Razorblade Romance
Occupation
- Vocals: Ville Valo
- Guitar: Mikko Lindström Viljami
- Bass: Mikko Paananen Heinrik Julius
- Drums: Juhana Rantala
- Keyboard: Jani Purttinen
Razorblade Romance (English for " razor blade romance" ) is the second studio album by the Finnish rock band HIM. In Finland it appeared on December 19, 1999 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other European countries it was released on 24 January 2000. In the UK, the album was released on 15 May 2000.
Background
This album meant for the Finns, who until then had been a secret, and especially in metal circles known the big breakthrough in Europe. Four singles were released ( Join Me, Right Here in My Arms, Poison Girl, Gone with the Sin) From the album, each received their own music videos. Three of them were number one hits ( in Finland and Germany ).
By the previous single and the most well-known hit Join Me, the number 1 on the German singles chart was for 4 weeks, the album's success was probably predictable. Overall, Razorblade Romance sold over 750,000 times, was also weeks number 1 in the album charts and received in Germany three gold and one platinum record. Thus was the international breakthrough, albeit initially made only in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
The album was released only in 2005 officially in the U.S.. But Razorblade Romance was there in 2003 under the band name HER (His Evil Royality ) sold in import music stores. Another local jazz band claimed there already the name HIM for yourself why this temporary solution was needed. Later, the rights of the band name in the U.S. were sold to the Finns. Now the band was on later pressings using their real names. The few Razorblade Romance specimens that appeared as HER, are now sought-after collectibles. In the United Kingdom and the United States published versions with different track list. But the two songs Wicked Game (cover of Chris Isaak ) and Your Sweet 666, which actually originate from the first album of the band were re-recorded.
Due to the continued success of the album, was released in the course of yet another limited edition version that includes a live CD of the album ( UK version ), with six songs from the Werchter Festival (July 2000). In addition to the CD version, a vinyl record is from the album appeared with altered track list. The version published in Eastern Europe differs from the standard version in the cover design. Instead of the pink background is light blue. Join Me in Death was for the soundtrack of the film " The 13th Floor - Are you what do you think? " Used. In their home country Finland, the band achieved with the single twice ranked # 1 and stayed there 13 weeks. Gone with the Sin is a reference to the novel and movie " Gone with the Wind " ( original title: Gone with the Wind ).
In addition, the CD in the first edition next to My Private War by Phillip Boa & The Voodoo Club was one of the first to be equipped with a then new copy protection in the form of a manipulated TOC. The second edition was then published without the copy protection.