On HIM's latest album, "Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice," the Finnish rock band's frontman Ville Valo sings, "I'm not afraid to say I love you." That's not the only thing that doesn't scare him. As the flowery title suggests, the album represents a move away from the band's heavy metal history toward a more pop-friendly sound. If Valo has ever feared the wrath of the Ozzfest orthodox, he's clearly beyond caring now. In catchy, synthed-up rock tunes like "Heartkiller" and "Scared to Death," the lack of concern definitely benefits the music, leading Valo to further indulge the romantic streak that has sometimes been hidden behind big guitars in the past. At other points-like on the snoozy power ballad "Disarm Me (With Your Loneliness)"-Valo probably could've used a bit more muscle. A mixed bag, but an appealingly bold one.-Mikael Wood
-
Hot 100
Gotye tops again
-
Billboard 200
Adam Lambert rules
-
Dance/Club Songs
Karmin's 'Brokenhearted' rises
-
Digital Songs
Carly Rae Jepsen scores
-
Soundtracks
The 'Glee' cast rocks it
-
Social 50
Rihanna is social queen
-
Dance/Electronic Albums
Skrillex nabs No. 1
-
Country Albums
Carrie Underwood blows us away
-
Rock Albums
Tenacious D 'Rizes' to the top
-
Rap Albums
Nicki Minaj takes the top spot
HIM, "Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice"
More Features
All features
All of Billboard.com's Great Lists
Billboard chart app
Billboard archives
© Billboard. All rights reserved.
Portions of content provided by Rovi Corporation. © Rovi Corporation.
Thanks For Joining Billboard
Log in to create your profile, speak your mind and connect with listeners like you.
Haven't Joined Yet ?
For the full Billboard experience, you need to be a member. Sign up. It's free.
Forgot your password?
Enter the e-mail address you used to sign up and we will email you the password .
Email Sent !
Your password has been sent to the email address you provided. Please sign in below :
Log In
Action Successful
We'd love to hear your feedback on the new Billboard.com!
Whether it's a feature request or a bug
We want to hear from you. Please use this form to anonymously give us your input.
Up for Discussion