Him - Pioneers Of Love Metal Posted By: Jimmy Cox

If there is one band from the beautiful city of Helsinki that often defies the labels slapped on bands, then it must be HIM. Music industry critics have labeled the band's music from the sub-genres of rock like Gothic rock, alternative rock and hard rock and of metal like Gothic metal, alternative metal and doom metal. There have been too many names but one thing is true, only the band members and their fans can decide what to label their music.Genre and SymbolIt just so happens that the label most commonly used to refer to HIM's musical style is love metal. This is often characterized as a fusion of heavy metal, Gothic melodies, rock, pop and glam, which is generally credited as the creation of the group's lead singer, Ville Valo.In accordance with its name, the so-called heartagram represents the band as well as the musical genre. Because of its wide popularity, Valo once remarked that the band is now better known for its symbol than its music.Band HistoryThe group started as His Infernal Majesty. It was only during the Wicked Game single in 1998 that the band officially changed its name to HIM.HIMHIM albumsHIM albumHis Infernal Majesty