Love Metal

Last updated

Love Metal
HIM Love Metal.jpg
Studio album by
HIM
Released11 April 2003 (2003-04-11)
Recorded2002
Studio Finnvox Studios in Helsinki
Genre
Length52:53
Label BMG
Producer
HIM chronology
Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights
(2001)		Love Metal
(2003)		 And Love Said No: The Greatest Hits 1997–2004
(2004)
Singles from Love Metal
  1. "The Funeral of Hearts"
    Released: 13 March 2003
  2. "Buried Alive by Love"
    Released: 5 May 2003
  3. "The Sacrament"
    Released: 27 June 2003

Love Metal is the fourth studio album by Finnish gothic rock band HIM. Released on 11 April 2003, HIM began recording demos for the album in northern spring 2002, after an exhausting touring cycle for their previous album, which nearly broke the band up. Excited and invigorated by the new material, HIM entered Finnvox Studios in September 2002 with producer Hiili Hiilesmaa, who had previously helmed the group's 1997 debut album. Musically Love Metal featured a more raw and organic sound, inspired by the band's early influences, which was also seen as a reaction to the difficulties they faced while recording their previous album. Vocalist Ville Valo has since described Love Metal as the album where HIM found their sound. Love Metal was also the band's first album to predominantly feature their logo, the Heartagram, on the cover, while the album's title was coined in the mid-nineties as a description for HIM's musical genre.

Contents

Love Metal received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the songwriting and calling the album a return to form after Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights . The album charted in eleven countries, reaching number one in Finland and Germany, later going platinum and gold respectively. Love Metal was also the band's first album to chart in the UK and France at number 55 and 141 respectively. Three singles were released, with "The Funeral of Hearts" reaching number one on the Finnish Singles Chart. Music videos were produced for all three singles, with professional skateboarder and Jackass member Bam Margera directing two. Following the album's release, HIM toured the US for the first time, with all of the shows being sold-out.

Production

After nearly breaking up following an exhausting supporting tour for their previous album Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights , HIM took a two-month break in early 2002. [1] While other members of the band flew on vacation, vocalist Ville Valo stayed behind in Helsinki and began writing new material. [2] When HIM regrouped at the turn of February and March 2002, the band felt re-energized, as well as excited about the new songs Valo had written. [1] [2] The group soon began recording demos in the spring of 2002, with producer Hiili Hiilesmaa, who had previously produced the band's 1997 debut album. [3] HIM continued to work on new material for approximately six months, before entering Finnvox Studios in September 2002 to record their fourth studio album with Hiilesmaa acting as producer. [1] The recording process lasted two months, after which the band flew to Los Angeles for two weeks to mix the album at Studio Scream with Tim Palmer, who had previously worked with Pearl Jam and U2 among others. [1] Additional mixing for the tracks "Buried Alive by Love" and "Sweet Pandemonium" was done at Sphere Studios in London, while the album was mastered at Sterling Sound in New York by George Marino. [4]

The artwork for Love Metal was designed by Valo and Janne Uotila, and marks the first predominant use of the band's logo the heartagram, which was originally designed by Valo on his twentieth birthday in 1996. [5] [6] According to Valo, the inclusion of the heartagram on the cover was done as "a statement of intent [...] musically, visually and ideologically", as well as to "get the symbol across". [5] [7] The term "love metal" was coined by the band in the late-nineties as way to respond to peoples' difficulty categorizing HIM's music, and was chosen as the title of the album in order to explain to people what the term means, with Valo stating: "When somebody asks 'what is love metal', we can give him or her the album". [8]

Music and lyrics

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"Buried Alive by Love" (2003)
"Buried Alive by Love" was one of the first songs written for Love Metal, and displays the more aggressive approach featured on the album.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

The overall sound of Love Metal was described by Ville Valo as being more "organic" and "dynamic" than some of the band's previous work, whilst at the same time containing elements from all their albums in one. [8] He also described Love Metal as a "hats off" to the band's influences, such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Iggy Pop, as well as a reaction to the difficulties they faced during the making-of Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights. [8] [5] He elaborated, stating: "After what we considered a disappointment with Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights, because there were so many chefs in the kitchen, we wanted to be a band [...] that we control what we do, and everybody else can fuck-off." [5] Valo referred to Love Metal as a "moment of realization" for the band, stating: "This is what we are, and this is what we're going to do". [7] He also described the album as the point where the group found "the identity of the band". [7]

"Buried Alive by Love" was one of the first songs composed for the album, and opens with a riff inspired by "Search and Destroy" by The Stooges, which Valo had written while on tour for Razorblade Romance . [8] [1] According to Valo, the song was deliberately chosen as the first track of the album to display "that youthful, animalistic energy" that had been "lacking" in some of the band's previous work. [8] "The Funeral of Hearts" wasn't originally considered for the album, as it was unfinished when recording began. [9] The song was added at the last minute after bassist Mikko "Mige" Paananen heard the chorus, demanding it be included on the album. [9] Lyrically "The Funeral of Hearts" talks about "being able to celebrate what you have, even though things might end." [9] Valo described the song as "the most accessible, straight on HIM-tune" on Love Metal. [9] "Beyond Redemption" was inspired by a relationship of a friend of Valo's, and lyrically deals with "people who fall in love, and then they are beyond redemption; there's no turning back". [9] "Sweet Pandemonium" talks about "understanding you've got a problem" and the difficulty to "talk about it", while "Circle of Fear" deals with the inability to help other people "without loving yourself first". [10] "The Path" was inspired by the legend of Orpheus, and was included in the end credits of the Finnish film Honey Baby, as was "The Sacrament" in the 2007 anime film Highlander: The Search for Vengeance . [11]

Release and promotion

Ville Valo performing in Norfolk, Virginia, in August 2004 Ville Valo by welovethedark.jpg
Ville Valo performing in Norfolk, Virginia, in August 2004

"The Funeral of Hearts" was released in March 2003 as the first single from Love Metal, charting in five countries, including at number one in Finland and number two in Germany. [12] [13] The song also gave the band their first UK chart position at number fifteen. [14] A music video by Stefan Lindfors was also filmed in Lapland, which later won "Best Video" at the 2004 Kerrang! Awards. [15] "The Funeral of Hearts" was also nominated for "Best Single" that year. [16] Love Metal was released on 11 April 2003 in Finland and on 14 April internationally, [17] and charted in eleven countries, peaking at number one in Finland and Germany, [12] [13] number four in Switzerland, [18] and at number five in Austria. [19] The album also reached number 55 on the UK Albums Chart, and later charted at number 117 in the US in 2005. [14] [20] Love Metal was eventually certified platinum in Finland and gold in Germany. [21] [22] The album was also nominated for "Best Album" at the 2003 Kerrang! Awards, [23] as well as "Hard Rock/Metal Album of the Year" at the 2003 Emma Awards, while HIM were nominated for "Band of the Year". [24]

"Buried Alive by Love" and "The Sacrament" were released as singles in May and June 2003 respectively, with both hitting the UK charts, and the latter also peaking at number four in Finland. [12] [14] Both received music videos, which were directed by professional skateboarder and Jackass member Bam Margera. [8] The band had first met Margera in 2000, after a show in London, and played their first concert in the United States the following year at a party organized by Margera. [8] "Buried Alive by Love" was shot in Los Angeles, with a guest appearance by actress Juliette Lewis, while "The Sacrament" was filmed in Prague. [8] [25] [26] In May 2003, HIM performed a sold-out show at the London Astoria, before starting the album's supporting tour in October 2003 in Finland. [1] HIM were also scheduled to support Ozzy Osbourne in the fall of 2003 on a European tour, but were forced to drop-out, after the tour was postponed due to Osbourne injuring his leg. [27] Following the release of the compilation album And Love Said No: The Greatest Hits 1997–2004 , HIM announced in August 2003, that they had parted ways with their record company BMG, having fulfilled their contractual obligations to the label. [28] Around the same time the band also announced plans to release a new live album, tentatively titled Live Metal, in November 2003, but the record was ultimately scrapped, in favor of starting work on new material. [28] [29] HIM continued touring on 17 January 2004 in Italy, which was followed by a seven-date UK leg, which was entirely sold-out. [30] From 15 April to 19 May 2004, HIM embarked on their first tour of the US, which was also entirely sold-out. [31] HIM also received a nomination for "Best Band on the Planet" at the 2004 Kerrang! Awards. [16]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Imperiumi.net9-/10 [32]
Rock Hard 8.5/10 [33]
PopMatters Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [34]
Helsingin Sanomat Positive [35]
RumbaStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [36]
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [37]
SoundiStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [38]

Love Metal received positive reviews from critics. Mape Ollila of Imperiumi.net commended the consistent quality of the material, as well as the "hook-laden" songwriting. [32] He concluded his review, stating: "There are a lot of goth pop bands in Finland doing the same thing, but Love Metal once again proves that HIM is one step ahead of everybody else." [32] Thomas Kupfer of Rock Hard also commended the album's consistent songwriting. [33] He also touted Love Metal as a return to form after Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights, calling it a "liberation" after the band's previous hardships. [33] Lance Teegarden of PopMatters praised its "swooning pop hooks, a heavy yet harmonic sound, laments about love, death, and forgiveness, and an assured sense of songcraft". [34] He did however criticize the songwriting as formulaic, but concluded his review by stating: "no one is doing the whole gothic rock thing as convincingly as HIM are right now." [34]

Ilkka Mattila of Helsingin Sanomat was positive in his review of Love Metal, describing the band as sounding "liberated" and more rock following Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights. [35] Rumba's Samuli Knuuti described Love Metal as a return to the roots of the band and sounding like "what HIM should sound like", despite perceiving a lack of variety. [36] Rob Theakston of AllMusic praised the album's songwriting as being "as strong as it has been in quite some time", with "a newly found sense of urgency [keeping] the record going at a well-tempered pace". [37] He also touted Love Metal as the album "HIM has been struggling to make and realize for quite a while", providing "dramatic metal of high sonic quality". [37] Petri Silas of Soundi commended the band's ability to innovate themselves with the "faster songs" amid the "grand, mid-tempo tracks." [38] He did however criticize the album of being more of the same "pain-ridden, gothic dragging". [38]

In 2017, Valo revisited Love Metal and declared it as the band's best album, stating: "We found the sound of the band, and I found myself. The band's declaration of what we are." [39] Loudwire later ranked Love Metal as HIM's second best album, describing it as an improvement over Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights and as the album where the band "truly found their sound that moved them forward throughout the next decade." [40] On the other hand, Kaaoszine ranked Love Metal seventh in HIM's discography, calling it "a good collection of songs", but overall "tiring". [41]

Track listing

Original release

All tracks written by Ville Valo.

No.TitleLength
1."Buried Alive by Love"5:01
2."The Funeral of Hearts"4:30
3."Beyond Redemption"4:28
4."Sweet Pandemonium"5:45
5."Soul on Fire"4:02
6."The Sacrament"4:32
7."This Fortress of Tears"5:46
8."Circle of Fear"5:27
9."Endless Dark"5:35
10."The Path"7:44
Total length:52:53
Digipak bonus track
No.TitleLength
11."Love's Requiem"8:36
Total length:60:50
Remastered edition (2014)
No.TitleLength
11."Love's Requiem (Backwards version) [42] "8:36
Total length:60:50

Remastered edition

No.TitleLength
1."Buried Alive by Love (Live at El Teatro Flores BS.AS. MMXIV)"5:21
2."Beyond Redemption (Vinnfox Relics)"4:31
3."Circle of Fear (Vinnfox Relics)"4:25
4."Soul on Fire (Live at Semifinal HKI MMIII)"4:14
5."Endless Dark (Vinnfox Relics)"4:12
6."The Sacrament (ACSTC Pascha MMXIV)"3:59
7."This Fortress of Tears (Vinnfox Relics)"5:33
8."The Funeral of Hearts (Live at Helldone MMXIII SJK)"6:18
Total length:38:33

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Finland (Musiikkituottajat) [21] Platinum49,231 [21]
Germany (BVMI) [62] Gold100,000^
Russia (NFPF) [63] Platinum20,000*
United Kingdom (BPI) [64] Gold100,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ville Valo</span> Finnish singer

Ville Hermanni Valo is a Finnish singer, songwriter and musician. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the gothic rock band HIM.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HIM (Finnish band)</span> Finnish gothic rock band

HIM was a Finnish gothic rock band from Helsinki. First formed in 1991 by vocalist Ville Valo and bassist Mikko "Mige" Paananen under the name His Infernal Majesty, the band broke up after only a few years, only to be reformed in 1995 by Valo and guitarist Mikko "Linde" Lindström. After being rejoined by Mige, as well as keyboardist Antto Melasniemi and drummer Juhana "Pätkä" Rantala, the band, now called HIM, released its debut album Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 in 1997. In 2000, now with drummer Mika "Gas Lipstick" Karppinen and keyboardist Juska Salminen, the band released Razorblade Romance, which reached the number one spot in Finland, Austria and Germany. The first single "Join Me in Death" also charted at number one in Finland and Germany, eventually going platinum and gold, respectively. Following the addition of Janne "Burton" Puurtinen on keyboards, HIM released Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights (2001) and Love Metal (2003). Both cracked the top ten in several countries and allowed the band to tour in the United Kingdom and the United States for the first time.

<i>Once</i> (Nightwish album) 2004 studio album by Nightwish

Once is the fifth studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, released on 7 June 2004 by Spinefarm Records in Finland and Nuclear Blast in the rest of Europe. It is the fifth and last album to feature Tarja Turunen on lead vocals. The album cost nearly €250,000 to make, which made it Finland's most expensive recording ever until the release of Nightwish's next album, Dark Passion Play, which cost over €500,000 to produce. As of 2013, Once had sold 2.3 million copies worldwide, becoming Nightwish's most successful album to date. The remastering of the album was released on 6 August 2021.

<i>Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights</i> 2001 studio album by HIM

Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights is the third studio album by Finnish gothic rock band HIM, released 27 August 2001. The album was produced by Kevin Shirley, T. T. Oksala and HIM. The record had a troubled production, which lasted approximately eleven months. The prolonged recording process was partially due outside influences within the music industry hoping to repeat the success of HIM's previous album. As a result, Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights features a sleeker and more pop-oriented sound. It is the first HIM album to feature keyboardist Janne "Burton" Puurtinen.

<i>And Love Said No: The Greatest Hits 1997–2004</i> 2004 greatest hits album by HIM

And Love Said No: The Greatest Hits 1997–2004 is a greatest hits compilation by Finnish rock band HIM. It contains two new songs: "And Love Said No" and "Solitary Man", the latter of which is a Neil Diamond cover, both songs produced by Tim Palmer. The British version also has a re-recorded version of "It's All Tears ". The digipak version of this album comes with a DVD with six songs live at Semifinal Club in Helsinki.

<i>Razorblade Romance</i> 2000 studio album by HIM

Razorblade Romance is the second studio album by Finnish gothic rock band HIM, recorded with producer John Fryer. HIM initially began recording the album with producer Hiili Hiilesmaa, who had helmed the group's 1997 debut album, however these sessions proved unsuccessful, and HIM parted ways with Hiilesmaa, and recruited Fryer. The band, along with Fryer, relocated to Rockfield Studios in Wales to begin recording, and released the album on 24 January 2000. Musically, the album featured a sleeker production and a more melodic sound compared to their debut. The album's lead single "Join Me in Death" would prove to be HIM's breakthrough single, reaching number one in Finland and Germany. The song also found its way on to the soundtrack of the 1999 science fiction film The Thirteenth Floor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mige (musician)</span> Finnish bassist

Mikko Henrik Julius Paananen, better known as Mige, is a Finnish musician, best known as the bassist and founding member of the gothic rock band HIM. Born to an artistic family, Mige attended the Sibelius Upper Secondary School of music and dance, when he first formed HIM with Ville Valo. The band broke up after Mige began his national military service, but they reformed in 1995. HIM would go on to release eight studio albums and become one of the most commercially successful Finnish bands of all time. The band announced their retirement in March 2017, and played their final show on New Year's Eve 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Linde Lindström</span> Finnish musician

Mikko Viljami "Linde" Lindström is a Finnish musician, best known as the guitarist for the gothic rock band HIM. Influenced by the likes of Black Sabbath and Steve Vai, Lindström began playing guitar at age ten, joining the band Aurora in his teenage years, where he met Ville Valo. In 1995, the two reformed Valo's previous band HIM, which would go on to release eight studio albums and become one of the most commercially successful Finnish bands of all time, and the first to receive a gold record in the United States. In 2017, the band announced their plans to retire following a farewell tour, and played their final show on New Year's Eve 2017.

<i>Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666</i> HIM album

Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 is the debut studio album by Finnish gothic rock band HIM. The album was recorded in fifteen days during the summer of 1997 with producer Hiili Hiilesmaa, whom vocalist Ville Valo has credited as the honorary sixth member of the band due his help in honing the band's sound, and released on 3 November 1997. Musically Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 has been described as a combination of heavy metal and 1980s rock and goth, with lyrics centered around themes of love and death. The album also features the only writing credits from guitarist Mikko "Linde" Lindström in the band's history, and is their only album to feature keyboardist Antto Melasniemi and drummer Juhana "Pätkä" Rantala.

<i>Dark Light</i> (HIM album) 2005 studio album by HIM

Dark Light is the fifth studio album by Finnish gothic rock band HIM. Released on 26 September 2005, HIM began recording the album in March 2005 at the Paramour Estate is Los Angeles with producer Tim Palmer, who had also mixed the band's previous album Love Metal. Dark Light also served as HIM's first worldwide release with Sire Records, with whom the band had signed with in September 2004. In Finland, however, the album was released under the band's own label Heartagram. Musically, Dark Light featured a more "polished" and "accessible" sound than previous albums, and was written as a cross between Black Sabbath and U2, also influenced by the work of composer Angelo Badalamenti.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bittersweet (Apocalyptica song)</span> 2004 single by Apocalyptica featuring Ville Valo and Lauri Ylönen

"Bittersweet" is a single by the cello rock band Apocalyptica in collaboration with Ville Valo and Lauri Ylönen. The music is by Apocalyptica, the lyrics by Ville Valo and the vocals by Ville Valo and Lauri Ylönen. The song is written for four cellos (quartet) and voice, but there are versions for just the cello quartet. The lyrics are about a love triangle, in which a woman loves a man, who does not love her back, and another man who is in love with the woman, while she does not love him back.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HIM discography</span>

Finnish gothic rock band HIM has released eight studio albums, one live album, eight compilation albums, one EP, twenty-eight singles, three video albums, and twenty-nine music videos. Formed in 1991 by vocalist Ville Valo and bassist Mikko "Mige" Paananen under the name His Infernal Majesty, the band broke up in 1993, but was reformed in 1995 by Valo and guitarist Mikko "Linde" Lindström. After being rejoined by Mige, as well new additions keyboardist Antto Melasniemi, rhythm guitarist Oki and drummer Juhana "Pätkä" Rantala, the band, now called HIM, signed to BMG, and released the EP 666 Ways to Love: Prologue in 1996. The EP charted at number nine on the Finnish Singles Chart, and in 1997, the band, sans Oki, released their debut album Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666, which was certified gold and later platinum in Finland. In 2000, now with drummer Mika "Gas Lipstick" Karppinen and keyboardist Juska Salminen, the band released the album Razorblade Romance, which was certified double platinum in Finland, triple gold in Germany and gold in Austria. Its first single, "Join Me in Death", also charted at number-one in Finland and Germany, eventually going platinum in their home country and gold in Germany and Austria. Following the addition of Janne "Burton" Puurtinen on keyboards, HIM released Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights and Love Metal in 2001 and 2003 respectively. Both were certified platinum in Finland, as well as gold in Austria and Germany respectively.

<i>Venus Doom</i> 2007 studio album by HIM

Venus Doom is the sixth studio album by Finnish gothic rock band HIM. The album was recorded at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki with producers Hiili Hiilesmaa and Tim Palmer, both whom had collaborated with the band on various occasions, and released on 14 September 2007. During the making of Venus Doom, HIM was struggling with the personal problems of their vocalist Ville Valo. Among other things, his alcohol abuse had worsened to the point that he suffered a nervous breakdown during the recording process, after which he was admitted to the Promises Rehabilitation Clinic in Malibu by HIM's manager Seppo Vesterinen. Musically the album has been described as HIM's heaviest and darkest album to date, with influences from bands such as My Dying Bride, Anathema and Paradise Lost. Much of the album's lyrical themes and heaviness were inspired by Valo's personal difficulties, including his break-up with fiancé Jonna Nygrén.

<i>Digital Versatile Doom</i> 2008 live album by HIM

Digital Versatile Doom: Live at the Orpheum Theatre XXXVII A.S. is a live double album by Finnish rock band HIM. The DVD was directed by Meiert Avis in Los Angeles at the Orpheum Theater between 14 and 15 November 2007. The DVD features the live performance, as well as behind the scenes look at the show. Also featured on the DVD is the winner of HIM's biggest fans competition go to Seattle, Washington, to meet the band. A special edition was available for pre-order on 1 February 2008, which comes with a limited edition 6" X 4" hand-numbered flipbook limited to 3500 copies in North America and 500 in the UK. The imagery is from HIM's live performance of "Sleepwalking Past Hope" at that concert.

<i>Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice</i> 2010 studio album by HIM

Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice, Chapters 1–13 is the seventh studio album by Finnish gothic rock band HIM. Released on 8 February 2010, the album was recorded at The Lair Studios and NRG Studios in Los Angeles with producer Matt Squire. Following his time in rehab, Screamworks was the first HIM album vocalist Ville Valo worked on completely sober. This resulted in the band rehearsing the material more than ever before, as Valo had set out to prove himself and the band following his new-found sobriety. Musically Screamworks featured a more accessible and straightforward sound than many of its predecessor, reminiscent of the music of the 1980s. Much of the album's material was inspired by Valo's relationship with an undisclosed partner, whom he referred to as his muse for the record.

<i>Tears on Tape</i> 2013 studio album by HIM

Tears on Tape is the eighth and final studio album by Finnish rock band HIM, released 26 April 2013 in Finland, 29 April 2013 in Europe, and on 30 April 2013 in the US and Canada. It is produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa, and was recorded at Finnvox, MD and Peacemakers, Helsinki. It is their first release containing instrumentals. A deluxe edition was released containing a DVD with a live in studio performance of some of their greatest hits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Lioneye</span> Finnish rock band

Daniel Lioneye is a Finnish rock band formed by members of the band HIM. Originally consisting of guitarist and vocalist Mikko "Linde" Lindström, bassist Mikko "Mige" Paananen and drummer Ville Valo, the group released their debut album The King of Rock 'n Roll in 2001, the title track of which was later used as the theme to Bam Margera's Viva La Bam TV series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bang and Whimper 2017 – The Farewell Tour</span> 2017 concert tour by HIM

Bang and Whimper 2017 – The Farewell Tour was a concert tour by the Finnish gothic rock band HIM. Originally formed in 1991, the band announced on 5 March 2017 their plans to disband following a farewell tour that same year. HIM had taken a break during 2016 but began work on new material at the end of the year. According to vocalist Ville Valo, the band felt their new material was lacking, and the band members eventually decided to disband while they were all still on good terms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ville Valo discography</span>

The solo discography of Finnish singer, songwriter and musician Ville Valo consists of one studio album, one collaboration album, one extended play, ten singles and four music videos. He has also made several guest appearances on other artists' releases.

<i>Neon Noir</i> 2023 studio album by VV

Neon Noir is the debut studio album by former HIM frontman Ville Valo, released on 13 January 2023. The album debuted at number one on the Finnish albums chart and in the top five of the German albums chart.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Ville Valo 2003 Love Metal Interview (2/2)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  2. 1 2 Juho K. Juntunen (2002). HIM – Synnin viemää p.249. WSOY
  3. ↑ Juho K. Juntunen (2002). HIM – Synnin viemää p.257. WSOY
  4. ↑ Love Metal album sleeve notes.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "HIM – Loud Legacy documentary". YouTube. 25 February 2015. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  6. ↑ "Ville Valo 2003 interview@subtv". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  7. 1 2 3 Metal Hammer Presents HIM: Tears On Tape. Fanpack magazine. Metal Hammer. p. 20.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Ville Valo 2003 Love Metal Interview (1/2)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 "HIM - VILLE VALO unplugged & interview - ONYX.tv Schattenreich 2003". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  10. ↑ "Ville Valo interview & chat at T-Music". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  11. ↑ "Ville Valo interview from Digital Versatile Doom". YouTube . Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  12. 1 2 3 "HIM Discography". Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  13. 1 2 "HIM Discography" (in German). Offiziele Deutsche Charts. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  14. 1 2 3 "HIM - Chart history". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 19 March 2017.
  15. ↑ "Darkness bask in Kerrang! success". BBC. 27 August 2004. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  16. 1 2 "SLIPKNOT, METALLICA, THE DARKNESS Among 'Best Band' Nominees At KERRANG! AWARDS 2004". Blabbermouth.net. 25 August 2004. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  17. ↑ "Ville Valo Lista Top 40 2003 pt4". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  18. ↑ "Discographie HIM" (in German). HitParade.ch. Retrieved 7 February 2009.
  19. ↑ "Discographie HIM" (in German). AustrianCharts.at. Retrieved 7 February 2009.
  20. ↑ "HIM - Chart history". Billboard . Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  21. 1 2 3 "HIM" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland . Retrieved 25 July 2017.
  22. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (HIM)" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved 7 February 2008.
  23. ↑ "Kerrang! awards 2003: The nominations". BBC. 6 August 2003. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  24. ↑ "Emma-ehdokkaat julki". MTV. 16 January 2004. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  25. ↑ "Making of "Buried Alive by Love" -music video". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  26. ↑ "Making of "The Sacrament" -music video". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  27. ↑ "Ozzy Osbourne Helsinkiin tammikuussa". Ilta-Sanomat. 23 October 2003. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  28. 1 2 "H.I.M. Part Ways With Label, Seek New Record Deal". Blabbermouth. 5 August 2003. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  29. ↑ "H.I.M. Scrap Live Album, Head Back Into The Studio". Blabbermouth. 13 November 2003. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  30. ↑ "HIM menestyy Englannissa". MTV. 20 January 2004. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  31. ↑ "HIMin kiertue USA:ssa myytiin heti loppuun". Ilta-Sanomat. 26 March 2004. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  32. 1 2 3 "Love Metal Review". Imperiumi.net. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  33. 1 2 3 "Love Metal Review". Rock Hard . Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  34. 1 2 3 "Love Metal Review". PopMatters. March 2005. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  35. 1 2 "Love Metal Review". Helsingin Sanomat. 11 April 2003. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  36. 1 2 "HIM-nostalgiamatka Rumban arkistoista". Rumba. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  37. 1 2 3 "Love Metal Review". AllMusic . Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  38. 1 2 3 "Love Metal Review". Soundi. 6 June 2007. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  39. ↑ "Jäähyväiset HIMille – Ville Valo kertoo, miksi Suomen suurin rockyhtye lopettaa ja mitä siitä seuraa". Helsingin Sanomat. 2 July 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  40. ↑ "HIM Albums Ranked". Loudwire . Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  41. ↑ "Tuotanto ruodinnassa: HIM". Kaaoszine. 27 December 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  42. ↑ Love Metal (Deluxe Version) [Re-Mastered] by HIM https://itun.es/us/KeI-3
  43. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – HIM – Love Metal" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  44. ↑ "HIM: Love Metal" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  45. ↑ "Lescharts.com – HIM – Love Metal". Hung Medien. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  46. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – HIM – Love Metal" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  47. ↑ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2003. 16. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  48. ↑ "Italiancharts.com – HIM – Love Metal". Hung Medien. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  49. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – HIM – Love Metal". Hung Medien. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  50. ↑ "Portuguesecharts.com – HIM – Love Metal". Hung Medien. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  51. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  52. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – HIM – Love Metal". Hung Medien. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  53. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – HIM – Love Metal". Hung Medien. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  54. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  55. ↑ "HIM Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  56. ↑ "HIM Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  57. ↑ "HIM Chart History (Vinyl Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  58. ↑ "Myydyimmät kotimaiset albumit vuonna 2003" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  59. ↑ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts". GfK Entertainment (in German). offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  60. ↑ "Összesített album- és válogatáslemez-lista - eladási darabszám alapján - 2003" (in Hungarian). Mahasz. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  61. ↑ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2003". hitparade.ch. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  62. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (HIM; 'Love Metal')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved 25 July 2017.
  63. ↑ "Russian album certifications – HIM – Love Metal" (in Russian). National Federation of Phonogram Producers (NFPF). Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  64. ↑ "British album certifications – HIM – Love Metal". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 17 May 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.