HIM: DEEP SHADOWS AND BRILLIANT HIGHLIGHTS

SCORE: 97/100

An attempt to follow suit after the success of 'Razorblade Romance', HIM's third album is more polished and has more pop-orientated elements than any of their previous works. With buildups and catchy hooks, 'Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights' takes the band into a new, "cleaned up" direction that mixes commercial appeal with songs catered to fans of the band.

This album received more mixed opinions than their previous bodies of work - with the more commercial sound of the album being a cause for controversy surrounding the album. It feels "safer" than their other projects, but it still comes off as very nicely defined and polished in a way that sets it apart from the rest of the bands' albums at this point into their careers. The change in their overall sound and image (to some degree, with the sound being what changed most) was something that the band needed to keep their discography feeling fresh, and this album did just that.

Ville Valo's vocals are as strong as ever on this album, with his signature tone and range being showcased on this album just as well as it was on HIM's previous two albums. The sound of this album manages to be different from their earlier works while still keeping their sound alive; bringing more light into their discography with an album that provides enough of a difference to stick out. 

More pressure was put onto the band with the unexpected success of 'Razorblade Romance', leading to the album going in a different, more label-approved direction while outside sources were to dictate the bands' direction more than ever before. This was a factor in the extended production time for this album - approximately eleven months were taken to work on this album, a big gap and long time shift when compared to their previous works. 

Since this album in particular took the band more time to work on, it meant that there were different influences that came into play throughout the composition of the album. What they were into and influenced by had changed by the end of the process, and it shows in the overall album and how the sound changes from time to time. From the heavier, more riffy songs to the soft, melodic ballads - 'Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights' showcases the two sides of the HIM spectrum exceptionally well.

The songs aren't quite as strong as the material on their previous albums, but that doesn't stop this album from being just as good as their previous efforts. When the highs come here they come HARD, and the album is still consistent enough to keep it more than just afloat. Each song provides something different, with each soundscape feeling reflective of a new sensation through the intricate and layered instrumental compositions. It's oftentimes comparable to their previous albums, but there is something different about this album that sets it apart from their previous projects.

There's something about HIM - some ability they have to make each and every one of their albums so different while keeping the same style, something that makes their music so mesmerizing to hear. There is a bit more experimentation with ballads and softer songs on this album in particular, showcasing Ville's vocal talents incredibly well and showcasing the versatility of the band through the various different tracks; each track is something new and different, with the album coming into one whirlwind of emotions. 

Some of the mixing on this album is a bit murky - leading to there being some moments that feel more quiet than they really should be. This factor does not take away from the album overall, but it is noticeable enough to be something that feels worth mentioning when discussing the album as a whole. The instrumentals on this album are highly textured, with different elements and changes in sound that lead to some pleasantly unexpected moments throughout. It's a deeply impressive album that will leave both the masses and fans of HIM pleased, and there's something for everyone on 'Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights'.