Lordi

"Limited edition: an edition of a book, or reproduction of a print or object, limited to a specific number of copies." LORDI’s latest release, “Limited Deadition,” is a unique blend of nostalgia and heavy metal creativity, embodying the spirit of a true limited edition. The band, hailing from Rovaniemi, Lapland, and founded in 1992, have always pushed the boundaries of their craft. This album pays homage to the 80s toy culture, a theme that resonates deeply with frontman Mr Lordi, who has been a lifelong collector of action figures and other memorabilia. The album’s concept aligns seamlessly with the band’s penchant for clever wordplay and thematic innovation, making it an essential addition to any fan’s collection. LORDI gained international recognition with their spectacular victory at the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest, an achievement that introduced their colourful and horror-infused songwriting to a global audience. Since then, the band have released an impressive eighteen studio albums, including iconic works like “Get Heavy” and “The Arockalypse.” Their 2021 release, “Lordiversity,” a monumental 7-CD effort, showcased their range and dedication to the craft. In 2024, the band found themselves in unexpected roles as vegan handbag models for Vogue Scandinavia, highlighting their animal-friendly ethos and sparking widespread media attention. That same year, they collaborated with OnePlus to create the track ‘Made Of Metal’ for the company’s new device, a project that blended their musical prowess with cutting-edge technology. Amid a relentless touring schedule that included performances alongside SABATON and BABYMETAL, LORDI managed to create “Limited Deadition,” a record that continues their exploration of AOR-inspired music with a sharper, more metallic edge. “It’s some kind of a sibling album to its predecessor,” adds Mr Lordi. “We’re still walking the path of AOR inspired music, but “Limited Deadition” comes with a more metal touch in terms of riffs but also tempo at some songs.” Despite being fueled by performing in huge venues with major acts of the scene, LORDI still didn’t change their plans for their latest effort after all. “We’ve always written what felt right, and what came out of us naturally,” he states. True that! The album was recorded in Helsinki at IluSound Studio and Finnvox Studios, with Mr Lordi taking on production duties. Mixed by Ilkka Herkman and mastered by Pauli Saastamoinen, it is a project infused with passion and attention to detail, as Mr Lordi also personally designed the artwork and layout. The loose theme of 80s toys ties together the tracks, reflecting Mr Lordi’s fascination with collectibles that began in childhood. He humorously credits his parents’ reluctance to buy him expensive toys as the catalyst for his obsessive collecting later in life, a passion that is evident throughout the album. The front monster comments: “The album topic of 80s toys is actually just a loose theme, but it’s been accompanying me since I was little. I’ve always been a collector of various stuff, and I’m even some kind of a hoarder. I can’t even remember which my first own toy was, but my obsession basically started with “Muppet Show” dolls, followed by “Star Wars” and “E.T.” figures, with the latter actually being my favourite movie of all time.” A usual kid should probably have been satisfied, but the world hasn’t calculated on Mr Lordi: “My parents didn’t buy me the most expensive and desirable items though, so it’s basically their fault that I’ve become an even bigger collector nerd in my adulthood. When I finally had the fundings to satisfy my disease, I started searching all across the internet to find the missing pieces of my collection that I didn’t get back then,” he reveals the ‘root of all evil’ laughingly. Opening with one of LORDI’s signature ‘SCG’ chapters, the album dives into tracks like ‘Legends Are Made of Clichés’ and the lead single ‘Syntax Terror,’ which merges catchy melodies with cinematic overtones. The track ‘Skelephant In The Room’ follows with an irresistible chorus, while ‘SCGTV Saturday Night Main Event’ offers a nostalgic nod to 80s pop culture, complete with a creatively designed booklet. The ballad ‘Collectable’ stands out for its emotional depth, drawing comparisons to PINK FLOYD’s ‘The Great Gig In The Sky.’ The second half of the album picks up the pace with high-energy tracks like ‘Fangoria,’ ‘Hellizabeth,’ and ‘Retropolis,’ all guaranteed to energize fans. The title track, ‘Limited Deadition,’ explores the struggles of collectors in a digital age, serving as a bold statement of dedication to tangible, meaningful objects. The closing track, ‘You Might Be Deceased,’ ends the album on an intriguing and introspective note. Far from being the conclusion of LORDI’s journey, “Limited Deadition” is a vibrant and exciting new chapter. With their ever-expanding popularity and innovative approach to music and performance, the band’s future looks brighter than ever. Accompanying the album is a global tour, promising fans a reinvention of the LORDI experience, complete with fresh tricks and surprises. Mr Lordi teases that fans can expect nothing less than monsters delivering melodic heavy rock at its finest. For those ready to dive into this monstrous adventure, “Limited Deadition” is not just an album but a celebration of LORDI’s unparalleled creativity and enduring legacy.