Following several months of negotiations, Finnish goth-metallers H.I.M. have confirmed that they have signed an exclusive worldwide recording contract with Sire Records. The agreement covers four successive releases and an option for fifth, and includes not only Europe but also the U.S., Japan and Australia.

Sire Records, part of the Warner Music Group, is one of the most legendary American labels and the original home of THE RAMONES, TALKING HEADS and MADONNA.

The Sire deal, which was announced by Sire Records founder Seymour Stein and President Michael Goldstone, does not include Finland, where future H.I.M. records will be released on the band's own Heartagram label.

Commenting on the signing, Seymour Stein remarked, "Bringing H.I.M. to Sire Records is one of the most exciting events since the re-launch of the label. The fact that they picked Sire for international distribution is a tremendous coup for us and one that underscores the label’s reputation as a magnet for great music."

"H.I.M. has forged its own unique culture and devout following and is a perfect match for Sire," added Goldstone. "We feel privileged to be collaborating with H.I.M. on their future musical endeavors and welcome them to the Sire family."

H.I.M. singer/main songwriter Ville Valo has been working on new material over the summer and the band hope to start producing their next album in January or February.

Later this year, H.I.M. will be touring the U.K. and the U.S. Support on the U.K. dates will come from CATHEDRAL, while the opening bands in the U.S. will be MELISSA AUF DER MAUR (ex-HOLE, SMASHING PUMPKINS) and MONSTER MAGNET. Exact cities and dates for the U.S. tour will be announced shortly.