Editing Razorblade Romance

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox album
| name       = Razorblade Romance
| type       = Album
| artist     = [[HIM (Finnish band)|HIM]]
| cover      = HIM-RazorbladeRomance.jpg
| alt        =
| released   = {{start date|df=y|2000|1|24}}
| recorded   = 1999
| venue      =
| studio     = [[Rockfield Studios|Rockfield]] ([[Rockfield, Monmouthshire|Rockfield]], Wales)
| genre      = [[Gothic rock]]<ref name="Allmusic"/>
| length     = 42:40
| label      = [[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]]
| producer   = [[John Fryer (music)|John Fryer]]
| prev_title = [[Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666]]
| prev_year  = 1997
| next_title = [[Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights]]
| next_year  = 2001
| misc       = {{Singles
 | name        = Razorblade Romance
 | type        = Studio
 | single1     = [[Join Me in Death]]
 | single1date = November 1999
 | single2     = Right Here in My Arms
 | single2date = March 2000
 | single3     = Your Sweet Six Six Six
 | single3date = June 2000
 | single4     = Poison Girl
 | single4date = July 2000
 | single5     = Gone with the Sin
 | single5date = October 2000
 | single6     = [[Wicked Game#Other versions|Wicked Game]]
 | single6date = November 2000
}}
}}

'''''Razorblade Romance''''' is the second studio album by Finnish [[gothic rock]] band [[HIM (Finnish band)|HIM]], recorded with producer [[John Fryer (producer)|John Fryer.]] HIM initially began recording the album with producer [[Hiili Hiilesmaa]], who had helmed the group's 1997 [[Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666|debut album]], however these sessions proved unsuccessful, and HIM parted ways with Hiilesmaa, and recruited Fryer. The band, along with Fryer, relocated to [[Rockfield Studios]] in Wales to begin recording, and released the album on 24 January 2000. Musically, the album featured a sleeker production and a more melodic sound compared to their debut. The album's lead single "[[Join Me in Death]]" would prove to be HIM's breakthrough single, reaching number one in Finland and Germany. The song also found its way on to the soundtrack of the 1999 science fiction film ''[[The Thirteenth Floor]]''.

''Razorblade Romance'' received mostly positive reviews from critics, with particular praise being given to the songwriting, while the more polished production received some criticism. The album also charted in six countries, peaking at number one in Finland, Germany and Austria, later going double platinum, triple gold, and gold respectively. ''Razorblade Romance'' would also go on to chart in the United States in January 2004, making it the band's first album to chart in the US. HIM also won "Album of the Year" at the 2000 [[Emma-gaala|Emma Awards]], as well as were awarded at the 2004 [[Music recording sales certification#IFPI certification|IFPI Platinum Europe Awards]]. Three further singles were released from the album, two of which reached number one in Finland. ''Razorblade Romance'' was followed by an intensive supporting tour, which nearly resulted in the band breaking up. The album was also HIM's first to feature drummer [[Gas Lipstick|Mika "Gas Lipstick" Karppinen]], and the only to feature keyboardist Jussi-Mikko "Juska" Salminen.

==Production==
[[File:Gas Lipstick - Ilosaarirock 2007.jpg|thumb|left|240px|''Razorblade Romance'' saw the addition of drummer [[Gas Lipstick]], who would stay with the band until 2015]]
HIM began work on their second album at MD-Studios in [[Munkkiniemi]], with producer [[Hiili Hiilesmaa]], who had produced their [[Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666|debut album]].<ref name="SynninViemää123">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.123. WSOY</ref> These sessions proved to be unsuccessful however, with Hiilesmaa suffering from exhaustion and relationships within the band going sour.<ref name="SynninViemää123"/> Bassist [[Mige (musician)|Mikko "Mige" Paananen]] later remarked: "[[Ville Valo|Ville]] [Valo] would be raving in the studio, and we'd just play so we could quickly go home. You just didn't bother saying 'this sucks' anymore."<ref name="SynninViemää123"/> HIM eventually parted ways with Hiilesmaa in January 1999, by which point they had demoed four songs.<ref name="SynninViemää124">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.124. WSOY</ref> The band's record label [[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]] soon decided that HIM's next album should be recorded abroad with a name producer.<ref name="SynninViemää124"/> The band eventually decided on [[John Fryer (producer)|John Fryer]], who had previously worked with [[Nine Inch Nails]] and [[Cradle of Filth]] among others, and flew to [[Rockfield Studios]] in [[Wales]] to commence recording their album.<ref name="SynninViemää124"/>

The first two songs to be recorded were "I Love You (Prelude to Tragedy)" and "Poison Girl", which Fryer began mixing early on while the band left to go on tour.<ref name="SynninViemää125">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.125. WSOY</ref> When they returned, the band found the initial mixes to be horrible, which they later discovered to be the doing of Per Kviman, who had been instructing Fryer on how to mix the songs.<ref name="SynninViemää125"/> After letting go of Kviman, HIM continued recording, with Valo later remarking that the studio sessions were "all in all incredibly fun" .<ref name="SynninViemää127">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.127. WSOY</ref> He stated: "It was damn fun getting out of those familiar circles and just focus on the album, and not worry about anything else. It also felt great that the band was together all the time".<ref name="SynninViemää127"/>

After recording finished, Fryer and Valo began mixing the album in London, and were once again horrified to find that "everything sounded like shit".<ref name="SynninViemää128">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.128. WSOY</ref> After spending 15 000 euros trying to properly mix the album in London, Fryer and Valo flew to Finland where, with the help of [[Risto Hemmi]] from [[Finnvox]], they were finally able to mix the record.<ref name="SynninViemää128"/> The initial mixes were later released on the ''[[Uneasy Listening Vol. 1 & 2|Uneasy Listening]]'' albums as well as the 2014 remastered edition of ''Razorblade Romance'' as the "Rockfield Madness" versions and "Strongroom Sessions" respectively. After finishing the mixing, the tapes were flown to [[Sterling Sound]] in New York, where they were mastered by [[George Marino]].<ref name="SynninViemää130">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.130. WSOY</ref> Valo initially wanted the album to be called ''Goth 'n' Roll'', but BMG refused, preferring the previously suggested title ''Razorblade Romance''.<ref name="SynninViemää130"/> The cover art was designed by Janne Uotila with photographs by Jouko Lehtola, and was influenced by the style of 1980s [[glam rock]] and [[pop music|pop]] acts.<ref name="SynninViemää73">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.73. WSOY</ref> The budget of the album eventually grew to nearly 150 000 euros.<ref name="SynninViemää132"/>

==Music and lyrics==
{{Listen
|filename = HIM - Join Me (sample).ogg
|title = "Join Me in Death" (1999)
|description = "[[Join Me in Death]]" was HIM's breakthrough single, reaching number one in Finland and Germany, eventually going platinum in their home country, and gold in Germany and Austria.
}}
The overall sound of ''Razorblade Romance'' features less focus on guitar than the band's debut, in favor a sleeker and more melodic sound, influenced by the music of the 1980s.<ref name="BMReview"/><ref name="Soundi"/><ref name="Allmusic"/> "I Love You (Prelude to Tragedy)" was first considered for ''Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666'', and was thus demoed several times.<ref name="SynninViemää138">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.138. WSOY</ref> Valo described the song as an "apt intro for the record. Short, tight, and smacks you right in the face".<ref name="SynninViemää138"/> "Poison Girl" was written about a specific girl in Valo's life and about "how you can destroy something so beautiful".<ref name="SynninViemää138"/> "[[Join Me in Death]]" was the first single chosen from the album, and was written around the time of ''Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666''{{'}}s release.<ref name="SynninViemää132"/> Valo continued to work on the song for approximately two years, and took influence from '80s music and the album ''[[Isola (album)|Isola]]'' by [[Kent (band)|Kent]].<ref name="SynninViemää132"/> Lyrically, the song was inspired by ''[[Romeo and Juliet]]'', as well as [[Blue Öyster Cult]]'s "[[(Don't Fear) The Reaper]]", and talks about "how far are you willing to go for somebody you care for".<ref name="SynninViemää132"/><ref name="Wiki">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b8hOK890b8 |title=HIM – Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction? |publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=9 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512032757/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b8hOK890b8 |archive-date=12 May 2016 }}</ref> According to Valo, "Join Me in Death" was also the first song to feature "that corniness and tongue-in-cheek nature, that was missing from the first album".<ref name="SynninViemää132"/> The UK division of BMG initially refused to release the album, as they felt that "Join Me in Death" was too much of a "[[Schlager music|schlager]]", fearing it would ruin the rest of the album.<ref name="SynninViemää132"/>

"Right Here in My Arms" and "Resurrection" were written around the same time Valo was working on "Join Me in Death", thus both retain the same '80s influence.<ref name="SynninViemää138"/><ref name="SynninViemää139">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.139. WSOY</ref> Valo described "Right Here in My Arms" as a "[[Billy Idol]] ripoff" and "Resurrection" as what "[[Bon Jovi]] putting on goth masks" would sound like.<ref name="SynninViemää138"/><ref name="SynninViemää139"/> "Gone with the Sin" was singled out by Valo as one of his favorites from the album, calling it "a simple love song, but where the cliches have been turned on their heads".<ref name="SynninViemää139"/> Lyrically, the song was inspired by a relationship of Valo's, in which "both participants weren't doing that well".<ref name="Q&A">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp2bd1Rys4M |title=Ville Valo PV Fan Q&A Part 2 |publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=10 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011004608/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp2bd1Rys4M |archive-date=11 October 2013 }}</ref> Valo described "Razorblade Kiss" as HIM's "tribute to [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]] and rock 'n' roll" and "Bury Me Deep Inside Your Heart" as "[[Depeche Mode]] meets [[Roxette]]".<ref name="SynninViemää139"/> The bass line of "Heaven Tonight" makes use of a [[wah-wah pedal]], which was operated by Valo, while Mige played the part.<ref name="SynninViemää126">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.126. WSOY</ref> According to Valo, the "heaven" in the lyrics symbolizes "something happy happening or some sort of fulfillment".<ref name="SynninViemää139"/> "Death Is in Love with Us" was described by Valo as a "goth anthem" and was considered for the opening of the album.<ref name="SynninViemää139"/> "One Last Time" was written with the idea of having a happier end to the record, and was described by Valo as the "apology" at the end of the "romance" that begins with "I Love You (Prelude to Tragedy)", and serves as the final plea to "try one last time".<ref name="SynninViemää139"/> While recording vocals for the song, Valo was surrounded by the rest of the band (sans drummer [[Gas Lipstick|Mika "Gas Lipstick" Karppinen]]) sitting naked in a lotus position.<ref name="SynninViemää127"/> The band also forced keyboardist Juska Salminen to record the song naked, which took two hours of convincing.<ref name="SynninViemää127"/> For the international editions of the album, HIM also re-recorded the tracks "Your Sweet 666" and "[[Wicked Game]]" from their debut album, as well as "Stigmata Diaboli" from the EP ''[[666 Ways to Love: Prologue]]'', which was retitled "Sigillum Diaboli".<ref name="SynninViemää80">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.80. WSOY</ref>

==Release and promotion==
[[File:HER Cover art.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Cover art for ''Razorblade Romance'' under the moniker HER]]
HIM initially wanted to release ''Razorblade Romance'' in the fall of 1999 in Finland, in order to start a supporting tour, but BMG Germany refused, fearing the album would be bought there through importing.<ref name="SynninViemää132">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.132. WSOY</ref> Thus it was decided that ''Razorblade Romance'' would be released simultaneously in Finland and internationally.<ref name="SynninViemää132"/> "Join Me in Death" was released as the first single from the album in November 1999, and charted in seven countries, reaching number one in Finland and Germany.<ref name="FIN">{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.fi/tilastot/virallinen-lista/artistit/him|title=HIM Discography|publisher=Musiikkituottajat|access-date=9 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807112327/http://ifpi.fi/tilastot/virallinen-lista/artistit/him|archive-date=7 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="GERJoinMe">{{cite web |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-11688 |title=JOIN ME |publisher=Offiziele Deutsche Charts |access-date=8 June 2017 |language=de |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121034620/https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-11688 |archive-date=21 November 2017 }}</ref> "Join Me in Death" would eventually be [[Music recording sales certification|certified platinum]] in Finland, and gold in Germany and Austria.<ref name="FINcerts"/><ref name="GERcerts">{{cite certification|region=Germany|artist=HIM|access-date=7 February 2008}}</ref><ref name="AUTcerts">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.at/?section=goldplatin |title=Gold & Platin |access-date=7 February 2008 |publisher=IFPI Austria |language=de |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608024513/http://www.ifpi.at/?section=goldplatin |archive-date=8 June 2009 }}</ref> BMG had been reluctant to release the song as a single, but eventually complied, after the song was chosen to appear on the soundtrack of the 1999 [[science fiction]] film ''[[The Thirteenth Floor]]''.<ref name="SynninViemää132"/><ref name="SynninViemää134">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.134. WSOY</ref> The version included in the film and released as a single was an early mix, not included on the finished album.<ref name="SynninViemää132"/> Two music videos were produced for the song; the first featured the single mix as well as scenes from ''The Thirteenth Floor'', while the second was shot in England and directed by Billy Yukich.<ref name="JoinMe1">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V4AscLidWg|title=HIM – "Join Me in Death" (Music Video)|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=9 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409123735/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V4AscLidWg|archive-date=9 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="JoinMe2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdp4a3HUx60|title=HIM – "Join Me in Death" (''The Thirteenth Floor'' Music Video)|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=9 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319041125/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdp4a3HUx60|archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref> HIM was later invited to perform on Germany's ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' to promote the song.<ref name="SynninViemää134"/> ''Razorblade Romance'' was released on 24 January 2000 and charted in six countries, peaking at number one in Finland, Germany and Austria.<ref name="GER">{{cite web |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-3179 |title=RAZORBLADE ROMANCE |publisher=Offiziele Deutsche Charts |access-date=8 June 2017 |language=de |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319041125/https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-3179 |archive-date=19 March 2018 }}</ref><ref name="AUT">{{cite web |url=http://www.austriancharts.at/showinterpret.asp?interpret=HIM |title=Discographie HIM |publisher=AustrianCharts.at |access-date=7 February 2009 |language=de |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225025909/http://austriancharts.at/showinterpret.asp?interpret=HIM |archive-date=25 December 2011 }}</ref> The album would eventually go double platinum in Finland, triple gold in Germany, and gold in Austria.<ref name="FINcerts"/><ref name="GERcerts"/><ref name="AUTcerts"/> ''Razorblade Romance'' also charted at number eight on the US [[Top Heatseekers|Heatseekers Chart]] in January 2004, making it the band's first album to chart in the United States.<ref name="US">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/303494/him/chart?f=324|title=HIM - Heatseekers Chart history|publisher=[[Billboard charts|Billboard]]|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703040249/http://www.billboard.com/artist/303494/him/chart?f=324|archive-date=3 July 2016}}</ref>

After the album's release, HIM began the supporting tour for ''Razorblade Romance'' with a seventeen date Finnish leg, which was entirely sold-out.<ref name="SynninViemää159">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.159. WSOY</ref><ref name="SynninViemää160">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.160. WSOY</ref> This was followed by a European tour, which lasted nine months and 88 shows.<ref name="SynninViemää161">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.161. WSOY</ref> In May 2000, HIM also embarked on their first tour of England, which lasted six dates, starting at [[The Garage, London|The Garage]] in London.<ref name="SynninViemää164"/><ref name="SynninViemää165">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.165. WSOY</ref> The intense touring cycle and promotional work exhausted the band, to the point where Valo nearly fell off the balcony of a hotel, before being pulled back by friends, and Salminen ended up in the [[Emergency department|emergency room]] after a prank gone wrong.<ref name="SynninViemää161"/><ref name="SynninViemää162">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.162. WSOY</ref><ref name="SynninViemää163">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.163. WSOY</ref> HIM nearly disbanded during this time, but things eventually settled down and the band continued touring.<ref name="SynninViemää164">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.164. WSOY</ref> "Right Here in My Arms", "Gone with the Sin" and "Poison Girl" were released as the follow-up singles from the album, with the former two peaking at number one in Finland, and the latter at number three.<ref name="FIN"/> All three singles also made the [[GfK Entertainment Charts|German Singles Chart]] and received music videos.<ref name="GERAll">{{cite web |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche |title=HIM Discography |publisher=Offiziele Deutsche Charts |access-date=8 June 2017 |language=de |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102071930/http://i.imgur.com/My5ZAxf.jpg |archive-date=2 November 2015 }}</ref><ref name="RightHere">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SQGJ0rfIEk|title=HIM – "Right Here in My Arms" (Music Video)|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=9 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221122654/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SQGJ0rfIEk|archive-date=21 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="Gone">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifwf8RrU-94|title=HIM – "Gone with the Sin" (Music Video)|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=9 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924114822/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifwf8RrU-94|archive-date=24 September 2016}}</ref><ref name="Poison">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kya__ocHCk|title=HIM – "Poison Girl" (Music Video)|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=9 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617032308/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kya__ocHCk|archive-date=17 June 2016}}</ref> The re-recorded "Your Sweet 666" and "Wicked Game" were also released as singles in the UK, with the latter receiving a new music video.<ref name="WickedVid">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjGK-LRqAqI|title=HIM - Wicked Game (Music Video)|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=16 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419142617/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjGK-LRqAqI|archive-date=19 April 2017}}</ref><ref name="SynninViemää235">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.235. WSOY</ref>

HIM were awarded "Band of the Year", and "Album of the Year" for ''Razorblade Romance'', at the 2000 [[Emma-gaala|Emma Awards]], as well as the "Viewers' Choice Award", and "Video of the Year" for "Join Me in Death", at the 2000 [[VIVA Germany#Annual Conet Awards|VIVA Comet Awards]].<ref name="Emma">{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.fi/palkinnot/emmat/emma-palkinnon-voittajat#vuosi-2000|title=Emma-winners|publisher=Musiikkituottajat|access-date=9 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083049/http://www.ifpi.fi/palkinnot/emmat/emma-palkinnon-voittajat#vuosi-2000|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref><ref name="VIVA1">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxMCkSYtGCs|title=HIM @ VIVA Comet Awards 2000|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=25 April 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818053706/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxMCkSYtGCs|archive-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> ''Razorblade Romance'' would also be awarded at the 2004 [[Music recording sales certification#IFPI certification|IFPI Platinum Europe Awards]].<ref name="PlatinumEurope">{{cite web|url=http://www.singleeurope.com/platinum/ifpi0405.html|title=IFPI Platinum Europe - Certifications for May 2004|publisher=Singleeurope.com|access-date=25 April 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319041125/http://www.singleeurope.com/platinum/ifpi0405.html|archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref> In 2001, HIM were involved in a dispute over the rights to their name in the United States, as the moniker "HIM" was already owned by a drummer from a [[Chicago]] [[jazz fusion]] band of the same name.<ref name="SynninViemää30">Juho K. Juntunen (2002). ''HIM – Synnin viemää'' p.30. WSOY</ref><ref name="HIMHER1">{{cite web |title=HIM:istä tulee Amerikassa HER |url=https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000000039757.html |publisher=[[Ilta-Sanomat]] |date=19 July 2002 |access-date=5 July 2016 }}</ref> This meant that HIM were renamed HER in the US, and released ''Razorblade Romance'' under that moniker.<ref name="HIMHER1"/> A settlement was eventually reached between the two parties, which allowed both to retain the name HIM.<ref name="HIMHER2">{{cite web |title=HIM saa pitää nimensä USA:ssa |url=https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000000262760.html |publisher=[[Ilta-Sanomat]] |date=26 March 2003 |access-date=5 July 2016 }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Music ratings
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/razorblade-romance-mw0000326858|title=''Razorblade Romance'' Review|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=15 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721004225/http://www.allmusic.com/album/razorblade-romance-mw0000326858|archive-date=21 July 2016}}</ref>
|rev2 = [[Blabbermouth.net]]
|rev2score = 10/10<ref name="BMReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/razorblade-romance/|title=''Razorblade Romance'' Review|date=17 December 2001 |publisher=[[Blabbermouth]]|access-date=15 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813163720/http://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/razorblade-romance/|archive-date=13 August 2016}}</ref>
|rev3 = ''[[Helsingin Sanomat]]''
|rev3score = Positive<ref name="HSReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/art-2000003857836.html|title=''Razorblade Romance'' Review|date=24 January 2000 |publisher=[[Helsingin Sanomat]]|access-date=18 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118011819/https://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/art-2000003857836.html|archive-date=18 January 2018}}</ref>
|rev4 = Imperiumi.net
|rev4score = 9+/10<ref name="Imperiumi">{{cite web|url=http://www.imperiumi.net/index.php?act=albums&id=16257|title =''Razorblade Romance'' Review |publisher=Imperiumi.net |access-date=3 July 2017}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[Kerrang!]]''
| rev5score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Beebee |first=Steve |date=May 13, 2000 |title=Albums |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |publisher=[[EMAP]] |issue=801 |page=45}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[Metal Hammer]]''
| rev6Score = 8/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ewing |first=Jerry |date=June 2000 |title=Under the Hammer |magazine=[[Metal Hammer]] |location=UK |publisher=[[Future plc]] |issue=79 |page=69}}</ref>
|rev7 = ''[[Rock Hard (magazine)|Rock Hard]]''
|rev7score = 9/10<ref name="RockHard">{{cite web |url=https://www.rockhard.de/megazine/reviewarchiv/review-anzeigen/3831-razorblade-romance.html |title=''Razorblade Romance'' Review |publisher=[[Rock Hard (magazine)|Rock Hard]] |access-date=3 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319041125/https://www.rockhard.de/megazine/reviewarchiv/review-anzeigen/3831-razorblade-romance.html |archive-date=19 March 2018 }}</ref>
|rev8 = ''Rumba''
|rev8score = 8/10<ref name="Rumba">{{cite web|url=https://www.rumba.fi/artikkelit/nostalgiamatka-rumban-arkistoista/|title=HIM-nostalgiamatka Rumban arkistoista|publisher=Rumba|access-date=17 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610220347/http://www.rumba.fi/artikkelit/nostalgiamatka-rumban-arkistoista/|archive-date=10 June 2017}}</ref>
|rev9 = ''Soundi''
|rev9score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Soundi">{{cite web|url=http://www.soundi.fi/levyarviot/him-razorblade-romance/|title=''Razorblade Romance'' Review|publisher=Soundi|access-date=15 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722133456/http://www.soundi.fi/levyarviot/him-razorblade-romance/|archive-date=22 July 2016}}</ref>
}}
''Razorblade Romance'' received mostly positive reviews from critics. Borivoj Krgin of [[Blabbermouth.net]] gave the album ten out of ten, and called it "yet another amazingly crafted album from Europe's best-kept secret".<ref name="BMReview"/> He described the material as being the strongest he'd heard in years, singling out Valo's songwriting ability to blend "goth metal influences with mindlessly catchy pop melodies" as a "virtually unbeatable combination".<ref name="BMReview"/> Krgin also felt that the album's appeal would extend to a "much wider cross-section of the rock world" than many of the band's peers.<ref name="BMReview"/> Taavi Lindfors of Imperiumi.net called ''Razorblade Romance'' one of the milestones of Finnish heavy music, and awarded it a nine-plus out of ten.<ref name="Imperiumi"/> He singled out the songwriting and Valo's vocal delivery as particular highlights, and felt that nearly every song on the album had "the potential to be a hit".<ref name="Imperiumi"/>

Holger Stratmann of ''[[Rock Hard (magazine)|Rock Hard]]'', who rated the album nine out of ten, praised HIM's ability to surpass their debut and their skill to write "simple, compact earworms".<ref name="RockHard"/> Particular praise was also given to Valo's vocals and Gas Lipstick's drumming, which were echoed by Antti Mattila of ''Soundi'', who awarded the album four stars out of five.<ref name="Soundi"/> Mattila compared the material as being lighter and more accessible than the band's debut, and commended the album's production, remarking: "a sound this strong isn't created out of nothing".<ref name="Soundi"/> ''Rumba''{{'}}s Tero Valkonen gave ''Razorblade Romance'' eight out of ten, praising both the performances of the band and Valo, but noted the production as "playing it safe".<ref name="Rumba"/> Jarkko Jokelainen of ''Helsingin Sanomat'' was generally positive in his review of ''Razorblade Romance'', giving praise to Valo's performance, but criticized some of the material backing him as sounding "flat".<ref name="HSReview"/> Antti J. Ravelin of [[AllMusic]] was mixed in his review, calling the album "over-produced" and awarding it two-and-a-half stars out of five.<ref name="Allmusic"/> He did still commend the material and stated that "horrendous cliches in lyrics and playing don't really matter, because HIM recycles them well".<ref name="Allmusic"/> He concluded by stating: "the songs as a whole are organized well, and it's easy to listen the album the whole way through."<ref name="Allmusic"/>

In 2017, Valo revisited ''Razorblade Romance'' and called it the band's "success", stating: "With this record we created a gilded cage for ourselves. Something wonderful, that you're the captive of".<ref name="HS">{{cite web |title=Jäähyväiset HIMille – Ville Valo kertoo, miksi Suomen suurin rockyhtye lopettaa ja mitä siitä seuraa |url=http://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/art-2000005275642.html |publisher=[[Helsingin Sanomat]] |date=2 July 2017 |access-date=2 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702014901/http://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/art-2000005275642.html |archive-date=2 July 2017 }}</ref> ''[[Loudwire]]'' later ranked ''Razorblade Romance'' as HIM's best record and described it as "the definitive love metal album".<ref name="Ranked">{{cite web|title=HIM Albums Ranked|date=27 July 2017 |url=http://loudwire.com/him-albums-ranked/|publisher=[[Loudwire]]|access-date=24 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824135226/http://loudwire.com/him-albums-ranked/|archive-date=24 August 2017}}</ref> ''KaaosZine'' felt similarly, ranking ''Razorblade Romance'' third in the band's discography, describing it as an album "full of vigorous pop songs, equipped catchy choruses".<ref name="Ranked2">{{cite web|title=Tuotanto ruodinnassa: HIM|date=27 December 2017 |url=http://kaaoszine.fi/tuotanto-ruodinnassa-him/|publisher=Kaaoszine|access-date=29 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229172107/http://kaaoszine.fi/tuotanto-ruodinnassa-him/|archive-date=29 December 2017}}</ref>

In 2021, it was named one of the 20 best metal albums of 1999 by ''[[Metal Hammer]]'' magazine.<ref name="MHtop2099">{{cite web |title=The Top 20 best metal albums of 1999 |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-top-20-best-metal-albums-of-1999 |website=[[Metal Hammer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=6 March 2021 |date=21 January 2021}}</ref>

==Track listing==
===Original release===
All tracks written by [[Ville Valo]], except where noted.
{{track listing
| total_length    = 42:40
| title1   = I Love You (Prelude to Tragedy)
| length1  = 3:09
| title2   = Poison Girl
| length2  = 3:51
| title3   = [[Join Me in Death]]
| length3  = 3:36
| title4   = Right Here in My Arms
| length4  = 4:03
| title5   = Gone with the Sin
| length5  = 4:22
| title6   = Razorblade Kiss
| length6  = 4:18
| title7   = Bury Me Deep Inside Your Heart
| length7  = 4:16
| title8   = Heaven Tonight 
| length8  = 3:18
| title9   = Death Is in Love with Us
| length9  = 2:58
| title10   = Resurrection 
| length10  = 3:39
| title11   = One Last Time
| length11  = 5:10
}}

===UK release===
{{track listing
| total_length    = 45:39
| title1   = Your Sweet 666
| length1  = 3:58
| title2   = Poison Girl
| length2  = 3:51
| title3   = Join Me in Death
| length3  = 3:37
| title4   = Right Here in My Arms
| length4  = 4:02
| title5   = Bury Me Deep Inside Your Heart
| length5  = 4:16
| title6   = [[Wicked Game#Other versions|Wicked Game]]
| length6  = 4:06
| writer6  = [[Chris Isaak]]
| title7   = I Love You
| length7  = 3:10
| title8   = Gone with the Sin
| length8  = 4:22
| title9   = Razorblade Kiss 
| length9  = 4:20
| title10   = Resurrection 
| length10  = 3:39
| title11   = Death Is in Love with Us 
| length11  = 2:59
| title12   = Heaven Tonight
| length12  = 3:19
}}

===US release===
{{track listing
| total_length    = 54:38
| title1   = Your Sweet Six Six Six
| length1  = 3:56
| title2   = Poison Girl
| length2  = 3:51
| title3   = Join Me in Death 
| length3  = 3:36
| title4   = Right Here in My Arms 
| length4  = 4:00
| title5   = Bury Me Deep Inside Your Heart 
| length5  = 4:15
| title6   = Wicked Game 
| length6  = 4:04
| writer6  = Chris Isaak
| title7   = I Love You (Prelude to Tragedy) 
| length7  = 3:09
| title8   = Gone with the Sin 
| length8  = 4:21
| title9   = Razorblade Kiss 
| length9  = 4:18
| title10   = Resurrection
| length10  = 3:39
| title11   = Death Is in Love with Us 
| length11  = 2:57
| title12   = Heaven Tonight 
| length12  = 3:18
| title13   = Sigillum Diaboli 
| length13  = 3:53
| title14   = One Last Time 
| length14  = 5:08
}}

===Limited edition bonus disc===
{{track listing
| total_length    = 71:73
| title1   = Right Here in My Arms
| note1    = live
| length1  = 5:39
| title2   = Your Sweet 666
| note2    = live
| length2  = 4:15
| title3   = Poison Girl
| note3    = live
| length3  = 3:45
| title4   = Death Is in Love with Us
| note4    = live
| length4  = 3:01
| title5   = Wicked Game
| note5    = live
| writer5  = Chris Isaak
| length5  = 6:24
| title6   = Join Me in Death
| note6    = live
| length6  = 6:25
}}

===HER track listing===
{{track listing
| total_length    = 60:98
| title1   = Your Sweet 666
| length1  = 3:56
| title2   = Poison Girl
| length2  = 3:51
| title3   = Join Me in Death 
| length3  = 3:36
| title4   = Right Here in My Arms 
| length4  = 4:00
| title5   = Bury Me Deep Inside Your Heart 
| length5  = 4:15
| title6   = Wicked Game 
| length6  = 4:04
| writer6  = Chris Isaak
| title7   = I Love You 
| length7  = 3:09
| title8   = Gone with the Sin 
| length8  = 4:21
| title9   = Razorblade Kiss 
| length9  = 4:18
| title10   = Resurrection
| length10  = 3:39
| title11   = Death Is in Love with Us 
| length11  = 2:57
| title12   = Heaven Tonight 
| length12  = 3:18
| title13   = Sigillum Diaboli 
| length13  = 3:53
| title14   = The 9th Circle (OLT)*
| length14  = 5:09
| title15   = One Last Time 
| length15  = 5:08
}}

* Only at the HER release (or the limited edition)

===Remastered edition bonus disc (2014)===
{{track listing
| total_length    = 31:52
| title1     = I Love You
| note1      = TRNSFRMTN version
| length1    = 4:20
| title2     = Resurrection
| note2      = PRCX version
| length2    = 3:45
| title3     = Right Here in My Arms
| note3      = live at El Teatro Flores BS.AS.MMXIV
| length3    = 4:10
| title4     = Poison Girl
| note4      = Strongroom Sessions
| length4    = 4:06
| title5     = Bury Me Deep Inside Your Heart
| note5      = Strongroom Sessions
| length5    = 4:14
| title6     = Death Is in Love with Us
| note6      = live at Helldone SJK MMXIII
| length6    = 3:19
| title7     = Join Me in Death
| note7      = PRCX Version
| length7    = 3:35
| title8     = Gone with the Sin
| note8      = Strongroom Sessions
| length8    = 4:23
}}

==Personnel==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
;HIM
*[[Ville Valo]] − vocals
*[[Linde Lindström|Mikko "Linde" Lindström]] − guitars
*[[Mige (musician)|Mikko "Mige" Paananen]] − bass
*Jussi-Mikko "Juska" Salminen − keyboards
*[[Gas Lipstick|Mika "Gas Lipstick" Karppinen]] − drums
{{col-2}}
;Production
*[[John Fryer (producer)|John Fryer]] − production, engineering, mixing
*[[George Marino]] − mastering
*Jouko Lehtola − photography
*Tanja Savolainen − make-up
*Janne Uotila - artwork
{{col-end}}

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2000–2015)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
{{album chart|Austria|1|artist=HIM|album=Razorblade Romance|rowheader=true|access-date=3 November 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|Flanders|47|artist=HIM|album=Razorblade Romance|rowheader=true|access-date=3 November 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|78|artist=HIM|album=Razorblade Romance|rowheader=true|access-date=3 November 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|Finland|1|artist=HIM|album=Razorblade Romance|rowheader=true|access-date=3 November 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|Germany4|1|id=3179|artist=HIM|album=Razorblade Romance|rowheader=true|access-date=3 November 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|Hungary|25|year=2000|week=20|rowheader=true|access-date=26 November 2021}}
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|8|artist=HIM|album=Razorblade Romance|rowheader=true|access-date=3 November 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardHeatseekers|8|artist=HIM|rowheader=true|access-date=3 November 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardVinyl|9|artist=HIM|rowheader=true|access-date=3 November 2020}}
|}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2000)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=a&id=2000|title=Jahreshitparade Alben 2000|website=austriancharts.at|access-date=3 November 2020}}</ref>
| 15
|-
! scope="row"| European Albums (''Music & Media'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/00s/2000/MM-2000-12-23.pdf |title=Year in Focus – European Top 100 Albums 2000 |magazine=Music & Media |volume=17 |issue=52 |date=23 December 2000 |page=9 |oclc=29800226 |via=American Radio History|access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref>
| 36
|-
! scope="row"| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-jahr/for-date-2000|title=Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts|language=de|publisher=[[GfK Entertainment]]|access-date=8 September 2016}}</ref>
| 7
|-
! scope="row"| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hitparade.ch/charts/jahreshitparade/2000|title=Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2000|website=hitparade.ch|access-date=3 November 2020}}</ref>
| 41
|}
{{col-end}}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Razorblade Romance|artist=HIM|relyear=2000|region=Austria|type=album|award=Gold|certyear=2000|access-date=25 July 2017}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Razorblade Romance|artist=HIM|relyear=2000|type=album|region=Finland|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2001|access-date=25 July 2017|salesamount=101,036|domestic=true|refname=FINcerts}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Razorblade Romance|artist=HIM|relyear=2000|region=Germany|type=album|award=Gold|number=3|certyear=2001|access-date=25 July 2017}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Razorblade Romance|artist=HIM|relyear=2000|region=Poland|type=album|award=Gold|certyear=2000|access-date=30 September 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Razorblade Romance|artist=HIM|relyear=2000|region=Switzerland|type=album|award=Gold|certyear=2000|access-date=30 September 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Razorblade Romance|artist=HIM|relyear=2000|region=United Kingdom|type=album|award=Silver|certyear=2013|certmonth=07|id=8987-2400-2|access-date=17 May 2019}}
{{Certification Table Bottom}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.heartagram.com/}}

{{HIM}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2000 albums]]
[[Category:HIM (Finnish band) albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by John Fryer (producer)]]
[[Category:Albums recorded at Rockfield Studios]]