HIM — a cult Finnish rock band founded in 1991 in Helsinki. The group became famous for its unique style combining elements of gothic rock, hard rock, heavy metal, and pop rock. HIM are considered the pioneers of the love metal genre — a musical direction that blends the darkness of metal with romance and melody. Their symbol, the Heartagram, became an icon of an entire generation and a symbol of the unity of love and death.
Formation of the Band
The band was founded by vocalist Ville Valo and bassist Mikko "Mige" Paananen (Mige Amour) in the early 1990s. Initially, the group was called "His Infernal Majesty", but later the name was shortened to the concise HIM. The musicians wanted to create a project that would merge the dark themes of gothic culture with sincere, emotional melodies about love and pain.
After several years of experimenting with their sound and lineup changes, by the mid-90s the key members were established: Ville Valo (vocals), Mige Amour (bass), Linde Lindström (guitar), Burton (keyboards), and Gas Lipstick (drums). This lineup brought the band international fame.
Early Success and Debut Album
In 1997, HIM released their debut album Greatest Love Songs Vol. 666, which quickly gained attention in Finland and Germany. Singles like “Your Sweet 666”, “When Love and Death Embrace”, and a cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” became the band’s calling cards. The album laid the foundation for HIM’s signature sound — a blend of melancholic romance and heavy guitar riffs.
Breakthrough to the International Stage
Worldwide fame came with the release of their second album Razorblade Romance (2000). The single “Join Me in Death” became an international hit, topping European charts and serving as the soundtrack for the film The 13th Warrior. The album gave the band cult status and millions of fans worldwide. From then on, HIM began touring extensively across Europe, the USA, and Japan.
Golden Era: 2000–2010s
In 2003, the band released Love Metal, marking the full establishment of their own genre. The Heartagram symbol, created by Ville Valo, became the emblem of HIM — a cult icon merging love (heart) and darkness (pentagram).
In 2005, HIM released Dark Light, their most successful album in the US. It earned a Gold certification by the RIAA — making HIM the first Finnish band to achieve this milestone. Songs like “Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly”, “Killing Loneliness”, and “Vampire Heart” cemented their place as leaders of the global alternative rock scene.
Subsequent albums — Venus Doom (2007) and Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice (2010) — showcased darker and more emotional tones. HIM continued to tour actively, performing at major festivals including Download Festival and Rock am Ring.
Later Years and Disbandment
In 2013, the group released their final studio album, Tears on Tape, combining melancholic melodies with heavy riffs and atmospheric production. The record served as a farewell to their fans. In 2017, HIM announced their disbandment after 26 years and embarked on a farewell world tour, Farewell Tour.
After HIM: Ville Valo’s Solo Career
After HIM’s breakup, frontman Ville Valo launched his solo project VV (Ville Valo / Heartagram). In 2020, he released the EP Gothica Fennica Vol. 1, followed by his full-length album Neon Noir in 2023, continuing the legacy of “love metal.” The new material blends HIM’s atmosphere with Valo’s personal reflections. He tours across Europe, the US, and Asia under the Heartagram symbol, carrying on HIM’s spirit.
Status in 2025
As of 2025, Ville Valo remains active as a solo artist and collaborates with Sony Music Publishing Germany. The new global publishing deal covers HIM’s catalog and his future works. In a recent interview, Valo stated that a HIM reunion is not ruled out — “perhaps one day, but only for a special reason and if it feels right.”
Music magazines Metal Hammer and LouderSound in 2025 name Ville Valo an “icon of modern rock,” noting that HIM’s influence is still felt among a new wave of alternative artists.
Style and Influence
HIM pioneered the love metal genre, merging heavy soundscapes with romantic themes, melody, and philosophical lyrics. Their music balances light and darkness, love and death, tenderness and pain. They were inspired by Black Sabbath, Type O Negative, Depeche Mode, and The Sisters of Mercy.
HIM’s visual style, rich in gothic aesthetics and symbolism, influenced an entire generation of rock fans and the 2000s gothic subculture. Their songs often appeared in films, TV shows, and video games.
Fun Facts
- The Heartagram symbol was created by Ville Valo on his 20th birthday and became one of the most recognizable icons in rock culture.
- HIM were the first Finnish band to receive an RIAA Gold certification in the United States.
- Their songs appeared in the show Viva La Bam, and Ville Valo was close friends with Bam Margera, who directed several of their videos.
- HIM have sold over 10 million albums worldwide.
- The band was nominated for MTV Europe Music Awards and Kerrang! Awards.
Discography
- Greatest Love Songs Vol. 666 (1997)
- Razorblade Romance (2000)
- Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights (2001)
- Love Metal (2003)
- Dark Light (2005)
- Venus Doom (2007)
- Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice (2010)
- Tears on Tape (2013)
Legacy
HIM made history as the first Finnish rock band to achieve global success. Their music captured the emotions of an entire generation, and their aesthetics became a hallmark of an era. Even after their disbandment, HIM’s influence remains alive — their songs continue to resonate, and Ville Valo, through his project VV, keeps the spirit of love metal and connection with fans around the world.
