Tomi Petteri Putaansuu, operating under the stage persona Mr Lordi, established his artistic career by blending aggressive heavy metal aesthetics with complex visual performance art. Born in 1974 in Rovaniemi, Finland, he emerged as a multifaceted creative force, managing the musical direction, intricate costuming, and graphic identity of his self-founded band, Lordi, since its inception in 1992.
Musical Genesis and Evolution
Before forming his namesake band, Putaansuu performed with the Rovaniemi rock group Wanda Whips Wall Street. He founded Lordi as a solo vehicle, producing the 1993 demo Napalm Market. His creative output includes writing for diverse Finnish acts such as Rotten Sound, Agnes Pihlava, and Jope Ruonansuu, while his own band finally secured a publishing deal for their 2002 album Get Heavy.
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Beyond music, Putaansuu is a trained media designer with a focus on video editing. His early filmmaking efforts in the 1980s earned him recognition at international festivals. His professional work includes serving as a storyboard artist for films like Pahat pojat and Kuilu, while also creating special effects and makeup. He directed the 1995 music video for his song Inferno and remains responsible for the masks, stage props, and album artwork that define the public image of his band.
Fictional Persona and Lore
The character of Mr Lordi is integrated into a complex fictional backstory involving supernatural origins as the offspring of a Demon and a Troll. This lore, documented in comic books and music videos, labels the character as the Unholy Overlord of All Tremors. Within this narrative framework, he wields biomechanic armour and an axe while allegedly navigating interdimensional conflicts. This performance art element extends to his public appearances, where he ensures his natural face remains concealed by makeup and prosthetic masks.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 February 1974, Rovaniemi
- Primary occupations: Composer, singer-songwriter, cartoonist
- Band founded: 1992
- Notable early demo: Napalm Market (1993)
- Media design education: Specialised in video editing
- Notable film credits: The Kin (2004), Dark Floors (2008)
- Citizenship: Finland
Questions readers ask
Does Mr Lordi work with other musical artists?
Yes, he has written songs and designed album covers for various artists including Rotten Sound, Neljänsuora, and Jope Ruonansuu.
What is the professional background of Mr Lordi outside of music?
He is a trained media designer and has worked extensively as a storyboard artist, filmmaker, and special effects makeup artist for movies.
