Think ALICE COOPER and KISS — now make their sound a little heavier, add some darkness, lyrics about monsters and creatures, and finally, an utterly unique make-up that transforms the musicians into monsters, the application of which takes many hours. The project is only a few years old, with two albums recorded in that time and dozens of concerts given in their native Finland and across Europe. The news that the band was coming to russia was quite unexpected but very welcome. The concert did indeed take place on 5 November 2005, and it was the finest stage show your humble servant has ever witnessed.
It began with over an hour's delay, apparently related to the preparation of Lordi's make-up. The band's musicians appeared first — all in make-up that made them unrecognisable. Notably, the musicians use make-up rather than masks, though masks are also present, including on the drummer.
Green and orange lighting, abundant smoke, assistants running around in death costumes, four musicians, and finally Lordi himself. Portly, with a black beard, made up in a way that left the others looking ordinary by comparison — it was simply fantastic. After every two or three songs Lordi changed his costumes.
He first appeared in an enormous animal hide and wolf mask; the outfit was soon changed to a colourful, cheerful costume, after which during the performance of the slow and ceremonious "Children of the Night", Lordi came out carrying a smoking skull. Then more costume changes, various props such as a large piece of raw meat (this one is admittedly borrowed, like it or not, from MAYHEM), and so on.
The audience was in a state of euphoria. The only thing that disappointed people was the fact that the concert lasted exactly one hour or even slightly less. Having sung 10 songs in the main setlist (the band's songs average no more than 4 minutes), two more songs were performed as encores, and the concert was crowned by the band's most famous song, "Would You Love A Monsterman". During the encore Lordi appeared in yet another costume — with light bulbs glowing on both sleeves.
I see no reason to write a long report in this situation — the concert was memorable first and foremost for the show, not for the musical side. We hope the band will visit us again next year with a longer programme.
Instead of a long report — I invite you to view the concert photographs; in this case they speak far more eloquently.
Report by Alan
Photo report from the concert (photos by Gunslinger)
Special thanks to SPIKA MERCHANDISING for the accreditation provided.
Setlist:
1. Intro – Scarctic Circle Gathering 2. Get Heavy 3. Rock The Hell Outta You 4. Blood Red Sandman 5. Children Of The Night 6. Wake The Snake 7. Pet The Destroyer 8. Forsaken Fashion Dolls 9. Not The Nicest Guy 10. My Heaven Is Your Hell 11. Devil Is A Loser
— encore — 12. Biomechanic Man 13. Would You Love A Monsterman 14. Outro