Finnish Monster Invasion with Lordi at The Whisky in Hollywood, CA.

It has been nine years since Finnish monster metal band Lordi found the right opportunity to return to the States after their 2009 tour with Lizzy Borden. The band’s tour began February 2nd, 2017 in Vancouver, Canada and consists of 25 shows coast to coast. I am fortunate that I saw them on their last tour and was back again for their performance February 8th at the world famous Whisky A Go Go.

Lordi released their eighth studio album ‘Monstereophonic (Theaterror vs. Demonarchy)’ on September 16th, 2016. The release consists of two distinctively different sides, both musically and conceptually. This is such a great idea, and way to please fans who enjoy both sides of Lordi. Side A (Theaterror) is classic hard rock Lordi style songs and Side B (Demonarchy) has a different conceptual approach with songs six minutes long.

Band members wore full monster gear containing elements from both Theaterror vs. Demonarchy and played 14 songs during their set, in addition to solos from bass player OX, drummer Mana, and keyboard player Hella.

It’s no surprise that Lordi would choose a KISS song to enter the stage to, since KISS was the first rock band Mr. Lordi ever heard, and there probably wouldn’t even be a Lordi if it wasn’t for KISS. KISS’ “God of Thunder” played over the PA as a purple court jester lead the monster-clad members of Lordi slowly down The Whisky stairs to the stage.

Once the monsters took their places, they began with one of their many anthems, and the perfect song to begin the set with, “Let’s Go Slaughter He-Man.” This was followed by the title track off “Babez for Breakfast.” At that point, Mr. Lordi asked if we had to go to work or school the next day. He proceeded to say that he called all of our bosses and said we aren’t coming in, and to tell that “f*cker to talk to him if they have a problem.”

Well, alright Mr. Lordi! I think this night just got even better for most of us in the crowd! Next song of the night was “The Riff.” Afterwards he said it has been nine years since they have played the States and this was the first time ever playing The Whisky. Mr. Lordi continued on that they were “tight and cute, like virgins.” Which, if you are looking at these six-foot-tall monsters, it’s pretty funny thinking of them being “tight and cute,” but that’s just the type of over-the-top sense of humor that Mr. Lordi has!

They gave us a real treat after “The Riff,” with a song that they hadn’t played live in thirteen years… “Hellbender Turbulence.” In keeping with Lordi’s sense of humor and ongoing sexual innuendos, he said that sometimes, like girls, they have to suck. He even made a joke about seeing more about that after the show. Not sure how that sounds on “paper,” but in person, it totally worked! The song didn’t “suck,” and fans followed Mr. Lordi’s lead by singing and swaying along the entire time!

A few minutes afterwards, OX took over the stage for a bass solo. However, it seemed like the local nun wasn’t too happy with it because she came onstage to try and stop him. That didn’t work out too well for her though, because within seconds, she was sliced, slapped, and sent away.

After the nun’s demise, the band went back to their first release, 2002’s ‘Get Heavy’ for back-to-back songs “Bite It Like A Bulldog” (The first song I ever heard from Lordi in 2008 and the reason I fell in love with them) and “Icon of Dominance” (one of my top favorite Lordi songs). 

During “Hug You Hardcore” I wondered if they were going to bring any of the graphic symbolism from their uncensored video, but they just gave it to us straightforward… As straightforward as five monsters can give it.

A pope attempted to stop Mr. Lordi from contaminating our souls with rock n’ roll during “Down with the Devil.” However, it looks like he should have taken a lesson from the nun, because Mr. Lordi took him down with his own cross!

Lordi rounded out their set with “Blood Red Sandman,” “Hard Rock Hallelujah,” “Devil is a Loser, “ and “Who’s Your Daddy,” before ending with “Would You Love A Monsterman?”

YES, Lordi. The answer is yes… We WOULD love a monsterman, and we DO! Lordi put on an amazing show at The Whisky, complete with tongue-in-check rock n’ roll and full-costume stage show and theatrics. I definitely recommend checking out Lordi, picking up a copy of their latest release ‘Monstereophonic (Theaterror vs. Demonarchy),’ and catching them live if you have the opportunity!

Photo’s by Jaymz Eberly of EberlyPhoto.com