"When good music started to get rare in 90's he started writing his own music, following Paul Stanley's advice"
Hailing from Arctic Lapland, Lordi became a phenomenon in Finland with the platinum-selling debut album Get Heavy in 2002. Since then, the band has scored Finnish hits with the albums 'The Monsterican Dream' (2004) and 'The Arockalypse' (2006). The compilation album 'The Monster Show' has also been released in more than 20 countries.
The band was created by vocalist Tomi Putaansuu. Putaansuu, who has
been interested in heavy metal since he was a boy, and a fan of KISS
(president of Kiss Army Finland, Kiss fan club) - formed Lordi when
he was 18 years old.
When good music started to get rare in 90's he started writing his own
music, following Paul Stanley's advice: "if you don't like music
that's around start your own band". It took him many years until
the dream came true and they finally released their debut album in 2002.
Tomi studied film making and created Lordi's frist music video.
Meantime in 90's he also constructed monster masks and clothing which
is now their trade mark along with live shows full of flames and explosions.
Their album went topping the finnish charts and it was also released
in Germany. Second album came out in 2004 and 3rd is released in March
2006.
At the present time Lordi are: Lordi (vocals), Amen (guitar), Ox (bass),
Kita (drums), Awa (keyboards). At the Finnish preselection they were
joined by Thunderstone's lead singer Pasi Rantanen on backing vocals.
And yet it looks and sounds like a winning combination. 'Hard Rock Hallelujah'
is not only the most rocking Eurovision entry since ABBA's 'Waterloo'
back in 1974, it also has one of the catchiest tunes. And Lordi put
on the best show since Bjorn Ulvaeus rocked his star-shaped guitar 32
years ago: not only does the band put the rock back into the Eurovision,
it also puts the fun back into rock.
Enjoying the music of evil-looking creatures isn't the same as condoning
evil, of course. Although some people have misinterpreted Lordi's fascination
with monsters and death, the band is by no means the Devil's advocate.
Lordi has, after all, had a hit in Finland with a song called 'Devil
Is A Loser'.
"We have the same aesthetic as horror films," says Lordi.
"The scarier the film, the more fun it is. And rock music should
be all about fun."
Way-hey! Now we're talking. Finland, the perennial underachievers of Eurosong, finally have an eye on a modicum of success. Although their no holds barred style always entertains, no-one was prepared for the unearthening of these from tthe Northern tundra. I don't know what they feed them in Lapland, but these lot sure ain't santa's elves. Lordi are a motley collection of grotesques, who play hard rock and, to me at least, represent Finnish culture extremely well. This is a cracking piece of trivial noise, and what with the novelty factor of orcs and a solid rock tune, it must surely make it into the final. For sure, the olive producing nations will be considerably confused by this, and it shouldn't win as a result, but by the lordi, you have to give Finland big credits this year. What they've given the Eurovision is a new form of Eurosong music, the best video of the year (cheerleaders being knocked off their feet by a 7ft disease-ridden ogre (1 foot of platforms), controversy, and the required healthy dollop of tongue-in-cheek enjoyment. I shall be draped in the blue cross during the semi-final. Lordi, I salute you.
"Monster Monster Monster, quite literally"
The Moog of Willo the Wisp
Our orc-faced Finnish lead singer would (but in actuality doesn't) seem to know an awful lot about the Moog..."The Moog is a very simple dog for whom bones are the raison d'etre. He has no brain, so he cannot think. If, by the odd unfortunate blip, he does have some sort of brain function - it usually ends in disaster or a very bad headache. The Moog tries very hard and is a concerned and caring inhabitant of the woods. He is full of innocent enthusiasm and even seems to trust Evil Edna. When the Moog looks mad, he rocks!"
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| Mr Lordi
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Uruk Hai
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Hard Rock Hallelujah
The saints are crippled
On this sinners' night
Lost are the lambs with no guiding light
The walls come down like thunder
The rocks about to roll
It's The Arockalypse
Now bare your soul
All we need is lightning
With power and might
Striking down the prophets of false
As the moon is rising
Give us the sign
Now let us rise up in awe
Rock 'n roll angels bring thyn hard rock hallelujah
Demons and angels all in one have arrived
Rock 'n roll angels bring thyn hard rock hallelujah
In God's creation supernatural high
The true believers
Thou shall be saved
Brothers and sisters keep strong in the faith
On the day of Rockoning
It's who dares wins
You will see the jokers soon'll be the new kings
All we need is lightning
With power and might
Striking down the prophets of false
As the moon is rising
Give us the sign
Now let us rise up in awe
Rock 'n roll angels bring thyn hard rock hallelujah
Demons and angels all in one have arrived
Rock 'n roll angels bring thyn hard rock hallelujah
In God's creation supernatural high
Wings on my back
I got horns on my head
My fangs are sharp
And my eyes are red
Not quite an angel
Or the one that fell
Now choose to join us or go straight to Hell
Hard Rock Hallelujah!
Hard Rock Hallelujah!
Hard Rock Hallelujah!
Hard Rock Hallelujah!
Rock 'n roll angels bring thyn hard rock hallelujah
Demons and angels all in one have arrived
Rock 'n roll angels bring thyn hard rock hallelujah
In God's creation supernatural high
Hard Rock Hallelujah!
