Report: LORDI Transformed From National Scourges To National Heroes

August 8, 2006

Dan Bilefsky of the International Herald Tribune has issued the following report:

Before the Finnish band LORDI won the Eurovision Song Contest in May with its hard-rock anthem "Hard Rock Hallelujah", its many critics warned that the latex- wearing monster mutants would embarrass Finland, inspire Satanic worship and scare children by blowing up Barbie dolls on stage.

But after ending Finland's 40-year losing streak at the world's biggest celebration of kitsch, the demonic quintet has been transformed from national scourges to national heroes — suggesting that, even in self-effacing Finland, the winner takes all, even when he or she dresses like a chainsaw-wielding Gothic troll.

The lionizing of the former outcasts has reached such surreal heights that there are plans in the works for a LORDI postage stamp, LORDI action figures, a LORDI comic book series, LORDI commemorative coins and LORDI, the movie — a horror film starring the band members as themselves.

It is a sign of our times that a Nordic country of five million people, renowned for its cellphones, flourishing economy and generous welfare state, has come to view the former pariahs as role models and a potent source of national pride. So much so that in Finland, LORDI has entered the pantheon of one-name celebrities like Santa, Sibelius and Cher.

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