There exists a subgenre of music that I’m not too familiar with, other than seeing it occasionally on TV. Designed to shock and occasionally repulse, this niche lives on the fringe of accepted musical genres. Often touted as over the top, campy, and ridiculous – it’s a spectacle every time. I am, of course, referring to Eurovision Song Contest winners.
Tonight’s band – shock horror metal band, Lordi were a surprise entrant to the annual competition in 2006 and were an even more surprise winner. Tonight they’re bringing the metal to SWG3 and we’re going to see if it’s as amazing in person.
The support for tonight is Sick N’ Beautiful. I’m not sure if that refers to the band as a whole or our front woman… could be either. I’m also unsure if the blistering hot weather outside is causing the air con in here to be on full blast, because it is cold! As the band walk on, it’s barely full too… so the odds are against them. What they do well is use the set and props laid out for Lordi very well. Using the huge, Giger-esque mic stands like an arch – front and centre to create a focal point for vocalist Herma to do her thing and make sure all eyes are on her. The neon green, LED chestpiece also seems to ensure the focus is on her too, mind you.
The rest of the band are looking spectacular as alien-monster-entities. My personal favourite being the drummer who might be Medusa, a fish being, or Old Greg. The shade of green on their skin does look pretty awesome, though. Herma apologizes for not being able to use their superpowers – which I put down as meaning pyro as she said it was for the crowd’s safety. That doesn’t bode well for the headliners, but the set already looks spectacular.
Everything looks so good, it almost distracts me from telling you how the band sounds. It’s more industrial hard rock than metal. The vocals are plenty metal, though and plenty good. There’s one song that’s almost like a ’90s rap song with metal guitars behind it. Even if it’s not your thing, you can’t deny it’s interesting. There’s nothing too left of field that’ll send you running for the hills, unless you count a few squeals of unintentional feedback from the microphone. It’ll definitely get your head bobbing.
Before Lordi come on, it’s clear the Alien-inspired mic stands were actually for the opener although they weren’t used as such. The set is clear and it’s looking pretty glorious. You know what it reminds me of? When I was little, I had a board game called “Ghost Castle”. It featured a 3D, cardboard, haunted castle with trap doors and little runs that you would roll a glow in the dark skull down. That’s what this stage looks like and it’s beautiful nostalgia.
I was right to fear the lack of pyro for the supports… there’s none of that tonight. What there is, is lots of smoke and lights blasting over the set, along with costumes that are pretty awe inspiring to see in person. Not only that, but a couple of songs deep, we get banter from front man (monster?) Mr Lordi and it’s pretty funny. There’s no intimidation or aggression from this band. It’s all about fun, which may not be obvious for those seeing the band from outside the fandom.
It’s not overtly tongue-in-cheek, but there is an element of that. Where most metal bands hail Satan, these guys have a song that exclaims “the devil is a loser, and he’s my bitch”. How can you not love that? I’ve not even mentioned ‘Who’s Your Daddy?’…
Putting the spectacle aside, along with the big smiles, tonight sounds great. Big, chunky riffs with an awesome be bedrock of synth below it. Mr Lordi sounds so good that the costume almost does him a disservice by distracting from a voice that is up there with Dickinson and Halford. There’s fantastic stage presence from the guitarist and bassist (Kone and Hiisi) as they dodge about the stage, and keyboardist Hella looks menacing.
Even if you’re not a long time fan, or a fan at all… there’s a bit of something for everyone here. Even if you want to go see a show that’ll make you smile – this is the one. Now I want to find more monsters to watch play music… and in the meantime, I’m off to watch Tales From The Crypt for no reason.
Photos by Catching Light Photography
Catching Light Photography
- Chuck Ragan / Nate Bergman - 30 April 2025
- Uninvited - 27 April 2025
- The LaFontaines / Glass Cheques - 25 April 2025