PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Any of you who have seen Lordi in concert before know that you are in for a show full of theatrics and riffs to challenge hell itself and last night didn’t disappoint in the slightest….
The lights were dimmed, background music cut out and attention of the crowd was drawn to the mirror on the right side of the stage as it began to show us what seemed to be the start of a ritual. A man in a cloak wearing a silver mask donning a lit candle stick began exploring what appeared to be a castle or catacomb on the mirror-esque screen as well as making a live appearance to help set the stage for what I can only begin to describe as an explosive set for Silver Dust. From the first beat of the drum the energy exploded on the stage giving the crowd an amazing atmosphere from the start of their set to the finish. The star of the show for me had to be their drummer (Mr Killjoy) and his dramatic expressions which matched the bands theatrical image as a whole. Overall it was a fantastic steampunk/gothic based performance which well and truly got the crowd warmed up for Shiraz Lane.
We were then treated to the glamorous styling from the talented guys of Shiraz Lane. From the get go they were very high energy and managed to keep the atmosphere up by giving the crowd numerous chances for participation. The guys managed to get themselves into the crowd during their set and to make the experience that much more personal. Although the music wasn’t quite my cup of tea the effort the band put into their performance was undeniably mesmerizing. Guys and girls if you are a fan of all things glam rock I would highly recommend checking out Shiraz Lane, the singer can really hold a high note. Shiraz lane managed to keep the adrenaline flowing for the main event.
Then it was finally time for the monsters to take to the stage and to really bring it home. We were first treated to a dim light setting whilst Kiss classic ‘God of Thunder’ blared across the Islington Academy; getting the crowd pumped for the upcoming show. The first glimpse of the band members occured when Mana appeared at his kit ready to raise hell through the thunderous drums. The crowd was then politely visited by Hella on her way to the keys, doll-like and deadly all in one, swiftly followed by the monstrously huge OX and the self raised mummy Amen; and finally the demon himself Mr Lordi took center stage.
Lordi began their set with a killer track ‘Lets go Slaughter He-Man’ from their latest album Monstereophonic. Beginning their theatrics very early with Skeletor taking to the stage, eyes glowing red ready to aid Mr Lordi in raising some hell onto He-Man, every note was played perfectly which made the crowd go crazy. During this track you could see the level of stage play that Amen puts into it as he enticed the crowd with larger than life gestures.
The set list from Lordi managed to have the perfect mix of old school songs, which hadn’t been played for many years such as; ‘Hellbender Turbulence’ and the much begged for ‘Icon of Dominance’. Although they were playing a set list spanning from Get Heavy in 2002 all the way through to their current album Monstereophonic; they managed to keep the shows theme running throughout.
One of the many highlights of the Lordi show for myself had to be the incredible solos placed perfectly throughout the set. Lordi for me personally have to be one of the best bands for showing off each and every instrument to its fullest and taking time to let the crowd to fully appreciate the skills of each and every member. The stand out solo had to be that of OX; his bass was mind blowing and incredibly on point throughout the solo section as well as the entire show. I have to also give a mention to the crew; as well as being in charge of the instrument changes they also manage to take a beating from the monsters throughout the show and become an integral part of the show itself by doing so.
The final song of the night was another highlight for myself as it is my favorite track, one from the heart of Mr Lordi himself…. ‘Would You Love a Monster Man?’ This track yet again was note perfect, throughout I was transfixed on Hella with her playing up to as many cameras and loving fans who she could see watching her which really brought the performance to life. In true showmanship style Mr Lordi ended the show with a glitter cannon shooting off his loin cloth ending what can only be described as a night of Monster Rock.
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