H.I.M. Frontman Records Duet With German Soap Opera Star; Audio Available

H.I.M. frontman Ville Valo recently recorded a new duet, this time with German soap opera star Natalia Avelon on a song that will be included on the soundtrack to the movie "8 Miles High" about the life of Uschi Obermaier (played by Natalia). The track "Summer Wine" will be released as single in January 2007, according with SWR3.de. Check out a radio-broadcast-quality recording of "Summer Wine" at www.h-i-m666.com.

In other news, Valo attended Finland's annual President's Independence Day reception on December 6. The reception — one of the main features on the country's social calendar — is broadcast on television and many of Finland's best known politicians, executives, academics, artists and others who have had significant achievements during the year can be seen formally greeting the president before taking a twirl on the dance floor. Watch footage of Villeshaking hands with the president of Finland Tarja Halonen and talking to Finnish TV during the reception.

H.I.M.'s latest album, "Dark Light" (2005),has been officially certified gold in the U.S. for sales in excess of 500,000 copies. The single "Wings of a Butterfly" peaked at No. 19 on Billboard's Modern Rock chart and No. 20 on the Mainstream Rock tally, according to Billboard.com. "Dark Light" has sold more than 900,000 copies worldwide.

H.I.M. in September cancelled a two-week North American tour and has instead announced plans to hit the studio to record a new album, with an eye on a 2007 release via Sire. The trek was to begin Oct. 18 in Lowell, Mass., and wrap Oct. 31 in Universal City, Calif.