Venus Doom
by H.I.M.
  • Record Label: Sire
  • Release Date: Sep 18, 2007
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Spin
    80
    The result may be the year's heaviest, creepiest, and sexiest hard-rock group effort. [Oct 2007, p.104]
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  2. AllMusic
    70
    H.I.M. isn't a band known for profound lyrics, but, at the same time, most fans of the band don't want to philosophize, they want to hear the group rock out, and this release shows them doing precisely that, even harder than before.
  3. Blender
    70
    When Ville lets loose a rare scream on 'Love in Cold Blood,' it's a downer. Dude: We know you've come to suck our blood, but at least have the courtesy to romance us first! [Oct 2007, p.110]
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  5. Alternative Press
    70
    Venus Doom is such a refreshing return to an organic, guitar driven sound unheard since 2003's "Love Metal." [Nov 2007, p.170]
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  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Though it's pretty easy to be the best band in their self-created genre of 'love metal', if you can ignore the cartoon goth twaddle that comes out of Valo's mouth, you'll find an extremely well-executed pop-metal album underneath.
  7. Rolling Stone
    60
    The melodies tend toward the lush, while underneath, Valo’s bandmates rock with fury and efficiency, ensuring that all the heartbroken laments are badass enough for hardcore metalheads. Not a bad trick.
  8. Uncut
    60
    With every album that he writes HIM mainman Ville Valo gets closer to his dream fusion of Metallica, Depeche Mode and Ozzy, while still remembering to add some distinctly gothic beauty. [Oct 2007, p.93]
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  9. Q Magazine
    60
    Their chart-friendly clothes fit them well. [Oct 2007, p.98]
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  10. NOW Magazine
    60
    The experimentation pays off.

Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Most Discussed Album of 2007
73
#73 Most Shared Album of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 77 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 77
  3. Negative: 15 out of 77
  1. KalenaB
    Nov 21, 2007
    10
    This album is very refreshing and different from the past albums. HIM manages to reinvent their sound while drawing on influences from their This album is very refreshing and different from the past albums. HIM manages to reinvent their sound while drawing on influences from their past. I think this album is beautifully done!… Full Review »
  2. Dahlia
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    I honestly think this album is really fucking great, i wont discard any of the songs, because each one of them is just charming, i can see I honestly think this album is really fucking great, i wont discard any of the songs, because each one of them is just charming, i can see the guys really put their souls in it. The guitars are wonderful, the voice the feeling it transmits... i really loved everything and i think that is something that's worth to listen.… Full Review »
  3. ToddW.
    Oct 5, 2007
    5
    These guys are my 15-year-old son's favorite band, so I have to tread lightly. This album is a definite improvement on 'Dark These guys are my 15-year-old son's favorite band, so I have to tread lightly. This album is a definite improvement on 'Dark Light,' meaning I don't want to hit the 'off' button quite as fast. I'm hearing different sounds and textures this time, which is a good thing in that it denotes change and experimentation, but those sounds seem to often get lost in the band's trying a little too hard to sound heavier. You get the feeling that they know they have to change to be more palatable to the masses, but they don't quite seem to know exactly how to go about doing it.… Full Review »
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