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LORDI
To Beast Or Not To Beast

AFM (2013)
Rating: 6.5/10

Finnish shock rockers Lordi return with To Beast Or Not To Beast, a lively collection of tunes assumingly inspired by edgy 80s hard rock. The album, which was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee with producer Michael Wagener (Metallica, Megadeth, Skid Row, etc.), marks the recording debut of new keyboardist Hella and new drummer Mana.

While Lordi don’t do anything drastically different here, the new members bring a bit of a spark to the whole thing, something that the last album, Babez For Breakfast (2010), lacked on repeated listens.

The keyword for To Beast Or Not To Beast is certainly “80s”. While some may take it that way, I don’t mean that in a derogatory manner at all. This album is chock full of songs that Alice Cooper might have had left over from Raise Your Fist And Yell (1987) or Constrictor (1986). The back-to-back ‘The Riff’ and ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ are the prime examples.

‘The Riff’ is a rocker which has a story that reminds me of new wave innovator Steve Taylor’s ‘Drive, He Said’ (from 1985’s On The Fritz). In it, Mr. Lordi is picked up by Death himself and ultimately steals his monster riff. Armed with driving guitars, full keyboards, and a gigantic chorus, this song takes me back to a time when being a little goofy was an endearing trait. Plus, the actual riff ain’t half bad.

‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ is an eerie trip that turns into a stomper that has the smooth feel of 80s Alice Cooper (especially those pitchy background vocals) with vocal work just as gritty, maybe even more so.

Likewise, ‘Candy For The Cannibal’ has that totally over-the-top, smooth-toned Cooper stock in plenty. ‘We’re Not Bad For The Kids (We’re Worse)’ is one of the highlights, kicking off the album with the fast-paced riffage of Motörhead or Accept.

Most of this album is very much the same as they have always done. The new member spark gives it a little push to take it above average, but I don’t really feel like the songs are quite as good as they were on the last two albums (Babez For Breakfast and 2008’s Deadache). They seem like they are stretching a little bit with the downright stupid ‘Sincerely With Love’ and the confusing ‘I Luv Ugly’, which has a really interesting verse that is completely wrecked by the chorus and lyrics. The same issues apply to ‘Schizo Doll’.

Realistically, Lordi sound like the need to try something outside of their box. Perhaps a DaDa (1983) or The Last Temptation (1994) Alice Cooper-style break is needed to refocus their attention.

Overall, this is a solid album and if you enjoy the other Lordi albums then you’ll enjoy this one as well. If you don’t like the others then this won’t change your mind. It does have more of a punch than Babez For Breakfast had though and that’s a good step towards the future.

Mark Fisher

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