In a new interview with the Music Matters With Darrell Craig Harris podcast, LORDI founder and lead singer Mr.

Lordi spoke about the band's 20th anniversary of their international breakthrough by winning the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Hard Rock Hallelujah.” Mr.

Lordi discussed his original vision for LORDI, which formed in 1992, and the group's longevity, saying "It's like Jon Bon Jovi and BON JOVI.

It's like that." He explained how the band's style combines melodic hard rock or heavy metal with horror and sci-fi elements.

Mr.

Lordi mentioned KISS as a major influence on LORDI's sound, along with TWISTED SISTER and Alice Cooper.

He also talked about the evolution of LORDI's live show, which has always emphasized both visual style and musical power.

However, Mr.

Lordi expressed frustration with the increasing restrictions on their live shows, citing examples such as using smoke bombs being banned in some venues due to pyro concerns.

He noted that even simple effects like confetti or fake blood are now forbidden due to cleaning fees and other issues.

Mr.

Lordi reflected on how things have changed since LORDI's early days, saying "If I look at some clips from our shows, like let's say 20 years ago, or even 15 years ago, we could do so much more than we are allowed to do today." He expressed sadness over the current situation.

LORDI caused a sensation by winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 with "Hard Rock Hallelujah," which helped launch their third release, "The Arockalypse," throughout Europe.

On the back of this success, they scored lucrative promotions and even had a square renamed in their honor in Finland.

LORDI's latest album, "Limited Deadition," was released in March 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music.

The album is a result of Mr.

Lordi's lifelong obsession with collecting, channeling his passion for '80s memorabilia into every detail of the artwork and layout.