Review Summary: Chapter V - Drunk on Shadows
Having finally found their sound on Love Metal, it was only logical for HIM to continue on that path. Sonically Dark Light sounds very similar to Love Metal, with slight changes. In many ways Dark Light is HIM's most polished release to date. it still features all the band's hallmarks, but the overall sound of the album is very slick. Like Love Metal crossed with Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights.
On Love Metal the band found the perfect balance where all instruments had their moments to shine. This continues over to Dark Light, except keyboards are given a bit more time in the spotlight this time around. This is evident from the opening track "Vampire Heart", which starts off the album in fashion. Keyboards continue to dominate the album, as demonstrated on the title-track, "Killing Loneliness" and "In the Nightside of Eden". However the guitar also has its moments to shine as in "Wings of a Butterfly" and "Under the Rose". One of the highlights of Dark Light is the phenomenal interplay between the two instruments.
One of the pitfalls a lot of bands fall in to, is putting all the best material at the beginning of the album. Dark Light is one of these cases. With rockers like "Under the Rose" and "Vampire Heart", as well as more somber moments such as "Killing Loneliness" and "Dark Light", the beginning half of the album feels much superior to second. A lot of the remaining songs have the same problem as some of the material on Love Metal: they blend together. There is nothing wrong with the tracks per say, they just aren't that memorable.
Having found their sound on Love Metal, Dark Light sees HIM continuing on that path, with mixed results. There is little variation to be found on Dark Light, and with a lackluster second half, the album falls incredibly short. Even with a few standout moments, Dark Light fails to capture the best of HIM. Ironic seeing how Dark Light would become the group's most commercially successful album.
Recommended tracks:
"Killing Loneliness"
"Under the Rose"
"Vampire Heart"
"Wings of a Butterfly"
