So there's that thing about how if you wait around long enough, items long gone out of fashion will slide back into the spotlight. I used to believe that that was just wishful thinking: folks pining for their glory days driving around in their AMC Pacers while wearing their Earth Shoes. But then, sure enough, tidbits of the 1970's popped their collective heads around the corner: bellbottom pants, long hair (OK, not quite as unkempt as back then), even fondue sets! Then there's the media celebrations making 'art' out of the decade of bad hair and leisure suits: That 70's Show (TV) and Dazed and Confused (film).
Don't get me wrong. I have not been hoping for the return of macramé. Of the Brady Perm. The Love Boat.
One thing that might not be bad though...just a little bit of arena-type hard rock. Not the latter decade pop cheese (I'm thinkin' groups like Journey), but the blues-based melodic crunch of bands like Blue Oyster Cult and Bad Company.
Apparently, my wish has been granted by Finland's H.I.M. They've been doing this for a number of years (completely under my rock radar), finally producing Dark Light for their U.S. debut. I don't know what their other records sound like (yes, I know, with this new record they've "sold out," “mellowed" or whatever adjective describes an old fan's betrayal), but this one sets my WaybackMachine to 1975.
Blue Oyster Cult turns out to be a very apt point of comparison. Listen no further than the opening track "Vampire Heart.” That introductory figure leads into a wall of distorted guitar. What sets the song apart from "modern" rock is the delivery of the lead vocals: long, winding melodies taking the full verse to develop. A signature of many a B.O.C. tune employed to great effect here. That opening riff is used as a musical thread that's mirrored by those huge chords, morphed into the bridge arpeggios and pushed to the wall during the post-chorus guitar mayhem. All of this builds a kind of tension that's missing from much recent "everything louder than everything else" rock.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
I've been curious. Been seeing this band's name tossed around a lot and appearing on scores of t-shirts and such. You make me want to check them out.....
2 - Mark Saleski
yea, it was kinda interesting. not quite metal...not just plain old hard rock (whatever the heck that even means).
3 - David
Nice review, and accurate.
I've been a fan for a couple of years now. I had never thought of them in the B.O.C/Journey vein you presented in your review, but once again, accurate.
Each one of their albums is addictive. If you enjoyed this one then 'Deep Shadows & Brilliant Highlights' would be a good one to get next.
I'm 38, and I really appreciate the music they put out. For one thing, it doesn't come at you from the angle of 'anger' ...and good rock is just that 'good rock'
I'm seeing them live in Chicago this Saturday. I saw them last year at the same place. A very entertaining and musically sound show!
4 - Marty Dodge
They are goth pop. Certainly not metal. I have rather like this lot for a long time. Don't let the title of one of their previous albums fool you.
5 - Mark Saleski
thanks marty. hmmm, goth pop...makes complete sense now that you say it.
6 - H.I.M.
HIM Rock. I'm a fan for few years and I'm going to see their show next monday, I hope their live show is good has their CD.
7 - Ed
HIM is the best band out there today. And it's funny you should mention Blue Oyster Cult because on their first album "Greatest Lovesongs Volume 666" they did a cover version of Don't fear the reaper. Check it out.
8 - Mike
Im a wicked big fan of HIM
they are the best out there
every person in the band is unigue in there own way. I may be 14 but i knowwhat im talking about. I own every single one of there CD's they are wicked nice CD's. I say Love Metal was a great CD though. And you are right they are goth pop but its a genre of Love Metal, its a big mix. HIM also stands for His Infernal Majesty. And the lead singer is great in person :)
9 - snowboard
in fact, it was interesting. I like it! P.S.: cool