HIM

At one point, this Finnish band had broken big in the States. Its 2005 album Dark Light went gold and debuted in the Top 20 on the Billboard charts. The band came through town and played to a capacity crowd at the Agora Theatre. As the Goth metal scene declined, so did HIM's popularity and it toured the U.S. less frequently. The band hasn't been inactive, however, and last year released Tears on Tape, an album of dark synth rock that commences with the moody instrumental "Unleash the Red" before veering into more aggressive territory. And yet, songs such as "All Lips Go Blue" have accessible pop harmonies at their core, suggesting the group has more in common with Depeche Mode than, say, Marilyn Manson. The band's on tour to support the digital reissue of its back catalogue. (Niesel)