HIM is a Finnish rock band formed in Helsinki in the early 1990s, known for blending gothic rock, alternative rock and metal influences into a style the band termed "love metal." Fronted by vocalist Ville Valo, their music combines melancholic melodies, dark romantic lyrics and melodic guitar-driven arrangements, often featuring atmospheric keyboards and a prominent rhythmic backbone. HIM achieved international recognition in the late 1990s and 2000s with a sound that juxtaposes somber themes and accessible hooks, producing both brooding ballads and more up-tempo rock songs. The group's aesthetic has frequently incorporated heart-and-heartagram imagery and gothic visual elements alongside mainstream rock production. They were active for multiple decades before disbanding.