It’s only January of 2020 and they are already some incredible unique and experimental albums being released, including the new album from Finnish metallers Lordi. Killection is a fictional compilation album which explores what their music might have sounded like if that had been recording artists in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. It’s certainly an unusual approach for an album and not something that has been done before… to current knowledge anyhow.
The radio intro track Radio SCG 10 and interlude tracks create the setting for the album. By including snippets of well-known classic rock bands of the ’70s and ’80s, from AC/DC to Deep Purple along with a radio presenter’s narrative the era is established. It also gives an element of realism to the fictional concept. SCG10 The Last Hour brings humour with a horror element as guest callers taking the form of demonic voices. This album really is something different! Horror For Hire is the first music track on the album. The synth melodies throughout the song, guitar tones used, and vocal style is very apt to the period’s style. To give this fictional album an authentic feel, Lordi have used equipment of the era and tried to incorporate the music production styles used during those periods. This commitment to authenticity comes through clearly in the sound Lordi have produced. Shake The Baby Silent brings a darker, gothic edge to their sound seeing them venture into metal territories with this track – it also calls into question their parenting techniques. The synth effects mimicking a baby’s cry bring a horror feel to the music; it has a good theatrical atmosphere.
The organ style synth and vocal line of Blow My Fuse have very strong Deep Purple influences. This album jumps about between stylistic influences of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, and in many ways this is more effective as it gives a greater contrast between tracks. I Dug A Hole In The Yard For You has a heavier guitar tone that is suggestive of Metallica before going into a theatrical chorus, while Evil brings the heavy with powerful breakdowns and creepy motifs. The guitars take the focus on this track with numerous licks and riffs throughout. Cutterfly has a fantastic catchy lead riff. The chord progression played on the keys, synths and guitar creates an energetic, wonderfully 80s sound. It has a great up-beat feel, despite the dark nature of the lyrics. This contradiction brings something unique to the track. The album draws to a close with a final radio show snippet: SCG10 I Am Here. Without giving too much away, it’s safe to say that in this fictional world, all is not as it seems!
Lordi have created a fantastic theatrical album in Killection. Their tracks are very apt of the periods which inspired them but also have that dark, horror twist that brings something extra to the music. The narrative style that runs throughout the album is creative addition that works brilliantly.
8/10
For fans of: KISS, Twisted Sister, Alice Cooper
Words by Holly Royle
‘Killection’ by Lordi is out now on AFM Records.
