VV: GOTHICA FENNICA VOL. 1

SCORE: 79/100



Ville Valo's first solo project is reminiscent of HIM, with heavy traces of the bands' style coming through in his personal work. If you're a fan of HIM there's a large chance you'll enjoy this three-track EP based on sound alone. It's clear that Valo was the defining element of the band when they were together due to how his energy radiates through both this project and his projects with the band - but it isn't quite as memorable as some of his work with HIM.

The more modernized sound of this EP leads to some weaker moments all in all - but it's a solid overall project that shows a large amount of promise for Ville as a soloist. His vocals are the driving force of the project, the instrumentals are great and the compositions of the songs lead his solo venture into a good starting point that can lead to other great projects further down the line. It's clear that he's still got it - and his creativity can continue outside of the band that he became known from.

It isn't quite as good as his creative efforts with HIM - but for a solo debut it's a great project. The songs are enjoyable and follow a style that is expected for Ville, making the EP enjoyable to listen to. The sound of the project is similar to what Ville was doing with HIM, but there's a clear distinction between his work alone and his work with the band. 

'Gothica Fennica Vol.1' shows a lot of promise for Ville as his solo venture continues - but these tracks aren't quite as memorable and hooking as what he's done while working with HIM. The style is somewhat the same, but the same spark isn't quite formed through his solo work just yet.



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