| Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 3 November 1997 | |||
| Recorded | 1997 | |||
| Studio | MD-Studios in Munkkiniemi Peacemakers Studio in Jokela | |||
| Genre | Gothic metal[1] | |||
| Length | 66:06 | |||
| Label | BMG | |||
| Producer | Hiili Hiilesmaa | |||
| HIM chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 | ||||
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Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 is the debut studio album by Finnish gothic rock band HIM. The album was recorded in fifteen days during the summer of 1997 with producer Hiili Hiilesmaa, whom vocalist Ville Valo has credited as the honorary sixth member of the band due his help in honing the band's sound, and released on 3 November 1997. Musically Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 has been described as a combination of heavy metal and 1980s rock and goth, with lyrics centered around themes of love and death. The album also features the only writing credits from guitarist Mikko "Linde" Lindström in the band's history, and is their only album to feature keyboardist Antto Melasniemi and drummer Juhana "Pätkä" Rantala.
Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 received positive reviews from critics, who commended the album's diversity and overall sound. The album peaked at number four in Finland and at number 50 in Germany, later going platinum in the former. Three singles were released, two of which reached the top ten in Finland, with music videos also being produced for two. HIM would later go on to win "Debut Album of the Year", as well as "Newcomer of the Year", at the 1997 Emma Awards. After a supporting tour across Finland, Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 received its international release in late 1998, which was followed by the band's first tour abroad in Germany.