LORDI: The Arockalypse (MELODIC HARD ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

If there is a date to be marked in the history of the apostles of Monster-Metal, it's the 20th of May 2006! Indeed, on that day, the incredulous world was able to discover Lordi on the Eurovision Song Contest stage, and win it with his anthem "Hard Rock Hallelujah". And here are our Finnish monsters, who have become real attractions, ready to attack the world market with this "The Arockalypse" launched on the occasion of a huge concert given in Helsinki to celebrate the victory.

"The Arockalypse" shows a formidable efficiency and an unstoppable series of choruses. Those who already know the band won't be surprised by a recipe which has already proved its worth since "Get Heavy", but the ingredients are so well combined that they'll be able to revel in the 11 tracks which compose this new opus. Indeed, once past "SCG3 Special Reports", (too much?) long introduction in the form of a news flash seeing Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) playing the role of the leader of the unleashing monsters, Lordi pours out a deluge of devilishly catchy choruses and melodies of a frightening efficiency.

If it would be daunting to quote each track despite their respective qualities, some of them are nevertheless revealed as future must-haves, starting with the monumental "Hard Rock Hallelujah" with its heavy riff and its scolded chorus. However, despite the special status of this anthem, it does not prevent its companions from blossoming alongside it, whether it is the single "Who's Your Daddy?", Hard-Rock catchy whose chorus quickly fits your neurons, the scathing "Bringing Back The Balls To Rock", or the power-ballad "It Snows In Hell" which sees Bruce Kulick unleash a solo, just like Jay Jay French (Twisted Sister) does on the tasty "The Chainsaw Buffet". Another big name who participates in the festivities is friend Udo Dirkschneider, who shares the vocals with the owner of the place for a "They Only Come Out At Night" sharp as a circular saw. Finally, the festival closes with "Supermonstars (The Anthem Of The Phantoms)" which tramples on the last forms of resistance with a riff like "Symphony Of Destruction" (Megadeth) and choruses like "Thunderstruck" (AC/DC).

Equally at ease when he gets closer to more FM territories ("Good To Be Bad") than when he sinks into heavier riffs, Lordi draws his best album without revolutionizing his identity, even if the arrival of Awa (keyboards) and Ox (bass), instead of Enary and Kalma, led to some costume changes. Taking advantage of Jyrki Tuovinen's flawless production and a host of guests who let themselves be caught up in the game, "The Arockalypse" enabled Lordi to take another step towards recognition of his musical qualities. The hardest part will now begin: to confirm and keep on top!

A special edition offers 3 bonus tracks including a rereading of "Would You Love A Monsterman ?" which doesn't bring much to a track that didn't need it anyway. - Official website

LORDI

THE AROCKALYPSE

SONY BMG

MELODIC HARD ROCK