Interview: Mana & Hella of Lordi

Finnish hard rock monsters Lordi are back with their new album Screem Writers Guildan album already hailed as another Lordi classic.

To find out more about the album, we had the chance to get in touch with iconic member and “monster” drummer Mana and female creature Keyboard player Hella. The pair also shared with us about their experience working with Mr. Lordi and even gave some advice  to Australian Eurovision 2023 representatives Voyager about what to expect from the popular music contest.

SR. Lordi is about to release Screem Writers Guild. We just had a listen to the album, and it is another Lordi Classic! What can you tell us about putting the album together, and how much COVID affected the process along the way?

Mana: This was a pretty straight forward album in terms of production. It was sort of relaxing to do a “normal” album after the mayhem of the SEVEN album behemoth of “Lordiversity”.

Hella: I feel like COVID did not affect much anymore in the process of recording SWG.

SR. We love how Lordi takes metal music to the next level, by not only delivering awesome tracks but also putting together music clips that are fully produced like short-horror films. How would you describe a day on set filming a Lordi music clip?

Mana: As a drummer they can get quite tough since I’m usually seen in every shot and angle and thus have to perform the most during the day. Mr. Lordi has directed the last two videos we’ve released and I think they really stand out nicely.

Hella: Looooooong, sweaty and lot’s of waiting.

SR. What would you say is your favourite Lordi music video and why?

Hella: My favourite video is ‘Borderline’, written and directed by Mr. Lordi, one that we filmed in an amusement park. It’s visually amazing video, plus I was involved in the making process that makes it very special! I also love the latest video ‘Dead Again Jayne’.

Mana: I definitely agree with Hella. Since Mr. Lordi had taken over the helm in directing the videos they simply keep getting better and better. They are a perfect illustration of what this band is all about.

SR. Screem Writers Guild pays tribute to classic monsters, with tracks like The Bride”, “Vampyro Fang Club”, “Lycantropical island” that we are totally digging. If you could pick up one song from the new album to introduce Lordi to a new potential fan, what song would you pick and why?

Mana: If I should have to lure a totally different type of audience I would choose “The Bride” since it’s so different compared to the typical Lordi. You can dig that even if you’re not into metal at all.

Hella: ‘Dead Again Jayne’ maybe, it’s a catchy great song!

SR. Lordi were so close to come Down Under back in 2016 for Soundwave before the festival got cancelled. Just wondering if you have tried to head to Australia since them and what have stopped you guys from coming here?

Mana: I’m pretty sure there’s constant talks and plans on getting there. It usually comes down to finances since we have a relatively big production. We can’t just fly in with just the five of us, but we need to have at least five crew members with us to be able to do a full-on Lordi show and that obviously isn’t cheap. I realy really really hope we can do this some day!

SR. Mr. Lordi has been hailed by many as a mad genius. We were lucky enough to chat with him back in 2015 before the soundwave cancellation and he seemed like a very cool and Down to Earth guy. Just wondering how would you describe your experience working with him so far?

Mana: He and I share the same passion and that is the hottest band in the world: KISS. It’s been easy since the day 1 because we talk the same language and have a similar taste in music. And of course you just have to admire how productive and creative that guy is. Never met anyone like that. And I’m pretty sure I never will.

Hella: He has a knife sharp vision of what he’s creating and he has great skills to direct people to work towards it, when it comes to recording process, music video and the visual arts. So it’s a pleasure to work with him! On tour he’s a really funny guy, if he wasn’t a musician he should be a stand up comedian.

SR. Australia’s own Voyager is going to represent us at Eurovision. Just wondering what advice would you give them ahead of the competition.

Mana: That competition is a total mystery. There seems to be no set formula how to do well there since it’s not just about the song. Just try to stand out with a catchy song, I guess? Wear funny masks or something? Hah!

Hella: I personally never won Eurovision so can’t give a winners advice.

SR. What has been the weirdest request you guys have ever received from a fan?

Hella: To send him Mr. Lordi’s boots. Or to play a show by a pool while people do water gym.

SR. Can you share with us any funny touring story?

Mana: One incident comes to mind which happened during Sextourcims back in 2018 when mr. Amen was supposed to rise from a sarcophagus that was pushed on stage. Of course at the very first show of the tour the lifting mechanism didn’t work and they just had to drag the bloody thing off the stage with Amen still in it. That must’ve raised some eyebrows in the audience.

Hella: Oh dear, there’s a lot of those that might not be funny for anyone else but us who were there.

SR. Just to finish. Do you have any message to your Australian fans?

Mana: Yeah, nah.. .Have a squiz and pull ya head in!

Hella: Hope we’ll be coming there soon!