A different approach
It's not unreasonable to say that, of all those on this bill with Metallica, HIM stood out the most. No blistering vocals or thunderous guitar riffs from this lot.
Maybe having them as main support in mainland Europe makes more sense, but it certainly seemed an odd one given that, despite a lot of hype in some sections of the rock press, aided by having a singer who is regarded as something of a pin up, they don't seem to have taken off in the UK in quite the way some people hoped.
There wasn't the same noticeable excitement building before HIM's set as there had been earlier on in the day. When they arrived they got a generous, polite reaction but were not loved in the same way Mastodon or Machine Head were.
Some may call them Emo, others would suggest they make music that follows the traditions of the melodic approach to heavy rock. Either way it's not especially inspiring. Credit where it's due though as their set was polished, slick and well executed.
Front man Ville Valo did try to engage with the crowd, although his attempts to canvas oppinion on "this new smoking ban" didn't seem to generate quite the reaction he was looking for.
The highlight of this set was the closing song, their cover of the Chris Isaac hit 'Wicked Game'. Maybe it was the subconscious influence of being at the home of English football, but my mind started wandering to all the montages and images I've seen of the Gazza tears in Italia 90 where the original of this track has been used.
A wandering mind when watching a band is usually a sign you're about ready for them to move along now, something they obliged by doing at the end of 'Wicked Game'.
I'm sure a HIM fan would have enjoyed seeing their boys up on a massive stage like Wembley. For others this was simply a good chance to go to the toilet, get a round or two in and be ready for the main event of the night.