Monster

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "Monster" by Reckless Love from their 2016 album InVader, delighting their Zoo Freaks audience. This song stands out for its bold, genre-blending vibe, which frontman Olli Herman described in a 2016 interview with National Rock Review as a fusion of "Nirvana meets Backstreet Boys meets Alice Cooper." Herman shared that the track's shock-rock lyrics were inspired by themes of plastic surgery and society's obsession with altering appearances, giving it a provocative edge. The song’s music video, released on January 28, 2016, via YouTube, amplifies this theatrical flair, showcasing the band’s signature colorful and high-energy style. Interestingly, "Monster" gained wider recognition when it was featured in episode six of the HBO Max series Peacemaker in 2022, a testament to its lasting appeal.

Guitarist Pepe Reckless, in a statement around the album’s release, called InVader the band’s "boldest and most versatile" work, noting that crafting "Monster" and its companions required "blood, sweat, and beers" as they pushed beyond their comfort zone. Fans on Facebook and Instagram have echoed this enthusiasm, often citing "Monster" as a live performance highlight due to its crowd-pleasing sing-along quality. Olli Herman noted in the same National Rock Review interview that audiences already knew the lyrics by heart during early live shows, thanks to the video’s popularity. The track’s glam-metal swagger, paired with its pop sensibilities, has sparked comparisons to Lady Gaga’s own song titled "Monster," as noted in a Sleaze Roxx review, adding a layer of intrigue to its cultural footprint.

Reckless Love began their journey in 2001 in Kuopio, Finland, initially as a Guns N’ Roses cover band called Reckless Life. The quartet—Olli Herman (vocals), Pepe Reckless (guitar), Jalle Verne (bass), and Hessu Maxx (drums)—shifted to original music after limited success with covers, honing their glam-metal sound over years of small-scale touring and multiple lineup changes. By 2004, they won a band competition, which marked a turning point, solidifying their identity as Reckless Love. Their big break came in 2009 when they signed a worldwide deal with Universal Music, leading to their self-titled debut album in 2010, which hit number 13 on the Finnish charts. The band’s early years were defined by relentless gigging, building a loyal fanbase in Finland and the UK through their vibrant live shows, a reputation they maintain today.

The band’s official online presence includes their website, where fans can find tour dates and merch, as well as their active Facebook and Instagram accounts, which regularly share behind-the-scenes content and tour updates. While their X account is less active, it still connects with fans through occasional posts. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive on platforms like Reckless Love Fans (Facebook Group), where enthusiasts share concert photos and discuss the band’s discography. Another hub is the Last.fm page for Reckless Love, where fans track their listening habits and connect over shared love for tracks like "Monster." These spaces keep the band’s merry metal spirit alive, much to the delight of the Zoo Crew’s listeners.