What makes Heartkiller by HIM notable?

Heartkiller debuted at number one on the Finnish Albums Chart and showcased HIM's ability to maintain relevance in the evolving rock scene. The album received mixed to positive reviews, with some critics noting its polished production and emotional resonance, further solidifying HIM's influence in the gothic metal genre. Released in December 2009, Heartkiller was HIM's seventh studio album and followed their commercially successful 2007 album, Venus Doom. At this point, the band had solidified their signature sound and was exploring themes of love and despair with increasing depth, marking a continuation of their artistic evolution.

How many songs are on Heartkiller?

Heartkiller has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Heartkiller

HIM · 2009

7 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of gothic rock and alternative metal, balancing melodic hooks with dark, atmospheric undertones.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Heartkiller — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of love intertwined with pain, featuring anthemic choruses and a driving rhythm that showcases the band's signature style.
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Shatter Me With Hope (The Sword of Democles) — With its introspective lyrics and haunting melodies, this track exemplifies HIM's lyrical depth while intertwining heavy instrumentation that serves as a contrast to its emotional core.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The single showcases HIM's signature blend of gothic rock and alternative metal with polished production.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent guitar riff that is layered with atmospheric synths, creating a dense soundscape.
The second track introduces orchestral elements, shifting the mood and adding depth to the overall sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry in HIM's catalog, showcasing their established sound without major shifts.
Themes: dark romanticism· gothic love stories
Career context: Released in December 2009, Heartkiller was HIM's seventh studio album and followed their commercially successful 2007 album, Venus Doom. At this point, the band had solidified their signature sound and was exploring themes of love and despair with increasing depth, marking a continuation of their artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors: Type O Negative· The 69 Eyes· Lacuna Coil