Monsters, mayhem and metal: Finland's Lordi brings North American tour to Lancaster on Friday

Last Sunday, I had the immense pleasure of speaking by telephone with Mr. Lordi, frontman and creator of Finnish hard rock/heavy metal band Lordi.

For those who have neither heard nor seen the band, its themes are monsters and horror. But we can’t forget the rockin’ riffs, thundering drums, funky keys and clean vocals. This combination creates a theatrical performance that audiences can easily get involved in.

Since its well-deserved record deal in 2002, Lordi has made a lasting impression on fans around the world. It’s been nearly a decade since the band has toured the United States, and as I gathered from the interview, Lordi’s devoted fans are psyched to have them back.

So, what’s the story of Lordi?

“The question is short, but the answer is long,” Mr. Lordi explains. “In ‘92, I started making demos under the name Lordi; by ‘94, I got the whole monster image involved, and it took eight years before we got our first record deal.”

The band’s success comes from pure passion.

“The whole band is a combination of all the things that I love.”

Lordi is a five-piece band, and, on top of playing instruments or singing, all band members wear intricate, horrific costumes. Naturally, these characters have names and personas, crafted by the band.

“Whenever there is someone joining the band,” Mr. Lordi says, “I ask them, you know, ‘What is your favorite kind of monster, or what kind of monster would you like to be?’ ”

The current lineup consists of Mr. Lordi on vocals, Amen on guitar, OX on bass, Mana on drums and Hella on keyboards.

Mr. Lordi filled me in on the band's typical live show.  

“What you’re going to get, guaranteed, is monsters playing heavy rock, that’s for sure.”

He went on to explain that other theatrics depend on each venue’s rules and regulations.

“There are people who aren’t letting us use smoke machines. They are not happy with us using fake blood,” he says. “Unfortunately, in many places we have to [tone down] the show.”

Mr. Lordi did promise no matter what the venue does or does not allow, the band, which performs Friday at the Chameleon Club in Lancaster, will put forth an engaging, fun performance.

The show must go on, and Mr. Lordi starts “making [himself] pretty” around three hours before the band's set.

“It takes about two-and-a-half hours [to put] on the face alone, and 15 to 20 minutes for the costume.”

I’m sure you’re all as curious, as I was, to learn how challenging it is to perform in such an intricate costume.

“I don’t know!” Mr. Lordi says, “because it’s been such a long time since I’ve performed without it.” He pauses, and adds, “But [it’s sweaty] … within the first two minutes, you start sweating. It’s like putting a full-body sized condom on you. It doesn’t breathe. Latex doesn’t breathe.”

As vital as the performance is, it’s the fans who get to enjoy it. I learned quickly that fans both new and experienced, young and old, are very important to the band. Mr. Lordi explained that he enjoys speaking with them, taking photos, and mingling.

“I’m a huge fan myself [of other bands], so I know what it’s like to be on the other side.”

Lastly, as Lordi is a metal band, I had to ask about the misconceptions people have about metal musicians and metal fans.

“That we’re crazy, or we’re violent, or we’re somehow too aggressive,” Mr. Lordi says. “For example, in Helsinki, Finland, there is the biggest metal festival in Scandinavia... The performers and the audience look like [a metal, hardcore audience]. But it is the festival that has the least arrests or [bad behavior], compared to a pop festival or anything like that … I think the metal crowd is much kinder, and much more open-minded than people might think.”

Needless to say, if you’re lucky enough to attend a Lordi show, make an effort to talk to the band, or make a friend in the audience. Metal folks aren’t that scary!

So, readers, would you love a Monsterman? (Yes, that’s one of their songs). Lordi’s tour continues into March, and you can check the dates on their website: www.lordi.fi.

If you can’t make it to a show, purchase some merch or give their music a listen.

Lordi performs an all-ages show Friday at the Chameleon Club, 223 N. Water S., Lancaster. Show time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $20-$22. Information: 717-299-9684; chameleonclub.net.

Olivia Willard is a 2013 Central Bucks East graduate and former four-year reality panelist.