HIM
Forming in Finland in the midst of 1995, H.I.M. (His Infernal Majesty) portrays a true quest for the reinvention of goth rock. Setting as their main artistic ambition the creation of songs in the similar path of bands such as Sisters Of Mercy and the Mission U.K., H.I.M. uses a distinct compound of scowling melodies and mystical love stories' inspired lyrics to mark their musical ground. 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 EP 666 Ways To Love, the group's first recording, showed up in late 1996, attaining considerable praise within the Scandinavian market. One year later, Greatest Love Songs, Vol. 666 solidified their cult status throughout the region and celebrated the band's cover of "Wicked Game," a Chris Isaak original. It was at that time that the group gained a rising fan base all across Europe, entering an enduring and extensive touring season to even more wide-ranging acclaim. Three years later, Razorblade Romance, H.I.M.'s second album, hit record stores, again achieving substantial results and strengthening their indubitable recognition. With production credits featuring John Fryer, who previously worked with crews like White Zombie and Nine Inch Nails, the record substantiated the squad's better acclaim all across Europe. H.I.M. then suffered its first lineup change when Pluto left, later being replaced by Emerson Burton. Deep Shadows And Brilliant Highlights, the band's third full-length disc, arrived in late 2001, confirming the Finnish crew's better recognition and strengthening the band's growing legion of fans.