HIM concert in Atlanta

(NOTE:  HIM is a metal band, and as such, they sing about some pretty dark stuff.  Ergo, I do not endorse this band or their views.  I know, it may seem silly to say that, but 1) I can see the emails coming and 2) I really don't intend to lead anyone down a wrong path.)

I had never heard of HIM until a few weeks ago I saw a video of theirs.  As they describe themselves, they're the original "love metal" band.  Besides being from Finland, they set themselves apart from most every other metal band in that they actually know how to write a big chorus.  And their singer skips the usual metal vocal cliches for a deep Bowie-esque baritone for the most part.  So, since I've been on a hard music kick, and these guys were in Atlanta, I found myself at the show Sunday night.

The show pretty much rocked.  Everyone ruled on their respective instruments, especially the guitarist.  He comes out of that simple, heavy, squawky Zakk Wylde school, and they sounded huge for just having one guitarist.  Overall, the show was a bit one dimensional.  Their songs are strong enough that they could've done a couple songs acoustic and it would've added another texture to the concert.

I think what was most intriguing about the night was the audience in attendance.  Most of the people there reminded me of our crowd.  20's to 40's, with even a few people bringing their kids.  I was totally expecting a Hot Topic kind of crowd, so I was obviously surprised.  And the place was almost totally full, with people singing along with every note.  For having just heard of them myself, and me being way into music, I kept asking myself "How did all of these people hear about this band?"

One other hilarious thing to mention:  for the "encore" the band didn't come back out.  Instead they just set up a bunch of inflatable lawn Christmas decorations and played some eerie music.  And that was it.

So to recap - a good show by a really good band.  But once again, be warned.  It's dark stuff.  All of the songs are along the Romeo-and-Juliet-let's-die-together vein, with some occult-type imagery thrown in for good measure. 

Comments

[Cody]

Tabernacle??

I was there

[Corrine]

I was just going to say the same as everyone else. If you are into skating or MTV's Jackass, then you know Bam Margera. Bam's idol is Ville Valo, singer for HIM. Ville Valo's idol is Billy Idol. It's a dark love chain.

[ScW]

Flyleaf for me... that's as hard as I can handle...

[Paula Boardman]

Yeah, i think most 'non-metal' people would have heard of HIM via Viva la Bam (unfortunately one of my fave shows) - they feature quite heavily.

[jeff]

HIM does have a dark side (not in the Pink Floyd type of way either) but their music is pretty solid. I actually found out about HIM through Bam Margara (Viva La Bam show on MTV).

p.s. Totally added you on Facebook per Los request!