Finnish monsters of rock Lordi returned exultant to a heroes' welcome after becoming the first heavy metal act - and the first Finnish entry - to win the Eurovision song contest.

"It's good to be the kings!" Lordi's lead singer Tomi Putaansuu told a news conference, at which the five-member group appeared in their stage costumes of fantasy beasts, under heavy make-up with horns, jagged teeth and claws.

"This victory comes at the best moment for Finnish music," Vahanen said.

Giving out bestial shouts, he left the presser to meet Prime Minister Matti Vahanen, who had come with President Tarja Halonen to congratulate the group.

The rock mutants beat off artists from 23 countries across Europe to win with their song "Hard Rock Hallelujah" at the 51st Eurovision contest, held Saturday in Athens.

Putaansuu's hometown of Rovaniemi, capital of Finnish Lapland, earlier announced it would name a square in honor of the group, Finnish news agency STT reported.