Screamworks Review
HIMLANDIA'S very own Julie wrote her first ever article/album review!!!
"The Finnish rock band known as HIM has returned with its seventh studio album, "Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice". The five musicians from Helsinki, Finland have started off the new decade with another sonic surprise of a rock album. This album is filled with heavy, goth-tinged, guitar-driven rock tunes that beckon the music-world to relish, savor and urge them to attribute this work to their precious rock and roll compilations. As an observer and listener of HIM's previous albums, the band's February 9, 2010 release is by far the most aggressive in terms of its lyrical positivity and musical dynamics. Unlike the past more melancholic albums; it portrays love in a more optimistic light, which literally "screams" out for hope, redemption, and (as always) love. As singer Ville Valo has previously stated in an interview; it's about "embracing the light at the end of the tunnel" and he describes the quality of the songs as, "heavy, but a lighter shade of black." (video- "Ville Valo Talks About Screamworks", HIM's Youtube channel ).
Eastern North Carolina may not be particularly familiar with the "love metal" band, but rest assured, there are plenty of "metal-head" youths who've either heard their name or have seen their symbol (the Heartagram) in various locations. For a quick bit of background, the young group of musicians began performing in 1991, but didn't receive the bulk of its American recognition until the early 2000's. Both the Heartagram symbol and the term "Love Metal" was adorned to the band's musical style by singer Valo on his 20th birthday in 1996. In 2005, HIM became the first Finnish band to receive gold status in the U.S. with the album Dark Light.
Now, in the turn of a new decade, the Finns have arrived with their most aggressive, melodious collection of songs to date. The first track of their new album Screamworks is In Venere Veritas, it lures the audience with an in-your-face message brought by Valo as he sings the opening lyrics, "Let's fall apart together now". This then blasts us into a horizon brimming of flange guitars, pulsing drums, and enchanting keyboard hooks; setting up the mood with a powerhouse rock anathematic approach. For those unfamiliar with the Latin language, the title (In Venere Veritas) translates into English as, "In love there is truth".
Find the rest here: HIM - "Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice"
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