What is the best HIM album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Razorblade Romance" (1999). It's the most representative of what makes HIM worth hearing.

What are the best HIM albums?

The essential HIM albums include "666 Ways to Love: Prologue" (1996), "Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666" (1997), "It's All Tears (Drown in This Love)" (1998), "Razorblade Romance" (1999) and "Join Me in Death" (1999).

How many albums does HIM have?

HIM has 51 releases in their discography, including 19 albums and 8 EPs.

Photo: aliina s. · CC BY 2.0

HIM

Q: Who is HIM for?

If you're into alternative rock and gothic rock, HIM is worth your time. A heavy pulse of distorted guitars intertwines with ethereal vocals, creating a gripping tension that propels the listener through waves of emotional turbulence.

A heavy pulse of distorted guitars intertwines with ethereal vocals, creating a gripping tension that propels the listener through waves of emotional turbulence.

alternative rock · gothic metal · gothic rock

Finland Est. 1995

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Start here

The album

Razorblade Romance (1999)

Presents a cohesive blend of gothic rock and alternative metal, showcasing the band's signature sound and emotional depth.

The song

“Join Me in Death”

Immediate emotional hook that encapsulates HIM's style, making it an engaging introduction to their music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Salt in Our Wounds" — from Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights (2001)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Your Sweet Six Six Six" — from Razorblade Romance (1999)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Your Sweet Six Six Six" — from Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 (1997)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"In venere veritas (Huoratron remix)" — from SWRMXS (2010)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"The Sacrament (Disrhythm remix)" — from Uneasy Listening Vol. 1 & 2 (2006)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Buried Alive by Love (616 version)" — from Uneasy Listening Vol. 2 (2007)

establishes the sonic palette early

About HIM

HIM carved out a distinct space within the musical landscape, merging the emotional intensity of alternative rock with gothic undertones that resonate with listeners seeking both catharsis and connection.

Their approach to love and melancholy transcended mere aesthetics, influencing a generation that found solace in dark romanticism.

Their approach to love and melancholy transcended mere aesthetics, influencing a generation that found solace in dark romanticism. By embracing themes of vulnerability and despair, HIM fostered a community around the shared experience of heartache, turning their concerts into collective rituals of healing. The band’s sonic architecture is marked by a blend of haunting melodies and heavy instrumentation, which creates an atmosphere rife with tension and release. Their innovative use of lush arrangements alongside gritty guitar riffs allows for an emotional complexity that invites deep engagement from listeners. This interplay not only enhances their lyrical narratives but also establishes a sound that feels at once familiar and utterly distinct. Songwriting often explores themes of love, loss, and existential yearning, delivered through a voice that balances sincerity with an almost theatrical flair. The storytelling is rich with imagery, evoking both personal reflection and broader human experiences. This duality—between personal confession and universal resonance—encourages listeners to find their own stories woven into the fabric of the music.

19 studio albums· 51 total releases· 2 decades· Finland