Being famous for not having one single success in Holland, the Finnish rock band HIM have nevertheless already proven themselves a long time ago with hit singles like "Wicked Game" and "Join Me". Still based on the same concept, the reactions to the previous album "Deep Shadows And Brilliant Highlights" were only mediocre, so after a break of a year or so, the band returned with "Love Metal".

As to be expected from a title like this, HIM’s usual concept is now conceived in a more metal-jacket. In between the love ballads ("The Funeral Of Hearts"), the harder parts jump out of the rest of the material. The first single (and album opener) "Buried Alive By Love" is way more metal than any of their previous material, as is a song like "Soul On Fire".

However, this does not mean the band has turned away from their roots, but proves a certain progression of their song writing skills. The aspect of "Love" within the album title is yet again influencing the music and fits perfectly with Valo’s voice. The typical rock songs aren’t too flashy, nor too simple and therefore have a certain impact. Bad point of all this; neither the lyrics nor the song structures show many differences with HIM’s previous material. So, not quite original, but worth listening if you’re into the band or into simple rock without bullshit like samples or overdosed screaming.