Deadache (CD - 2008)

Audio Mixer: Jesse Vainio.

Recording information: Finnvox (1986); Rehearsal Lair (1986); Sonic Pump Studios (1986).

Finland's Lordi offers its fourth studio release of fist-banging, hard-rocking party anthems with DEADACHE. Chockful of 1980s-inspired rock with a penchant for 1950s horror, Lordi's latest is heavier and more emotional than 2006's critically-acclaimed THE AROCKALYPSE. Featuring grotesque cover art by lead singer Mr. Lordi, DEADACHE is a neo-romantic joyride that thrills just as much as it chills. Credit Nino Laurenne (Ensiferum, Finntroll, Wintersun), who adds sharp production and unnerving atmospherics to the band's already refined sound. And with songs like "Girls Go Chopping" and "Raise Hell in Heaven," it's even more apparent that Lordi is back to party! The limited edition digipack version of DEADACHE includes the bonus track "Hate at First Sight."

For some rock fans, it's hard to look past the ghoulish masks and costumes that the gentlemen (and gentlewoman) of Lordi hide behind. But if you dig a bit deeper into one of their albums, you'll discover that the band certainly can whip up a hook and a scream-a-long chorus, as evidenced by several standouts throughout their 2008 release, Deadache. As a follow-up to 2006's The Arockalypse (and not counting their silly horror movie, 2008's Dark Floors), Deadache follows the same game plan -- anthemic heavy metal that favors studio sheen over grit, and throws a surprise melody or two your way when you least expect it. For the sonic proof, check out such standouts as the album's lead-off single, "Bite It Like a Bulldog" (a song title that Lemmy Kilmister undoubtedly wishes he came up with), "Dr. Sin Is In," and "Girls Go Chopping." Of course, you won't be discovering a landmark metal album with Deadache, but for fans of melodic, anthemic, and/or theatrical metal, it's certainly worth inspecting. Overall, a downright gory good time. ~ Greg Prato minimize