Ville Valo’s ‘gothic poster boy’ good looks, and the band’s blend of dark atmospherics with commercial sensibilities, haven’t harmed their cause on these shores either.

I must admit, I’m not the biggest fan. A few fine moments aside – their cover of ‘Wicked Game’ in particular – I find them a bit bland and samey, compared to the likes of Paradise Lost or Katatonia. Nonetheless, there’s absolutely no denying their potential for chart breakthrough, or the fact that this DVD has been lovingly put together with much attention to detail – it’s evident just from the artwork. Videos, live footage and extras from each of the band’s five albums (Greatest Lovesongs Vol.666, Razorblade Romance, Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights, Love Metal and And Love Said No) are arranged by album, though you can also access an alphabetical list of all content or simply play all videos or live tracks.

It’s not a triumph of presentation over content either, since the material on offer lives up to its package. The band’s domestic success has obviously translated into bigger budgets than many alternative rock acts enjoy. Thankfully the fifteen videos are also varied, from the typically dark, gothic ‘Join Me In Death’ and ‘Wicked Game’, to the more mainstream rock ‘Pretending’ and ‘Solitary Man’, and even the uncharacteristically colourful, trippy ‘Gone With The Sin’.

The live clips are a bit more hit and miss, but capture the band without the polish of special effects and countless re-takes. Probably less longevity than the videos, but ranging from TV sessions to outdoor festivals, they show another side to the band. What’s more extras include photos, brief biographies and an interview with Ville. For real fanatics, there’s even more on the limited bonus DVD with Bam Margera, but for the rest of us the main package itself is still a fine example of how to pack a DVD full of features, and fine attention to detail. Put simply, like HIM = love this.

(5/5)

Release Date: 18 April 2005

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