Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 released

HIM began recording its full-length debut album in 1997 with Hiili Hiilesmaa once again producing. Due to the band’s minimal studio experience, Hiilesmaa played a critical role in helping “build HIM’s sound”, for which Valo dubbed him the honorary sixth member of the group. Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 was released in Finland on 3 November 1997 and internationally a year later. The album charted in Finland and Germany, peaking at number four in the former. The singles “When Love and Death Embrace” and “Your Sweet 666” also cracked the top ten in the band’s home country. Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 received positive reviews from critics, with AllMusic describing the album as having “a very diverse sound” and ultimately succeeding “in pleasing everyone, whether they’re into rock or pop.” Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 would eventually go platinum in Finland. HIM also went on to win Newcomer of the Year and Debut Album of the Year at the 1997 Emma Gala . The supporting tour for Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 began in mid-December 1997 at the Maxim in Kuopio . Prior to HIM’s first international tour, the band decided to fire keyboardist Antto Melasniemi, as they felt he was too disorganized and scatterbrained. He was replaced by Jussi-Mikko “Juska” Salminen. After returning to Finland, the band also parted ways with Pätkä. According to the band, Pätkä’s girlfriend had become pregnant, which left him with limited time to rehearse. He was replaced by Mika “Gas Lipstick” Karppinen .