HIM - Razorblade Romance

HIM
Razorblade Romance
Universal Records
10/10





HIM is a bonafide phenomenon in their home country of Finland, shooting rapidly to the top of the European charts with albums that are literally filled with hits. With "Razorblade Romance, the group cemented their God-like status on that side of the pond and then set their sights on America with this amazing collection of gothic flavored, pop metal shots that win over the female fans by the herds. Led by the immensely charismatic Ville Valo, the band seem unstoppable on hard driving tracks like their instantly memorable "Poison Girl" and and their souped-up version of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game".

With one listen to the devilishly enticing "Your Sweet 666", it is evident that HIM are not your average musical entity. This cut's lyrics radiate with a subliminally evil allure and Valo's soulful crooning makes the track's message that more impacting. The ghostly call of "Join Me In Death" is dark, passionate and seductive in Valo's plea to share in suicide with his lover. Emerson Burton provides a tasteful ringing keyboard passage throughout the track that adds to the song's haunting, chilling quality.

"Right Here In My Arms" is highlighted by Valo's bassy vocalizations and a pulsating rhythm that breaks into an enormously memorable hook. The guitar tone on "Razorblade Romance" is ultimately godly in its sharpness and the flawless production overall gives HIM's well written tunes an overbearingly appealing presence.

The dirge-like "Bury Me Deep Inside Your Heart" owes a penance to Type O Negative musically, but Valo can go places with both his voice and lyrics that Peter Steele simply cannot begin to reach.The group lend attention to dynamics and it is the member's knowledge of when not to play that give these songs such an enormous feel.

When their songs kick in, they kick in hard. "I Love You (Prelude To Tragedy)"relies on a thrusting bassline from Mige Amour and a fuzzed out guitar sound that completely rocks.

The low register vocals employed by Valo during the chorus create an interesting and infectious juxtaposition with his softer vox. "Gone With The Sin" is a stellar ballad that is tonally creative and positively beautiful to listen to. Valo's voice here is soothing like none other.

The tight beats of Gas Lipstick power "Razorblade Kiss" and Valo sounds almost like Ozzy Osbourne during the chorus. Lily Lazer (he hates that) rips a devastating guitar solo here and the snare hits that bring in the final refrain sound absolutely killer.

HIM bashes it out on "Death Is In Love With Us" in true superstar fashion and the tripped out vocal effects in the bridge add a further mysterious dimension to this insanely rocking cut.

A band that seems that they can do no wrong, HIM have latched onto an addictive sound that is an unabashedly unstoppable musical force as the band prepares to tackle the US charts.


Written By: The Wizard