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, has always pushed the boundaries of their craft. This album pays homage to 80s toy culture, a theme deeply resonant with frontman Mr. Lordi, 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 colorful, horror-infused songwriting to a global audience. Since then, the band has 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 took on 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, blending 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,” says 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, and also the tempo in some songs.” Despite being fueled by performing in huge venues with major acts, LORDI stuck to their artistic vision for their latest effort. “We’ve always written what felt right and what came out of us naturally,” he states.
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. Mr. Lordi also personally designed the artwork and layout. The loose theme of 80s toys ties the tracks together, 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 evident throughout the album.
The frontman comments: “The album topic of 80s toys is actually just a loose theme, but it’s been with me since I was little. I’ve always been a collector of various things, and I’m even some kind of a hoarder. I can’t even remember what my first 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 favorite movie of all time.”
He adds humorously: “My parents didn’t buy me the most expensive and desirable items, so it’s basically their fault that I’ve become an even bigger collector nerd as an adult. When I finally had the funds to satisfy my obsession, I started searching across the internet to find the missing pieces of my collection that I couldn’t get back then,” he says with a laugh.
Opening with one of LORDI’s signature “SCG” chapters, the album features 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—it’s a celebration of LORDI’s unparalleled creativity and enduring legacy.
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