The Finnish founders of so-called love metal, HIM, are back to offer up their seventh studio album, Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice, Chapters 1-13, and just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Internationally famous with singles such as, “Wings of a Butterfly,” HIM brings a more pop-influenced sound to Screamworks, which proves to be an interesting evolution for a band that has avoided being nailed to any specific genre.
Keeping true to their image, Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice is full of sexual lyrics accompanied with dark imagery. Each track on its own stands as a detailed description of a failed relationship, all to a catchy beat and potent chorus. Switching to producer Matt Squire (3Oh!3, Panic! At the Disco) was a rewarding choice. While some may cry that this switch towards a more alternative/pop-based sound is a sell-out, HIM really does anything but, as they incorporate these influences seamlessly into their already distinctive brand of music.
The album opens strong with the track, “In Venere Veritas,” loosely meaning, “In sex, there is truth.” The track instantly assaults listeners with a crushing beat, complimented well with front man Ville Valo’s baritone croon. Sure to have fans swooning with lyrics such as “Zipping cupid in a body bag well warm/ Next to the mausoleum where he was born in,” “In Venere Veritas” combines the sexual with the dark.
“Heartkiller,” the first track to be released worldwide, depicts a predicament in which Valo is heartbroken for a girl so intensely that he cannot love again. This love however, is soon to be reborn as the lyrics go, “Sparks will fly beneath the Lunar light/ Lazarus at Frankenstein’s/ Babe, I’ll be a flatliner for a heart killer.”
“Like Saint Valentine” also released before the album’s debut is accompanied by an online video created by the band, creating even more hype for the release. “Like Saint Valentine” holds its own, depicting yet another failing relationship. However, with lyrics such as, “Hey baby, let me be your Valentine, St. Valentine/ Suck the sorrow out of you and try to keep the lie alive, ” and “Love’s the only war worth dying for/ Build me up to blow me down, I’m all yours,” HIM somehow seems to make this failure romantic. The guitar riffs are pulverizing as they slide over merciless drum beats and under Valo’s powerful vocals, making it hard to be ignored.
“Shatter Me with Hope” which also has a released video online is full of ancient Greek mythology, referencing Cassandra and the Sword of Damocles. The video–full of dark, barely discernable images in between shots of flames–suits the track perfectly. “Shatter Me with Hope,” accurately titled, is the most optimistic track on the album with its focus soul-healing powers of love.
All in all, for those who will embrace the newly tweaked sound, bringing pop essence to HIM’s love metal Screamworks is sure to be a hit. With Valentine’s Day so close, Screamworks is an excellent choice for that special someone, as Valo’s sex appeal is irresistible, especially with his voice floating atop gripping romantic ideas.
