "Dark Light" the title track is moody and mysterious. Perhaps this record will show the bigger audience out there this band means business, and "dark" doesnt mean "evil". By all means-get a copy, go see them live.

1 out of 5 stars

All albums, one word - nauseating January 18, 2006
8 out of 21 found this review helpful

What H.I.M lacks in vocal ability, lyrical complexity, thematic originality and melodic innovativeness he makes up for a-hundredfold in sickeningly false emotion.

If you've ever tuned into a middle-of-the-road-rock Christian worship radio station this is the type of music you are likely to hear. I've listened to all 4 albums (I'm persistant) and haven't found a single song I like.

Highly emotive singing is fine but you've at least got to have a good singing voice - Ville doesn't. His melodies stay safely within his limited vocal range and any rare attempt to push these boundaries with a yell, high or extended vocal phrase results in an off-key squawk that makes me want to just crawl up into a ball, cringing in embarressment for him.

I'm sorry for the obvious offense this will cause his fans. I really did work extremely hard to appreciate these albums but after many listens I find them more loathesome than ever and feel strongly enough to offer this review as a warning to others who, like me, are openmindedly curious about this band.

(For the record my music tastes are mainly metal/rock and underground hiphop. Anything non-commercial - which H.I.M isn't...)

5 out of 5 stars

Start your H.I.M. collection with "Dark Light" April 1, 2008
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

THE BAND: Ville Valo (vocals), Mikko Lindstrom (guitars), Mikko "Mige" Paananen (bass), Janne "Burton" Puurtinen (keyboards), Mika "Gas" Karppinen (drums & percussion). H.I.M. - His Infernal Majesty - Origin: Finland.

THE DISC: (2005) 10 songs clocking in at approximately 45 minutes. Included with the disc is a 10-page booklet containing one band photo and song lyrics. Recorded at Paramour Studios, Los Angeles, CA. This is the band's 5th studio album. There is a limited edition disc available (complete with tin case, 24-page booklet and keychain). Label - Sire Records.

COMMENTS: As of 2007-08, I am relatively new to H.I.M. - "Dark Light" was my first purchase. For whatever reason, I knew the name, but not the music. My love of hard rock (AC/DC, Rush, Deep Purple, Van Halen, etc), 80's old school heavy metal (Iron Maiden, Metallica, Sabbath/Ozzy, etc), and newer progressive/symphonic metal bands (Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater, Symphony X) never crossed paths with H.I.M.'s pop/alternative/love metal. I had H.I.M. totally misread - judging the proverbial book by its cover. I looked at H.I.M. (Valo) and saw death metal or Marilyn Manson clone (not to mention a bad version of Tim Curry in the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" coming to mind from the cover of "Razorblade Romance"). Boy... was I ever wrong. So endearing was "Dark Light", I went out and bought all their discs. For me, it was such a wondrous find... and I initially felt that I had missed out on years of good music. As for the album, "Dark Light" is full of crunchy guitars and melodies. Songs are for the most part dark with a gothic tone - dealing with love (and love lost), suffering, loneliness, Heaven and Hell, redemption, sacrifice, scarred souls and aspects of suicide. This isn't a guitar album per say, but Lindstrom's guitar work is as much the highlight of this album as Valo's vocals. "Dark Light" was the band's break through album in the US (reaching #18 on Billboard's Top 200 list in 2005). The album also featured two hits with "Rip Out The Wings Of A Butterfly" (reaching #1 in Finland, and #20 in the US - perhaps the best track on the disc), and "Killing Loneliness". Throughout the album you'll hear some great piano/keyboards and orchestra layers. Other highlights include the (ballad) title track, the love story in "The Face Of God", the melody in "Behind The Crimson Door", and the closer "In The Nightside Of Eden". Not a weak track on the disc. Try this disc - this may be a sentimental favorite for me, but after hearing all his previous albums, I feel "Dark Light" is the band's most slick and polished album. A great introduction to H.I.M. (5 stars).

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