Maximum Metal Rating Legend

H.I.M.- Deep Shadows And Brilliant Highlights Universal reviewed by: Ken Pierce

Track Listing1. Salt In Our Wounds 2. Heartache Every Moment 3. Lose You Tonight 4. In Joy And Sorrow 5. Pretending 6. Close To The Flame 7. Please Don’t Let It Go 8. Beautiful 9. Don’t Close Your Heart 10. Love You Like I Do

The next HIM CD that has been made available to us very easily in the United States in the release “Deep Shadows And Brilliant Highlights”. This CD is a little different than that of “Razorblade Romance” as it’s a little slower and sadder in it’s primary sound. It is a very good sounding record with more keyboards present on this piece than the last. It truly leans more towards the Gothic sound than the rock and rolling feel of RR. Not all of the numbers are slow however, for there is “Please Don’t Let It Go” and “Pretending” which move along a little quicker. Yet more than 80% of the piece is slower and moodier. Ville sounds more passionate on these tracks, since most speak of heartbreak and despair. Stand out tracks for me were “Salt In Our Wounds”, “Close To The Flame”, and “In Joy And Sorrow”.

The booklet is largely in black and white but provides the lyrics for all the tracks. They used a font to make it seem like Ville’s writing. There are only two pictures inside. One is on the cover of Ville himself, and one inside of the full band. The production on this piece is very well done. Yet given the fact that most of the numbers are slower and more somber I would have to say that this should not be the one you purchase as your H.I.M. introduction. Seek out either “Razorblade Romance” or “Love Said No” (the hits package) first. Then grab this. The die-hard will enjoy this easier than that of the newbie in my humble opinion. The group is returning to the USA for a short tour and I recommend seeing them, for they are a great live band.

His Infernal Majesty’s Homepage: www.heartagram.com

Rating: 7.5

--Ken Pierce 11.04.04