Review Summary: Chapter II - Resurrection
When comparing HIM's sophomore release, Razorblade Romance, to their debut, it's like night and day. Whereas Greatest Love Songs, Vol. 666 was raw and brooding, Razorblade Romance is slick and pretty. Not only is there a noticeable difference in songwriting, but in the production as well. Razorblade Romance also sees the band experimenting, putting more focus on keyboards and melody this time around. From the opening notes of "Join Me in Death" it is clear this is not the same band as on Greatest Love Songs, Vol. 666.
The key word on Razorblade Romance is melody. The album sees the band playing around with more pop and rock influences, while still retaining the melancholy and darkness that made them who they were. The album is filled with top notch performances, from the aforementioned "Join Me in Death" to rock-radio-ready "Poison Girl". Vocalist Ville Valo still provides us with his distinguished croon, this time employing his falsetto much more. His best performances come with the soothing "Gone with the Sin" and the Romeo and Juliet -influenced "Join Me in Death", both of which are held together with his deep voice and charisma.
Where as Greatest Love Songs, Vol. 666 emphasized the guitar, Razorblade Romance lets the bass, keyboards and vocals shine. "Heaven Tonight" and "Gone with the Sin" put bassist Migé Amour center stage, while "Join Me in Death" and "Resurrection" let keyboardist Juska Salminen shine. Guitarist Linde Lindström does have his moments, but this time his role is much more subdued (save for "Right Here in My Arms" and "Razorblade Kiss").
"I Love You (Prelude to Tragedy) and "Razorblade Kiss" harken back to the groups debut, but overall Razorblade Romance is something completely different. No more is this more evident, than on the closing track "One Last Time". A mishmash of effects and studio work, this is something that the band couldn't have done on their debut. While desperation and darkness have always been HIM's fore, Razorblade Romance feels less heavy handed in delivering this message. Instead the band embrace their softer side so to say.
Razorblade Romance saw HIM experiment with their sound to much success. The album flows very well, with nearly every track being top-notch. However it still feels like the band are trying to find themselves, trying to find that perfect balance between melody and heaviness, love and metal.
Recommended tracks:
"Join Me in Death"
"Gone with the Sin"
"Resurrection"
"Poison Girl"
