HIM: History, Albums, Songs and Official Merchandise
HIM – Band History, Albums, Songs and Legacy
HIM (His Infernal Majesty) are a Finnish rock band formed in Helsinki in 1991, best known for pioneering the genre of "love metal" — a fusion of heavy metal, gothic rock, and dark romantic pop. Led by the charismatic Ville Valo, HIM became one of the most successful European rock exports of the late 1990s and 2000s, achieving mainstream success across Europe and North America with their distinctive blend of heavy riffs and melodic, emotionally charged songwriting.
HIM disbanded in 2017 after a farewell world tour, leaving behind a catalogue of albums that continue to resonate deeply with fans of gothic and alternative rock worldwide.
Band Members
- Ville Valo — vocals
- Mikko "Linde" Lindström — guitar
- Mikko "Mige" Paananen — bass
- Jukka "Burton" Backlund — drums
- Janne "Emerson" Puurtinen — keyboards
Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 (1997)
HIM's debut album introduced their signature love metal sound, featuring a cover of Chris Isaak's Wicked Game that became a major hit across Europe and established the band's romantic, gothic aesthetic.
Razorblade Romance (2000)
Razorblade Romance is HIM's breakthrough album, featuring the iconic Join Me in Death and Right Here in My Arms. It debuted at No.1 in Finland and became one of the best-selling Finnish albums of all time.
Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights (2001)
This album continued HIM's commercial success in Europe, featuring Pretending and In Joy and Sorrow, and further cementing their reputation for emotionally intense, melodic rock.
Love Metal (2003)
Love Metal gave a name to HIM's genre and is widely regarded as one of their finest albums. It featured The Sacrament, Buried Alive by Love, and The Funeral of Hearts, the latter becoming one of HIM's most recognisable songs.
Dark Light (2005)
Dark Light was HIM's breakthrough in North America, becoming the first Finnish album to be certified gold in the US. It featured Wings of a Butterfly and Killing Loneliness, and introduced HIM to a massive new audience.
Venus Doom (2007) & Screamworks (2010)
Venus Doom saw HIM return to a heavier sound, while Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice embraced a more polished, pop-influenced direction. Both albums charted strongly across Europe.
Tears on Tape (2013) & Farewell
HIM's final studio album, Tears on Tape, was a return to their gothic rock roots. The band announced their disbandment in 2017, completing a farewell world tour before officially calling it a day after 26 years together.
Legacy
HIM's influence on gothic rock, alternative metal, and love metal is immeasurable. Their Heartagram logo — a combination of a heart and a pentagram — became one of rock's most recognisable symbols, popularised in part by skateboarder Bam Margera. Despite their disbandment, HIM's music continues to find new audiences and their merchandise remains hugely popular worldwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does HIM stand for?
HIM stands for His Infernal Majesty.
Where are HIM from?
HIM were formed in Helsinki, Finland in 1991.
Are HIM still together?
No — HIM disbanded in 2017 following a farewell world tour, after 26 years together.
What is HIM's most famous song?
HIM are best known for The Funeral of Hearts, Join Me in Death, and their cover of Wicked Game.