Niki N. Phaser

              HIM have premiered the video for Scared to Death, their second single off of February’s release, Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice. After the dark and animal-filled video for Heartkiller, fans might be surprised by the overdose of daylight and sunshine in this new one. In all fairness, the song is a power ballad and a genuine trademark for the upbeat sound of the new album, so a change in lighting and setting was required. Probably, that’s one of the reasons they decided to shoot in Melbourne, Australia. If you are HIM-savvy, think of the video for Scared to Death as a combination between Gone With the Sin and Pretending. It’s frontman Ville Valo walking around with a guitar in his hand (not flowers) in an urban landscape, this time, filled with modern architecture. No fields or graves. Take a look:

SCARED TO DEATH to look here ?

Finnish love-metal gurus, HIM, announced through their official heartagram site, that they intend to respect the New Year’s Eve tradition of playing at the Tavastia Club in Helsinki for the Helldone Festival. They’ve been doing it since the birth of the festival in 2005, but also before, the Finnish capital club being strongly connected to the band’s roots. Considering that HIM are done with recording their new album, Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice, it is very likely that they would premiere some new material at the 28th-31st December festival. They will also be joined by friends The 69 Eyes and Anathema, which will offer concert-goers acoustic and unplugged sets. Helldone will also be a chance for a number of new Finnish acts to shine, bands like: Vanity Beach, Ghost Brigade, Major Label and others. More info, about line-up and tickets here:

INFO

HIM have been recently included on the Soundwave Festival’s bill. It will take place in February-March 2010, in the Australian cities of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Other bands playing at the festival include Faith No More, Paramore, Jane’s Addiction, My Chemical Romance, AFI and the second time reunited Sunny Day Real Estate. The lineup for each day has yet to be confirmed, but there are almost 40 bands playing at the festival. For more information on the festival, go to its official site. This will be HIM’s first concert in almost two years, if it will not be preceded by other shows, which is quite possible considering that February (Valentine’s Day) is also the tentative release date for the band’s new album, SCREAMWORKS: Love in Theory and Practice, which they are currently recording in Los Angeles with producer Matt Squire (The Used, Saosin).

HEARTAGRAM