HIM - Screamworks full review
Last Updated on Monday, 29 November 1999 18:00 Written by kelly Friday, 29 January 2010 11:58
It’s been with much anticipation that I’ve been waiting for HIM’s seventh studio album, Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice. I bought the first single, “Heartkiller”, as soon as it was released and was somewhat surprised by what I’d heard. It was different, but still definitely HIM and very catchy. When the band gave fans an early Valentine’s present with the release of a video for “Like Saint Valentine” (www.likesaintvalentine.com) I fell in love with that song immediately. Beyond that only snippets of songs have been released (though the European single of “Heartkiller” has “Shatter Me With Hope” as well) and it’s always hard to get a real idea of a whole album from snippets.
Last night I was given the chance to hear the album in its entirety and let me tell you HIM has outdone themselves. I was, quite simply, amazed by what I heard. Vastly different from their previous release, Venus Doom, Screamworks is a straight forward rock album that leaves behind the doom and gloom of Venus Doom and gives you the sense that maybe this whole love thing might not be so bad after all. Sure you’re bound to get hurt but it just might be worth it.
I’ve heard fans voice concerns that it’s to ‘poppy’ and I can see why they might say that. Yes there are some pop undertones in some of the songs but trust me, it works. On top of that there is a very 80’s feel to the album as they make plenty of use of synths throughout the songs but HIM have always been a bit cheesy. Valo knows it’s not healthy to take yourself too seriously and that’s clearly seen in parts of this album. But have no fear HIMlings, the wicked imagery, melancholy, play with words, killer riffs, growls and sighs and screams that hooked you on these guys from Finland are all still very much present. If I had to compare it to one of their previous albums I’d probably say a mix of Love Metal and Razorblade Romance. Plenty to make the long time fans happy and just a little bit more to bring in the new fans as well.
If you don’t want to be spoiled any more than stop reading now. Otherwise, continue on for my thoughts on each song.
In Venere Veritas: A nice way to start off the album I think. Definitely get a poppy vibe off this one but the chorus is very catchy and the lyrics have some very nice imagery. There’s a hopeful feeling to this song that is a nice change from the previous album.
Scared To Death: Very 80’s intro on this one and kind of heavy on the synth. Nice chorus though and you just want to pat Valo on the shoulder and let him know that it’s ok to fall in love. I’ve seen clips of this one live from Helldone and would really like to see it live myself. It’s good but not outstanding.
Heartkiller: First single off the album and I can see why they picked it though I think there’s a better option on the album. Upbeat, catchy, a bit of pop, but with the over the top lyrics HIM is known for.
Dying Song: This one reminds me of something off Love Metal. Very pretty song and Linde has some fantastic guitars in it.
Disarm Me (With Your Loneliness): This is simply a beautiful song. One of the few on the album I’d consider close to a ballad this one has lovely lyrics, strong imagery, and makes you want to raise your lighters and sway to the chorus. By far one of my favorites on the album.
Love The Hardest Way: And back to a good rock song again. Linde does some nice guitar work on this one and the chorus will have you singing along. And of course Valo gets his scream on. I can see why they did this one live at Helldone as well.
Katherine Wheel: This one took me a few listens. The first time my reaction was – eh. It didn’t stand out to me and probably would have been one I skipped over. It’s growing on me though and that could be that any song with the lyric “Holding hands won’t be enough in a world giving head to God” deserves at least a few more chances.
In the Arms of Rain: Intro to this one made me giggle and have an 80’s flashback. Lots of Catholic imagery here with Ave Maria, Hail Mary, and references to Eve and the forbidden fruit. Heavy on the synth and I find myself liking this one but not entirely sure why.
Ode to Solitude: Interesting intro that suddenly kicks your ass when Linde comes in with his guitar. You’ll be singing along to this chorus for sure. Then there’s the bit where the music gets soft and Valo drops his voice a bit and then suddenly down into that growl that sends the girls melting into the floor. Yeah – this is a good one.
Shatter Me With Hope: Go Linde! That man can play the guitar let me tell ya. Probably the song that most HIM fans will think sounds like the HIM they know and love. Definitely one to crank up the volume on.
Acoustic Funeral (For Love In Limbo): Another ballad type this one has some lyrics that make me smile. I can see the crowd swaying to this one if it’s ever done live. Once again Linde has a great solo but it’s sadly a bit short. Wish it had been longer.
Like Saint Valentine: So far I think this might be my favorite on the album. Maybe. It just plain kicks ass and is the one I think should have been the first single. The screams, the guitars, the drums, it all works and really seems like HIM from albums past.
The Forboding Sense of Impending Happiness: Completely different from anything on the rest of the album this song is seriously trippy, very 80’s with lots of synth, and trance like. I feel like I should be laying in a field staring up at the stars while this plays. I’ll be interested to hear this one as an acoustic.
All in all I think this album might be the one that gets HIM more noticed here in the US. At least it has the potential if promoted correctly. As much as I enjoy the melancholy music HIM usually gives us (and there’s still plenty of that in Screamworks) it’s refreshing to see Valo having a slightly more upbeat look on life. But don’t worry, he’s still the ‘miserable poet’ and if anything the band is tighter than ever.
You can pre-order the special Heartagram edition bundle on Heartagram.com. Other editions are available on Amazon.com and BestBuy.com among other and the album will be in stores on February 9th. HIM starts their North American tour on March 26th so check Ticketmaster and Livenation for dates near you.
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written by Lynette L. Kane, February 01, 2010
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written by Crystal, February 02, 2010
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written by Shawnee, February 09, 2010
lots of love from Canada
Shawnee
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written by Julia Baker, February 10, 2010
Faves so far are Shatter Me With Hope, and The Foreboding Sense of Impending Happiness. But as with all their other albums not one track I dislike!
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written by lilyroolz, February 12, 2010
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