The Kiss of Dawn cover

The Kiss of Dawn

HIM · 2007

10 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of gothic melodies and alternative rock that evokes both longing and darkness.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Kiss of Dawn (album version) — This track serves as the album's title piece, encapsulating the band's signature mix of melancholy and romanticism through lush instrumentation and poignant lyrics.
  • →
    The Kiss of Dawn (demo) — The demo version provides insight into the creative process, showcasing raw vocal delivery and stripped-down instrumentation that contrasts with the polished album version.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases HIM's signature gothic sound but lacks the depth of a full album.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a slow build with layered guitar melodies that create a rich, atmospheric soundscape.
  • The demo version presents a more stripped-down arrangement, highlighting the vocal delivery and lyrical content.
  • Both tracks maintain a consistent tempo, with the album version incorporating orchestral elements that deepen the emotional impact.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

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
Late Career Highlight — Continues HIM's success and showcases their melodic depth during a strong phase.
Themes
gothic romance· haunting love letters· twilight melancholy
Career context
The Kiss of Dawn marks HIM's sixth studio album, released during a phase of growing international recognition following their 2005 breakthrough with Dark Light. The band had solidified their reputation in the gothic metal genre and were exploring broader sonic landscapes while maintaining their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Type O Negative· The 69 Eyes· Lacuna Coil
New to HIM? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Kiss of Dawn (album version) 5:54
  • 2 The Kiss of Dawn (demo) 4:57

What to play next

Venus Doom
Listen next

Venus Doom

2007

Continues the dark, gothic themes with a heavier sound and emotional depth.
Dark Light
Go back to

Dark Light

2005

Sets up the atmospheric and melodic elements found in The Kiss of Dawn.
Full HIM discography Where to start with HIM Artists like HIM
alternative rock gothic metal gothic rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Blessed Be

Blessed Be

The 69 Eyes

Shares a similar gothic romance aesthetic with melancholic melodies and dark lyrical themes.

October Rust

October Rust

Type O Negative

Explores twilight melancholy with lush instrumentation and themes of love and loss in a haunting atmosphere.

Karmacode

Karmacode

Lacuna Coil

Combines gothic textures with introspective lyrics, reflecting on love's complexities and emotional depth.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata