I don't mean to be casting H.I.M as a pure clone of "thinking man's metal." It's just that the layered vocals (which do sound a bit like Eric Bloom...with a little Billy Idol tossed in) show a direct link back to those years. Truth be told, those distorted (and creamy) guitars don't hurt either. Finally, we have a band that puts together interesting combinations of distortion and chime - equal parts squall and chord deconstruction.
These are interesting musical times. First we've got the 1960's garage rock revival (hello White Stripes), skeletal punk (there are so many echoes of Gang Of Four and Television these days) and now H.I.M. as part of neo-arena metal.
What's next? Art Rock? Hair Metal? Disco?!
First posted on Mark Is Cranky
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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