himaddiction

After forming in Finland in 1995, H.I.M. (or His Infernal Majesty) set out on the path of goth forebears like Sisters of Mercy and the Mission U.K.. Vocalist and songwriter Ville Hermani Vallo was the band's founding member, alongside Migé Amour (bass), Lily Lazer (guitar), Gas Lipstick (drums), and Zoltan Pluto (keyboards). The 1996 EP 666 Ways to Love was the group's first recording, and it did quite well in Scandinavia. One year later, Greatest Love Songs, Vol. 666 solidified their cult status throughout the region; it featured a cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game". Razorblade Romance in 2000, and H.I.M. supported it with an extensive European tour. H.I.M. Pluto departed after Romance and was replaced by Emerson Burton. Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights, H.I.M.'s third album, arrived in 2002, and the Europe-only Love Metal in 2003. In 2005 the band's early albums were reissued in America through Universal; they also released Dark Light, their official domestic debut.