Lordy lordy, what do we have here: a new Lordi album! And what doozy it is. ‘Monstereophonic (Theaterror Vs. Demonarchy)’ isn’t just another typical album. There are two sides or parts as the album title suggests.
The first group of songs (part of the ‘Theaterror’ side) are songs in the classic Lordi style: brutal lyrics and riffs abound. The first song “Let’s Go Slaughter He-Man (I Wanna Be the Beast-Man in the Masters of the Universe)” really sets the tone, as it begins with synths like it’s a happy go lucky chime but then rears its ugly head as the riffs kick in and Lordi sings about destroying He-Man, a childhood cartoon hero of mine. The inner child in me was saddened by that, if not frightened. “Hug You Hardcore” is a song you can get into quickly as the beat rolls like a rumbling stampede of monsters taking you along wherever they damn want to. And its video isn’t for the timid and faint of heart, but the beat will have you bobbing your head as you chant along “Hug You Hardcore!”. “Down With The Devil” is another song you’ll find yourself chanting along with.
Another track that stands out to me on this side is “Sick Flick”. I like the intro; it makes me think of the point in a horror movie where the plot picks up, with the riffing guitars then coming in and carry you along a journey to certain doom; but what a fun enjoyable journey it is! The other part of the album (‘Demonarchy’) has a collection of songs about zombies, vampires, wolfs and witches. And these songs put the pedal to the metal as the riffs go faster and the beats thump harder, as demonstrated in “Demonarchy”. “The Unholy Gathering” has a slower beat, which is a nice change of pace, but still has moments of intense heavy riffs like a docile creature suddenly lashing out in fits of rage. “Heaven Sent Hell On Earth” is one of my favorite tracks on an album full of hits: the slow, building riffs quickly turning into a boiling madness are just a great testament to the skill of the musicians.
I like this current lineup of musicians in the band: long-time guitarist Amen is still here, with Ox on bass, and two still fairly recent members, Hella on keyboards and Mana on drums bringing the music together so well to compliment Lordi’s vocals. Hella’s keyboard-playing sticks out to me through several songs; I just love the effect she brings to the band to fill the songs and make them even better. Lordi sings with great fervor, delivering vocals ranging from calm and soothing singing to loud screeching. The music is catchy and intense as well.
‘Monstereophonic (Theaterror Vs. Demonarchy)’ is full of great songs that’ll get any metalhead in the mood for some headbanging, air guitar-thrashing, lyric-chanting good times. For as cool and creepy as the band looks, they truly have the music to keep you wanting more. Rock on, my friends!