HIM — Dark Light

Popular in their native Finland and parts of Europe for over 10 years, HIM hope their fifth album will be the one to break the North American market and take all its brooding, wannabe-goth rock bands to school. Like its name, Dark Light is a study in contrasts — luring the ear with lush melodies only to turn around and bite it off with a sharp blast of metal-infused rock. Though singer Ville Valo's lyrics are often dramatically overwrought, his rich, expressive voice covers all possible ranges over layered guitars, keyboards and relentless drums. Canadian fans have been in the know about this band for years, but it's time for us to learn how to share.

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