Artist: HIM
Album: DEEP SHADOWS AND BRILLIANT HIGHLIGHTS (CD)

Release date: 2004
Media type: CD

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. On its third album, Finnish goth band HIM takes its dark, brooding hard-rock sound into more pop-friendly territory, thanks in part to the production work of Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Journey) on three tracks. Even then, the group has not lost its guitar-driven bite or tragic/romantic edge, as frontman Ville Valo waxes melancholic about love and lust on the hook-laden tunes "Salt in Our Wounds," "In Joy and Sorrow," and "Pretending." Sure, there's more acoustic guitar on this album, but there are also fewer ballads than on its predecessor, RAZORBLADE ROMANCE. HIM creates its catchiest tune yet in the smoothly polished gem "Please Don't Let It Go," a song about holding on to love, that makes you want to embrace its vibe as long as possible.

TRACKLIST:

1. 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

LINE-UP:

Ville Valo (vocals)
Linde (guitar)
Burton (keyboards)
Midge (bass guitar)
Gas (drums)