HIM (Finnish band)
HIM is a rock band from Finland. They became famous in Europe with the single Join Me in Death, also known simply as "Join Me", which reached the top of the German charts around 2000. They did not develop a wide American following until 2004. The band is led by charismatic frontman Ville Valo.
Controversy over name
Rumors have suggested that the letters "HIM" stand for "His Infernal Majesty", but this has been denied by HIM themselves on their website Heartagram.com and in many interviews:
- In almost every interview someone asks what does HIM stand for. I can't even remember our latest lie about that. When Hanson was hot, we said it means Hanson Is Murder. The name doesn't have a particular history. His Infernal Majesty was a totally different band. I think HIM derives from some death metal joke. And it was our protest to Haile Selassie's rastafarian religion, he used to be called His Imperial Majesty. But nowadays because of Linde's hair, we actually might be supporting him.
Style
HIM is credited with the invention of a novel musical style known as love metal (also the title of their 2003 album) which combines lyrical themes of romantic love with a heavy metal musical style.
Members
The original members of the band were:
- Ville Valo, (Rakohammas), vocals, since 1995
- Lilly Lazer, guitar, since 1995
- Mige Amour, bass, since 1995
- Antto Melasniemi, keyboard, 1995 - 1998
- Juhana Rantala, drums, 1995 - 1999
Other members that joined afterwards are:
- Zoltan Pluto, keyboard, 1998 - 2000
- Gas Lipstick, drums, since 1999
- Emerson Burton, keyboard, since 2000
The current members are: Ville Valo, Emmerson Burton, Gas Lipstick, Lilly Lazer and Mige Amour. Guitarist Lilly Lazer also has a side project band, Daniel Lioneye with Amour and Valo.
Discography
- 666 Ways to Love: Prologue (1996)
- Greatest Love Songs vol. 666 (1998)
- Razorblade Romance (2000)
- Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights (2001)
- Love Metal (2003)
- And Love Said No - The Greatest Hits 1997-2004 (2004)
External Links