The Rationale Quest - All decisions should be made at the lowest level possible- (Subsidiarity)

Here's how the typical song works: Synthesizers and simulated pianos add a little atmosphere to the guitars' mindless, almost-sounds-like-real-metal power chords. A subdued-but-catchy verse leads into an intense-and-catchy chorus. Repeat. Maybe a quiet bridge. Almost without fail, a key change. Next track.

But something helped this band stick around, as they've released And Love Said No: The Greatest Hits 1997-2004. Late 2005's Dark Light probably earned the group some new American fans, and Love Said No presents a great opportunity for them to catch up before Venus Doom hits in September.

The fact is that, whatever its absurdities, HIM has cranked out some infectious goth-pop. Ville Valo, one of the most fascinating (and overdramatic) singers in modern rock, covers up the other musicians' mediocrity.