I Cut the Head Off the Devil and I Threw It at You

Apparently, some Helsinki-based GWAR-wannabes called Lordi just won the chance to represent Finland at the Eurovision song competition in Athens and ended up sparking a culture war over what it means to be a Fin. Can you imagine the Insane Clown Posse winning American Idol? Naturally, rumors are running wild. In addition to the usual noise about devil worship and boys wearing make-up, my favorite conspiracy centers on the theory that band are really masked Russian agents, sent by Putin to pave the way for a Russian coup. [!] Some concerned Fins want their president to wield the veto and replace the metal band with more traditional folkie types. Others are contemplating more drastic measures. The Times quotes one delightfully outraged soul who threatens, “if Lordi wins Eurovision, I am leaving the country.” Why all the blood, tears, and national insecurity? Devil-horned Lori singer Tomi Putaansuu says it best: “In Finland, we have no Eiffel Tower, few real famous artists, it is freezing cold and we suffer from low self-esteem.” Bang your head to that, Finland!