Misplaced Pages

Children of Bodom: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 22:56, 31 January 2006 editLeyasu (talk | contribs)2,797 edits Revert, consistant vandalism by the same anon. A request for page protection may be in order.← Previous edit Latest revision as of 10:00, 2 January 2025 edit undoMewhen123 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users16,448 editsNo edit summaryTags: Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Finnish melodic death metal band}}
{{Infobox band|
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
band_name=Children of Bodom|
{{Infobox musical artist
image= ]|
| name = Children of Bodom
years_active=]-present|
| background = group_or_band
origin=], ]|
| image = Children of Bodom Rockharz 2016 16.jpg
music_genre= ]<br/>]<br/>]|
| landscape = yes
record_label= ]<br /> ]|
| caption = Children of Bodom performing live in 2016
current_members= ]<br/>]<br/>]<br />]<br />]

| alias = Inearthed (1993–1997)
| origin = ], Finland
| genre = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
}}<!-- Please don't make unexplained genre changes! Genres are sourced in "Musical style and influences" section below. -->
| years_active = 1993–2019<!-- Please stop changing the dates. 2019 is the year that Children of Bodom played their final show and therefore the band disbanded that year, not 2020. Bodom After Midnight is a different band that has its own section below. -->
| label = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| associated_acts = ]
| website = {{URL|cobhc.com/}}
| past_members =
* ]
* ]
* Samuli Miettinen
* ]
* ]
* Jani Pirisjoki
* ]
* ]
* ]
| current_members =
}} }}
<!-- This band's genre definition is the result of editorial consensus, please do not alter it -->


'''Children of Bodom''' was a Finnish ] band from ]. Formed in 1993 as '''Inearthed''', the final line-up of the group upon their split in 2019 consisted of frontman ], drummer ], bassist ], keyboardist ] and rhythm guitarist ]. The band released ten studio albums, three live albums, two EPs, two compilation albums and one DVD.
'''Children of Bodom''' is a ] band from the town of ] which plays a hybrid of ], ], and ], combining varies elements of the genres in different ways across their discography. The band incorperates distorted vocals and ]s into their style, as well as ] arrangements and high-] instrumental solos. A precise definition for their musical genre is discussed by fans and the specialized press alike, often discounting the influences of the band and the composition of songs. The ] of their songs are written in the ] and are often of a simplistic nature, dealing with the subjects of death and personal struggles.


The band's third studio album, '']'', was their first album to receive a ] in Finland, and subsequent studio albums acquired the same status. Their next four albums each debuted at ] on the ],<ref name="FIN">{{cite web| url=http://finnishcharts.com/search.asp?cat=a&search=Children+of+Bodom |title=Discography Children of Bodom |language=fi |publisher=Finnish charts |access-date=24 May 2009}}</ref> and have also seen chart positions on the United States ]. They are ] with more than 250,000 records sold there alone.
==Biography==
===Early years===
The band was founded in ] by guitarist Alexi "Wildchild" Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen under the name of ''IneartheD''. Both musicians had known each other since childhood and shared interest for ] and, especially, ] metal bands such as ], ] and ]; together with bassist Samuli Miettinen, they formed the original line-up of the band that would later become Children of Bodom. IneartheD recorded its first ] — entitled ''Implosion of Heaven'' — on August of that same year.


In 2019, Children of Bodom held their last concert in Helsinki named A Chapter Called Children of Bodom, before disbanding the band. Laiho and Freyberg carried on as ] in 2020.<ref name="bam">{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-children-of-bodom-frontman-alexi-laiho-launches-new-band-bodom-after-midnight/ |title=Former CHILDREN OF BODOM Frontman ALEXI LAIHO Launches New Band, BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT|website=Blabbermouth|date=16 March 2020|access-date=16 March 2020}}</ref> Laiho, who was one of the founding members of Children of Bodom as well as the only main songwriter, died on 29 December 2020.<ref name="death">{{Cite web|last=brownypaul|date=4 January 2021|title=Children of Bodom Vocalist/Guitarist Alexi Laiho Passed Away, Aged 41|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2021/01/04/children-of-bodom-vocalist-guitarist-alexi-laiho-passed-away-aged-41/|access-date=4 January 2021|website=Wall Of Sound|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="yle_20210104">{{cite web |last1=Mankkinen |first1=Jussi |last2=Kiviranta |first2=Varpu |title=Children of Bodomin perustanut Alexi Laiho on kuollut: kitaristi arvosti suomalaista itsepäisyyttä ja sisua |url=https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-11723185 |website=Ylei.fi|access-date=4 January 2021 |location=Helsinki |date=4 January 2021 | language = fi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://beatroutemedia.com/2019/10/01/children-of-bodom-on-the-intimacies-of-addiction/ |title=Children of Bodom's Alexi Laiho Opens up About Dangerous Past Relationship with Alcohol &#124; BeatRoute |access-date=8 January 2021 |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809085155/https://beatroutemedia.com/2019/10/01/children-of-bodom-on-the-intimacies-of-addiction/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Samuli was the main composer of the band's lyrics for the two years that he took part of IneartheD, but his family moved to the ] in late ] and it was not possible for him to remain in the band anymore. His last contribution to IneartheD were the lyrics of the songs from their second demo, ''Ubiquitous Absence of Remission''. Alexi, who previously only composed the melodies of the songs, assumed the role of the band's lyricist. In this demo, keyboards were incorporated into the band's songs for the first time. In order to achieve this, both Alexi and Jaska played the keyboards separately, and subsequently mixed the recorded track with the other instruments.


== History ==
At the time, Jaska played ] in a local big band, and during a rehearsal he met Alexander Kuoppala, a ] player and also a proficient guitarist. Hence, shortly after the recording of their second demo, Alexander was invited to join IneartheD as a rhythm guitarist.
{{More citations needed section|date=January 2021}}


=== Formation and early years (1993–1996) ===
The bassist chosen to replace Samuli was Henkka "Blacksmith" Seppälä, whom Alexi and Jaska had previously met at the school they frequented. Apart from playing the bass, Henkka also often doubles as the band's backing vocalist. Also, the band recruited a musician to specialize on keyboards, whose name was Jani Pirisjoki. Both musicians joined IneartheD in early ].


Children of Bodom was formed in 1993 by guitarist ] and drummer ] under the name of '''Inearthed'''. They had known each other since early childhood and had shared an interest in heavy metal, especially ] groups, such as ], ], ], ], and ] and classic metal groups such as ], ], ], ], ], and ]. Bassist Samuli Miettinen completed the initial line-up of the band. Inearthed recorded its first ], ''Implosion of Heaven'', during August of the same year.
With this new line-up, IneartheD proceeded to record their third demo, entitled ''Shining''. This demo did not impress record labels more than the previous ones had, and none took interest in the band. Despite their efforts, their music got little exposure, with them managing only to play at local events. As a last resort, the band decided to record an independent, self-funded, album. Considering that none of the musicians had much money to begin with, that was an audacious move.


] ]
Miettinen was the main composer of the band's lyrics for the two years that he took part in Inearthed, but his family moved to the United States in 1995, making it impossible for him to remain in the band. His last contributions to Inearthed were the lyrics of the songs from their second demo, ''Ubiquitous Absence of Remission'' which was the first time they worked with producer ] at Astia-studios (Lappeenranta, Finland). In this demo, keyboards were incorporated into the band's songs for the first time. In order to achieve this, both Laiho and Raatikainen played the keyboards separately and subsequently mixed the recorded track with the other instruments. Laiho, who had previously only composed the melodies of the songs, assumed the role of the band's lyricist.


At the time, Raatikainen played ] in a local big band, and during a rehearsal, he met ], a ] player and also a proficient guitarist. Shortly after the recording of their second demo, Kuoppala was invited to join Inearthed as a rhythm guitarist.
Alexi wanted to make use of the keyboards more effectively this time, and Pirisjoki was not fit for the task anymore, thus he was fired from the band — albeit not in a hostile manner — and a friend of Jaska's, a talented pianist called Janne "Warman" Wirman, assumed the role of keyboard player.


In early 1996, Henkka "Blacksmith" Seppälä, whom Laiho and Raatikainen had previously known from school, replaced Miettinen on bass as well as contributing backing vocals. The band also recruited Jani Pirisjoki to play keyboards.
Janne was the component which was missing for IneartheD to assume the style which would later characterize Children of Bodom. With him, the band successfully recorded their first album in the year of ] and received a professional deal from it. Their debut — ''Something Wild'' — was supposed to be released by a small ] label, but ] (from ]) got hold of a copy of their album through the hands of Alexander — both musicians worked for the same company at the time — shortly after IneartheD signed this contract, and sent it to ]' boss, who immediately got interested in signing them for a country-wide release. The latter deal was much more attractive for the band, since the Belgian label was offering them close to no help, to the point where they would have to distribute and sell the album themselves.


With this new line-up, Inearthed proceeded to record their third demo, titled ''Shining''. This demo did not impress record labels any more than the previous ones had, and none took interest in the band.<ref name =cos-interview>{{cite web|url=http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles/chats/1-207_children_of_bodom.aspx |title=CoC : Children of Bodom : Interview : 1/16/1999 |publisher=Chroniclesofchaos.com |access-date=6 November 2011}}</ref> Despite their efforts, their music got little exposure and managed only to play at local events. As a last resort, the band decided to record an independent, self-funded album.
For the band to be able to sign with Spinefarm Records, they were forced to change their name, since the contract with the Belgian label had already been signed under the name of IneartheD. The answer to that problem came as the band members looked for good names in their local ]. When they stumbled upon ], they realized it was a name with impact; one which had an interesting story behind it. A long list of possible names involving the word Bodom was then made, and they settled with Children of Bodom.


Laiho wanted to make use of the keyboards more effectively, but Pirisjoki was not attending rehearsals. Thus, he was fired and replaced by a friend of Raatikainen's, a jazz pianist named Janne "Warman" Wirman.<ref name="cos-interview"/>
The story of the ] goes as follows: on the night of June the 4th of ], three teenagers were murdered by means of repeated stabbing with a knife while on a camping trip to the lake. There was a lone survivor named Nils Gustafsson, who was initially believed to be an innocent witness which happened to be on the wrong place at the wrong time. However, the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation issued, in early ], that Gustafsson was a suspect. He was later arrested and underwent trial. In October 7 of 2005 Gustafsson was found not guilty. Henkka Seppälä commented, "The further the trial went on, the more it seemed that it's not possible to judge him. The prosecution side's evidence was too weak. The biggest surprise was the fact that he was even prosecuted in the first place. Most of the people wouldn't have guessed that kind of thing to happen in this matter. Now he is free, and innocent as he has always been (my trust towards our law institution is strong) and nothing has changed in the mystery of Lake Bodom. So we can go on and we don't have to change our name, like many people suggested to do if the case would have been solved!" {{ref|henkkainterview}}


In order to sign with Spinefarm Records, the band was required to create a new name due to the contract they signed with Shiver records under the name Inearthed. The band found the answer in their local phone book when they stumbled upon ]. The band found that the lake had an interesting story behind it due to the ]. A long list of possible names involving the word Bodom was then made, and they settled on '''Children of Bodom'''.<ref name="Children Of Bodom FAQs">
===Something Wild===
{{cite web
With the intention of promoting the upcoming release of ''Something Wild'', the band opened one of the shows from the symphonic ] band ] in late 1997. Their success was such that a representative from the ] label shortly approached them with a contract for a European release, a deal which started on the subsequent year. {{ref|bodomsite}}
| title = Children of Bodom FAQs
| publisher = COBHC.com
| url = http://www.cobhc.com/index.php?id=faq
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130618045537/http://www.cobhc.com/site.php?id=faq
| archive-date = 18 June 2013
| url-status = dead
| df = dmy-all
}}
</ref>


=== ''Something Wild'' and ''Hatebreeder'' (1996–2000)===
''Something Wild'' was officially released in November of ], and for promotional purposes the band recorded a ] of the song "Deadnight Warrior". The video was directed by ] and had a slim budget of €1000, but managed to convey the band's style rather well. It made use of simple scenery, which consisted essentially of an outdoors location after a snowstorm. There the band played for a couple of hours at night, with an average temperature of fifteen degrees ] negative.
{{multiple image
| direction = vertical
| width = 200
| footer = The original logo (top) was used only on the cover of the first pressing of the debut album ''Something Wild'' in November 1997. After that, the second logo has been in use for every subsequent release.
| image1 = Children of Bodom original logo 1997.svg
| image2 = Children Of Bodom logo.svg
}}
]]]
'']'' was produced, recorded and mixed by ] and Children of Bodom at Astia-studios (Lappeenranta, Finland). In an attempt to promote their band, they opened a show for ] in 1997. ''Something Wild'' was released in late 1997 in Finland and in 1998 worldwide. In early 1998, for promotional purposes, the band recorded a ] of the song "Deadnight Warrior". The video was directed by Mika Lindberg and had a slim budget of €1000. It made use of simple scenery, which consisted essentially of an outdoors location after a snowstorm. The band played for a couple of hours at night, with an average temperature of minus fifteen degrees Celsius.


Although Laiho was very critical of all of the music he had written, he noted that he dislikes ''Something Wild'' the most of all of his albums. When recording this album, Laiho had tried to mimic the style of one of his idols, ], which is why ''Something Wild'' is considered one of the most technical albums Children of Bodom have produced. Despite this, he considered it to be their "most important" record, as it "put them on the map."
Children of Bodom's first European tour began in February of ]. They played together with bands such as ], ] and ], but suffered from the absence of Janne, who was concentrated on finishing his studies. He was replaced by ] — a female pianist who is a friend of the band's and who currently plays with the theatrical band ] — for the duration of the tour.


Children of Bodom's first European tour began in February 1998. They played with bands such as ] (at such festivals as Under the Black Sun), ] and ], but Wirman was replaced by pianist ] for the duration of the tour.
]


Months later, the band recorded two new songs, entitled "Towards Dead End" and "Children of Bodom". The latter was included in a compilation by Spinefarm Records, which after being released remained on the top of Finnish charts for eight consecutive weeks. In late August, the band played the song "Forevermore" live for the first time, during a show in ]. On a later date, this song was renamed to "Downfall". Months later, the band recorded two new songs again at Astia-studios with producer ], titled "Towards Dead End" and "Children of Bodom". In late August, the band played the song "Forevermore" live for the first time during a show in Russia. This song was later renamed "Downfall".


Their second European tour happened in September of that same year, but once more Janne was not able to perform with them. Alexi's then-girlfriend ] (from ] and ex-] and ]) assumed the keyboards this time. By the end of the tour, Kimberly invited Alexi to join Sinergy, which at the time was still in its early stages. Their second European tour occurred in September of that same year, but once more Wirman was not able to perform with them. Laiho's then-girlfriend ] (from ] and formerly of ], ] and ]) assumed the keyboards this time. By the end of the tour, Kimberly invited Laiho to join Sinergy, which at the time was still in its early stages.


The second album, '']'', was recorded between the end of 1998 and the beginning of 1999 by ] at Astia-studios (Lappeenranta, Finland). It was originally titled ''Towards Dead End'', but while in studio the members of the band opted for the current title. To create anticipation in Finland, the '"Downfall" single was released two weeks prior to the album's release. It was accompanied by a new music video, once more directed by Mika Lindberg. ''Hatebreeder'' ultimately topped the charts in many European countries. In July 1999, the success of the "]" single and ''Hatebreeder'' allowed Children of Bodom to schedule three concerts in Japan with Sinergy and ]. During two of these concerts, the live album '']'' was recorded. In it the band managed to seamlessly reproduce and at times improve on their songs. At their request, no ]s were used on the recording of the concert.
===Hatebreeder and Follow the Reaper===
The second album — ''Hatebreeder'' — was recorded between the end of 1998 and the beginning of ]. It was originally entitled ''Towards Dead End'', but while on studio the members of the band opted for the former title. To create anticipation in Finland, the ''Downfall'' single was released two weeks prior to the album. It was accompanied by a new music video, once more directed by Mika Lindberg. The ''Hatebreeder'' album ultimately made it to the top of the charts of many European countries.


=== Rise to popularity: ''Follow the Reaper'' and ''Hate Crew Deathroll'' (2000–2004) ===
In July of 1999, the success of the ''Downfall'' single and of the ''Hatebreeder'' album allowed Children of Bodom to schedule three concerts in ] with Sinergy and the veterans from ]. During two of these concerts the live album ''Tokyo Warhearts'' was recorded, and in it the band managed to seamlessly reproduce and at times improve on their songs, a notable achievement for a band with only two albums recorded previously. Under their request, no ]s were used on the release version of the concert.
]]]
For their next release, Children of Bodom decided to make use of ]'s Abyss studio in Sweden instead of the Finnish Astia-studio from ] where they had recorded all of their previous releases including the demos from Inearthed. The band wrote eight songs for the album. While in the studio, they decided to include an extra track that was hastily composed and featured lyrics improvised by Laiho; that track would eventually receive the name of "Kissing the Shadows". The band gave the album the name of '']'' and recording sessions took place between August and September 2000; the album saw a worldwide release in late 2000. A music video for "]" was recorded by the Finnish director Tuukka Temonen shortly after.


In February 2002, Children of Bodom began writing songs for their upcoming album, titled '']''. They returned to Astia-studio (Lappeenranta, Finland) to work with producer ] again. The session ensued during the months of August and September, and the album was released January 2003 in Finland. It remained on the top of the Finnish charts for a total of three weeks and subsequently became the band's first gold album. Eventually, all of the band's albums reached this status and ''Follow the Reaper'' reached platinum.
For their next release, Children of Bodom decided to make use of ]'s ''Abyss'' studio in ], instead of the Finnish ''Astia-studio'' from ], in which they had recorded all of their previous releases, including the demos from IneartheD. The band wrote eight new songs for this album, and while on the studio decided to include an extra track, which was hastily composed and whose lyrics were improvised by Alexi; that track would eventually receive the name of "Kissing the Shadows". The band gave the album the name of ''Follow the Reaper'' and recording sessions took place between August and September of ]; the album saw a worldwide release in early ]. A music video for "Everytime I Die" was recorded by Finnish director ] shortly after.


On 3 January 2003, the Finnish Metal Music Awards were held at ] in Helsinki. Voting was open to all the metal fans and was presented through the various media outlets that were working with the event's organizers. Children of Bodom was awarded Finnish Band of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=7129 |title=Metal News - Finnish Metal Music Awards 2003 Results ( Metal Underground . com ) |publisher=Metalunderground.com |access-date=22 July 2011}}</ref>
===Hate Crew Deathroll and Are You Dead Yet?===
In February of ], Children of Bodom began writing songs for their upcoming album, entitled ''Hate Crew Deathroll''. Recording ensued during the month of August, and the album was released on January of ] in Finland. It remained on the top of the Finnish charts for a total of three weeks and subsequently became the band's first golden album, even though all of their albums eventually reached this status, with the exception of ''Follow the Reaper'', which reached platinum status.


Children of Bodom's first world tour began in 2003 and lasted until late 2004. The tour had many sold-out concerts and marked the consolidation of the band in ], but was also accompanied by an unexpected announcement: Kuoppala decided to quit Children of Bodom for personal reasons right in the middle of the tour without giving previous warning. In an interview, when Laiho was asked why Kuoppala left the band, he stated that "Well, I try to be careful about what I say about him because there is no bad blood between us. He told me that he just got sick of touring and the whole band/rock 'n roll lifestyle living in hotels and tour buses and stuff. For me it was really weird because he was always the one who was SO into it! He was a die hard rock 'n roller and suddenly he made a quick 180 turn in his whole life. This whole situation involves a new girlfriend."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/ChildrenOfBodom-Sept2003.htm |title=Interview with Children of Bodom's Alexi Laiho |publisher=Metal-Rules.com |access-date=22 July 2011}}</ref> ]'s guitarist ] was invited by Laiho to replace Kuoppala, but did not accept the offer. Thus, Alexi's bandmate from Sinergy, ] (founding member of ], one of the bands which started the heavy metal movement in Finland) assumed the guitars as a session player, until a more permanent solution could be found. This formation was introduced in ] on 16 August.
In September of 2002, Children of Bodom played a short concert at Spinefarm Record's annual festival in Finland, accompanied by bands such as ], ] and ]. At the party thrown after the festival, Alexi stored his guitars in a place he thought would be safe and proceeded to drink with his friends late into the night. When he woke up the following morning, he found that his custom shop ''Randy Rhoads Jackson'' guitars had been stolen. He later signed a deal with ] in order to get his guitars replaced.


=== Breakthrough with ''Are You Dead Yet?'' (2004–2007) ===
]
] ]]
After finishing the world tour with Latvala – who then assumed a permanent position in the band's line-up – Children of Bodom proceeded to record and release the ] '']'' and the single "In Your Face", which contained songs from their upcoming album and a ] of "]" by ]. In late 2005, the album '']'' was released, featuring a style different from what had been presented by the band on its previous works. Simpler and heavier guitar ]s were incorporated into Children of Bodom's sound, as well as elements from ]. Reactions from fans to the release were varied; however, the album remains the band's most commercially successful. It was awarded gold status in Finland and reached first place on the Finnish charts, 16th in Germany, 16 in Sweden and 17 in Japan. The next release of the band was a DVD-single for the song "In Your Face", which included the music video, ] footage from the band and a live recording of the song "Sixpounder" at Wacken Open Air festival in 2004. In June, Children of Bodom was in front of 120,000 spectators, one of their biggest concerts, on the last concert of the ]. The DVD of the concert, called ], includes Children of Bodom's performance of "Everytime I Die".


Children of Bodom's ] DVD '']'' was released on 5 December 2006. It contains a recording of a live concert performed on 5 February 2006 in ], Sweden, with over 90 minutes of live footage. "Chaos Ridden Years" refers to a documentary featuring interviews with band members about the history of the band and footage of the band on tour. It also contains every ] Children of Bodom has made, except for "Needled 24/7". Guitarist Alexi Laiho was voted world's best guitarist of 2006 by ] magazine.
Children of Bodom's first world tour began in ] and lasted until late ]. The tour had many sold-out concerts and marked the consolidation of the band in ], but was also accompanied by an unexpected announcement: Alexander decided to quit Children of Bodom for personal reasons, without giving previous warning and right in the middle of the tour. ]'s guitarist ] was invited by Alexi to replace Alexander, but did not accept the offer. Thus, Alexi's bandmate from Sinergy, Roope Latvala (founding member of ], one of the bands which started the heavy metal movement in ]) assumed the guitars as a session player, until a more permanent solution could be found. This formation was introduced in ] on the 16th of August.


In June 2006, the band embarked on one of their biggest tours: ] tour, playing alongside ], ], ], ] and ]. The bands toured the US through June and July, and Europe through October and November.
After successfully finishing the world tour with Latvala — who then assumed a permanent position in the band's line-up — Children of Bodom proceeded to record and release the ] ''Trashed, Lost & Strungout'' and the single ''In Your Face'', which contained songs from their upcoming album and a cover of the ] song "Oops!... I Did It Again", which was intended as a joke, as it includes on its final seconds the members of the band laughing after the song's vocal track was recorded. In late ], the album ''Are You Dead Yet?'' was released, featuring a style different from what had been presented by the band on its previous works. Simpler and heavier guitar ]s were incorporated into Children of Bodom's sound, as well as elements from ]. Reactions from fans to the release were varied, but the album, in terms of sales, was the most succesful from the band. It was awarded gold status in Finland and reached the first place on Finnish charts, 16th in ], 16th in Sweden and 17th in Japan. The next planned release of the band is a DVD-single for the song "In Your Face", which will include the music video, ] footage from the band and a live recording of the song "Sixpounder".


On 31 January 2007, Laiho slid down the lane at a bowling alley after accidentally stepping over the foul line. He slammed hard into the wall, breaking his left shoulder. This rendered him unable to play guitar for six weeks. Due to this incident, Children of Bodom was forced to cancel their first 2007 tours, and a festival that they were slated to headline.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/children-of-bodom-frontman-alexi-laiho-injured-bowling-six-weeks-of-no-guitar-playing-doctors-orders|title=CHILDREN OF BODOM Frontman Alexi Laiho Injured Bowling - "Six Weeks Of No Guitar Playing - Doctor's Orders"|website=bravewords.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/alexi-laiho-final-days|title=The wild times, final days and last recordings of Alexi Laiho|first=Jon Wiederhorn last|last=updated|date=28 June 2021|website=guitarworld}}</ref>
==Trivia==
* Children of Bodom's symbol is the ] — jokingly nicknamed Roy by the band.
* They often refer to themselves as the ''Hate Crew''.
* Most of the band's lyrical content is not printed on the albums' ]s, thus at times leaving the words up for the listener to interpret.


On 31 March 2007, the band's website released information on Laiho's condition stating that while Laiho's injury will never fully heal, it no longer affects his ability to play the guitar. The same notice also stated that the band had already written some songs for a new album and would start recording sometime later in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cobhc.com |title=Children of Bodom Hate Crew Official Website &#124; The Ugly World Tour 2011 |publisher=Cobhc.com |access-date=22 July 2011}}</ref>
==Current line-up==
* ] - Vocals/Lead guitar
* ] - Rhythm guitar
* ] - Keyboards
* ] - Bass
* ] - Drums


=== ''Blooddrunk'' and ''Relentless Reckless Forever'' (2007–2012) ===
==Former members==
]]]
* ] - Rhythm guitar (1995-2003)
From October to December 2007, Children of Bodom recorded their sixth studio album, titled '']'', which was released on 15 April 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=33281 |title=Metal News - Children of Bodom Reveal American Release Date ( Metal Underground . com ) |publisher=Metalunderground.com |access-date=22 July 2011}}</ref>
* ] - Keyboards (1995-1997)
The album contained 10 songs including a cover of "Ghost Riders in the Sky".
* ] - Bass (1993-1995)
Children of Bodom was featured on the ] 2008 North American tour with ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=87190 |title=Gigantour 2008 lineup |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=22 July 2011}}</ref> Children of Bodom was one of the first bands to be confirmed for ] 2008, where they performed alongside many bands including ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.wacken.com/en/woa2008/main-bands/billing-2008/
| title = Billing/Bands 2008
| access-date = 3 December 2007
| work = ]
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927040407/http://www.wacken.com/en/woa2008/main-bands/billing-2008/
| archive-date = 27 September 2007
}}</ref> Children of Bodom played at Donington Download on 15 June, playing a mixture of old and new songs. On 8 March 2008, Children of Bodom did their first UK signing event at the ] music shop in Oxford Street, London. They signed copies of their new single "Blooddrunk" in CD, 7&nbsp;inch and 12&nbsp;inch vinyls,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cobhc.com/index.php?id=main |title=Children of Bodom Hate Crew - Official Website |publisher=Cobhc.com |access-date=22 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101102615/http://www.cobhc.com/index.php?id=main |archive-date=1 January 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> only 666 copies of the 12&nbsp;inch vinyls have been made.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308093025/http://www.whatrecords.co.uk/items/46129.htm|date=8 March 2008}}</ref>

On 26 June 2008, Children of Bodom played their first show in Auckland, New Zealand with support from local scene acts Dawn of Azazel and Subtract at the Transmission Room.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328053039/http://www.nzmetal.com/cms/e107_plugins/calendar_menu/event.php?1212303600|date=28 March 2008}}</ref> In 2008, Children of Bodom's first three studio albums, as well as ''Tokyo Warhearts'', were remastered and re-released with bonus tracks. In September and October 2008, the band toured the U.S. supporting '']'' with support from ] and ]. ] also made a special guest appearance in the main support slot at the tour's New York City date. In November and December 2008, the band toured in Europe supporting ] and ]. From late January to early March 2009, the band also co-headlined the European tour with ] with ] opening for them. On 2 April 2009, Children of Bodom embarked on the No Fear Energy Tour headlined by ] with main support from ] and themselves, and rotating opening slots with ] and ], but dropped off the tour a week before it was finished following a serious injury Alexi sustained after falling from the top bunk of his tour bus on 26 April 2009, after the show in Palladium Ballroom, Dallas, Texas. In addition to the injury, on 8 May 2009, at ] in ], Alexi and Children of Bodom were forced to quit playing after a few of their songs because of Alexi's previous injury. Laiho originally planned to continue touring despite his injury but was forced to cancel last six dates when any efforts to alleviate the pain failed. All summer festival dates went down as planned and were unaffected by Alexi's injury.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=112519 |title=Blabbermouth.Net - Lamb of God, As I Lay Dying, Children of Bodom To Team Up For North American Tour |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=26 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221201115/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=112519 |archive-date=21 February 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=119760 |title=CHILDREN OF BODOM Performs Abbreviated Set in New York City |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=26 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090513101507/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=119760 |archive-date=13 May 2009}}</ref>

]]]
In February 2009, Children of Bodom hinted at plans to release a ] titled '']'', which was released on 23 September 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spinefarm.fi/showband.php?id=9|title=Children of Bodom To Release 'Skeletons in the Closet' Collection of Covers|work=]|access-date=23 April 2009|date=23 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401214211/http://www.spinefarm.fi/showband.php?id=9|archive-date=1 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> They also admitted to being "lazy" when it comes to practicing and talked about plans to have more songs on future albums.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/musicinterview/Children+Of+Bodom+Interview-63933.html |title=Children of Bodom Talk Cover Albums! |publisher=Female First |date=23 February 2009 |access-date=26 July 2010}}</ref> The band embarked on a tour of South America and Mexico in September 2009. Support for the trek came from ]. Also in September and October 2009, the band returned to North America to headline a massive month-long tour. On most dates support on the trek came from ] and ]. ] and ] made a special guest appearance in the main support slot at the tour's second Pomona, California date.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=122821 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201114732/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=122821 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 February 2013 |title=CHILDREN OF BODOM Bassist Checks in From The Road |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=26 July 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cobhc.com/index.php?id=live |title=Children of Bodom Hate Crew Official Website |publisher=www.cobhc.com |access-date=26 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221145302/http://cobhc.com/index.php?id=live |archive-date=21 February 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 18 October 2009, four days after the band's North American tour finale in Honolulu, Hawaii they performed at Japan's ] along with ], ], ], ], ] and ]. In the six days following their performance at the Loudpark Festival, they held three shows in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China respectively. They finished their two-month September to October tour in Moscow, Russia. This concluded their year and a half long Blooddrunk World Tour.

'']'' is a ] released on 22 September 2009. It features ] released on versions of previous albums but also includes four new tracks. Covered artists include ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]

Children of Bodom featured a contest to promote their new album in which anyone could win prizes featuring an ESP/LTD M-53 electric guitar, the band's entire back catalog, and ''Skeletons in the Closet.'' The contest ran from 25 August to 21 September 2009. The winners were announced 28 September 2009.

=== Return to form with ''Halo of Blood'' (2010–2014) ===
After the ''Blooddrunk'' tour ended, Children of Bodom started recording their new album. During the recording of the drum tracks there was a small tornado and the power was cut out. Consequently, the recording was delayed until after their tour with ]. Children of Bodom released some information to ''Metal Hammer'' magazine about new album tracks. The three tracks they released were titled "Pussyfoot Miss Suicide", "Ugly", and "Was It Worth It?"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jorzine.com/default.aspx?Page=intNews&ID=1850&month=10&year=2010 |title=CHILDREN OF BODOM New Song titles Revealed |publisher=Jorzine.com |access-date=6 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713120535/http://www.jorzine.com/default.aspx?Page=intNews&ID=1850&month=10&year=2010 |archive-date=13 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cobhc.com/index.php?id=news |title=Children of Bodom Hate Crew Official Website |publisher=www.cobhc.com |access-date=26 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120155242/http://cobhc.com/index.php?id=news |archive-date=20 November 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In November the band announced "The Ugly World Tour 2011" which would run from March–May 2011 and would feature dates around Europe. Opening Acts were ], ] and ] (UK only). On 24 November, it was announced that the title of the album would be '']''. The album was released on 8 March 2011. A music video for "Was It Worth It?" was produced, featuring skateboarder Chris Cole as well as noted pro skaters Jamie Thomas, Garrett Hill and Tom Asta.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=153967 |title=CHILDREN OF BODOM: 'Was It Worth It?' Video Released - Feb. 15, 2011 |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219103216/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=153967 |archive-date=19 February 2011}}</ref> "Was It Worth It?" was released as a downloadable track for the video game '']'' in February 2011.

'']'' is the band's eighth studio album. It was released on 6 June in Europe, 10 June in the United Kingdom and on 11 June in North America. The ] tour alongside ], ] and ] was also announced on 18 March 2013.

Music journalist Neil Kelly of '']'' said in praise of the album, "Death metal could very well re-enter mainstream consciousness through Halo of Blood, the most accessible Children of Bodom release yet."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/171025-children-of-bodom-halo-of-blood/|title=Children of Bodom: Halo of Blood|last=Kelly|first=Neil|date=19 June 2013|publisher=]}}</ref>

In May 2014, the band toured eastern Australia, visiting ], ] and ] with ] as support, along with Orpheus Omega in Melbourne, and Emergency Gate in Brisbane and Sydney.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.last.fm/event/3738572+CHILDREN+OF+BODOM+%27Halo+of+Blood+Over+Australia%27+Tour+2014+%28Sydney+-+All+Ages%29 |title=Halo of Blood Over Australia Tour 2014 at The Hi-Fi Sydney (Moore Park) on 9 May 2014 – |publisher=Last.fm |date=9 May 2014 |access-date=27 October 2015}}</ref>

=== ''I Worship Chaos'', ''Hexed'' and final show (2014–2019) ===
]
On 7 April 2015, the band announced that they have begun working on the follow-up of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/children_of_bodom_begin_work_on_new_album.html |title=Children of Bodom Begin Work on New Album &#124; Music News @ |publisher=Ultimate-guitar.com |date=5 April 2015 |access-date=27 October 2015}}</ref> On 29 May 2015, the band announced on their Facebook page that Roope Latvala is no longer part of Children of Bodom with the new album to be recorded as a four-piece for the first time.<ref name=Metalinsider>{{cite web|last1=Vallecillo|first1=Alix|title=Children of Bodom part ways with guitarist|url=http://www.metalinsider.net/metal-on-metal/children-of-bodom-part-ways-with-guitarist|website=Metal Insider|date=29 May 2015|access-date=30 May 2015}}</ref> However, the band later updated that Latvala's part in the band will be filled in by Antti Wirman, keyboardist Janne Wirman's younger brother for live commitments until the end of the year; he debuted with the band in a private live show in Helsinki. In a later interview with Wirman, he stated that his brother would not join the band permanently.<ref name=Moshville>{{cite web|title=Interview: Janne Wirman from Children Of Bodom|url=http://www.moshville.co.uk/interview/2015/08/interview-janne-wirman-from-children-of-bodom|website=Moshville|date=19 August 2015|access-date=20 August 2015}}</ref> On 8 June 2015, the album title was announced as '']'' and was released through Nuclear Blast on 2 October 2015. On 19 January 2016, the band announced the addition of ] on guitar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://venia-mag.net/children-of-bodom-najavili-novog-gitaristu/?lang=en|title=Children of Bodom Recruit New Guitarist|date=21 January 2016|publisher=Venia Magazine|access-date=30 May 2016}}</ref> He would make his live debut with them in Tampa, Florida on 9 February.

In an interview with Noizr Zine, taken on 14 September 2017, Children of Bodom's keyboardist ] answering to the question about the band's plans to start working on a new album with "the same production team" (Mikko Karmila and Mika Jussila) after '20 Years Down & Dirty' tour ends, said the following: "Yes, I think we are. And we're going to record it in our warehouse."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GyiV-_efPI?t=4m35s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/4GyiV-_efPI |archive-date=15 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Interview: CHILDREN OF BODOM's Janne Wirman on Touring, New Album, and "Stranger Things" — Noizr|date=27 September 2017 |publisher=]|access-date=29 September 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In November 2017, Bassist Henkka Seppälä discussed in an interview that the band have half an album's worth of material written for the next album. They began to start recording the new album in March 2018. In August 2018, Seppälä stated in an interview with TotalRock Radio that the album will be released in early 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqayKE_p2Pc&t=145 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/CqayKE_p2Pc |archive-date=15 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Children of Bodom interview Wacken 2018 — TotalRock Radio|date=6 August 2018 |publisher=]|access-date=20 August 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In November 2018, the band revealed that the album would be called '']''. It was released on 8 March 2019.

On 1 November 2019, it was announced that Children of Bodom would play their final show with the line-up at the time on 15 December. The gig, dubbed "A Chapter Called Children of Bodom", took place at the ], Finland. The statement said:
{{blockquote|"After almost 25 years with Bodom, thousands of shows & 10 albums, Henkka , Janne and Jaska have decided to step back and change direction within their lives. Alexi and Daniel will have further announcements about their plans to keep creating new music in the future."<ref>{{cite web |title=A Chapter Called Children of Bodom |url=https://www.cobhc.com/news/a-chapter-called-children-of-bodom |website=Children of Bodom - Official |date=November 2019 |access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref>}}

It was later reported that the main reason for the departures was that Raatikainen, Seppälä and Wirman could no longer find a shared viewpoint with Laiho.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/latest-news/drama/all-three-ex-children-of-bodom-members-issue-statement-are-not-quitting-music |title=All Three Ex-CHILDREN OF BODOM Members Issue Statement, "Could Not Find A Shared Viewpoint" |website=Metalinjection.net |date=24 December 2019 |access-date=21 March 2020}}</ref> Laiho and Freyberg found a new bassist and a new drummer according to ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cobhc.com/news/a-chapter-called-children-of-bodom|title=A Chapter Called Children Of Bodom|website=Cobhc.com|date=November 2019 |access-date=4 January 2021}}</ref> According to Finnish music zine Soundi, Laiho could not use the band's name without permission from his former bandmates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/alexi-laiho-children-of-bodom-name/|title=Alexi Laiho Can't Legally Use Children of Bodom Name|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|website=Loudwire.com|date=19 November 2019 }}</ref>

The band released the final show as a live album on 15 December 2023.

=== Bodom After Midnight and death of Alexi Laiho (2020–2021) ===
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Bodom After Midnight
| image =
| image_size =
| caption = ] (left) and ], the two founding members
| genre = ]
| alias =
| origin = ], Finland
| years_active = 2020–2021
| label = ], Ward
| associated_acts =
| website =
| current_members =
| past_members = ]<br/>]<br/>Mitja Toivonen<br/>Waltteri Väyrynen
}}
In 2020, Laiho decided to carry on with Freyberg in their new band Bodom After Midnight. Joining them were bassist Mitja Toivonen (ex-]), drummer Waltteri Väyrynen (]) and touring keyboardist Lauri Salomaa.<ref name="bam" /> The band made a live debut on 23 October 2020 in Seinäjoki, Finland with two more shows at ] in Helsinki, Finland, where the band played an hour-long set of Children of Bodom songs.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Joe|last=Divita|url=https://loudwire.com/bodom-after-midnight-live-debut-set-list-video/|title=Set List + Video: Alexi Laiho's New Bodom Band Makes Live Debut|date=24 October 2020 |publisher=]|accessdate=25 February 2021}}</ref>

On 4 January 2021, it was announced that Alexi Laiho had died in late December 2020 from health complications at the age of 41.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mankkinen |first1=Jussi |last2=Kiviranta |first2=Varpu |title=Children of Bodomin perustanut Alexi Laiho on kuollut: kitaristi arvosti suomalaista itsepäisyyttä ja sisua |url=https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-11723185 |website=Yle Uutiset |publisher=] |access-date=4 January 2021|date=4 January 2021 | language = Finnish}}</ref> Bodom After Midnight was in the process of working on its full-length debut album, and before his death, recorded three songs and shot a music video, which were announced to be released posthumously.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Paul|last=Brown|date=4 January 2021|title=Children of Bodom Vocalist/Guitarist Alexi Laiho Passed Away, Aged 41|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2021/01/04/children-of-bodom-vocalist-guitarist-alexi-laiho-passed-away-aged-41/|access-date=4 January 2021|publisher=Wall of Sound|language=en-US}}</ref> On 10 February, the band announced the release of an EP titled '']'', which was released on 23 April 2021. The 3-song EP features the final recordings by Laiho, consisting of two original songs and a ] cover.<ref>{{cite web|first=Axl|last=Rosenberg|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2021/02/10/alexi-laihos-bodom-after-midnight-to-release-ep-in-april/|title=Alexi Laiho's Bodom After Midnight to Release EP in April|publisher=]|access-date=10 February 2021|date=10 February 2021}}</ref> Guitarist Daniel Freyberg stated that there would be no more releases: "There was no more songs written. That was all the songs, all the riffs Alexi ever presented us. So there's no leftovers."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alexi-laihos-bodom-after-midnight-has-no-leftover-material-there-was-no-more-songs-written/|title=Alexi Laiho's Bodom After Midnight Has No Leftover Material: 'There Was No More Songs Written'|publisher=]|date=9 April 2021|access-date=26 April 2021}}</ref>

In an April 2021 interview with '']'', Freyberg stated that Bodom After Midnight would not continue without Laiho: "Unfortunately, Bodom After Midnight as an active band is pretty much going to be buried with Alexi. We don't really feel comfortable using the name Bodom without Alexi, because it's so connected to him."<ref>{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=https://loudwire.com/alexi-laiho-happy-excited-about-future-bodom-after-midnight-guitarist-interview/|title=Alexi Laiho Was 'Very Happy + Excited,' Says Bodom Guitarist|publisher=]|access-date=2 April 2021|date=2 April 2021}}</ref>

Their song "Paint the Sky With Blood" was elected by '']'' as the 8th best metal song of 2021.<ref name="lbestsongs21">{{cite web |last1=Al-Sharif |first1=Rabab |last2=DiVita |first2=Joe |last3=Hartmann |first3=Graham |last4=Richardson |first4=Jake |last5=Trapp |first5=Philip |last6=Summan |first6=Yasmine |title=The 35 Best Metal Songs of 2021 |url=https://loudwire.com/best-metal-songs-2021/ |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2 January 2022 |date=6 December 2021}}</ref>

==Musical style and influences==
].<ref name="AllMusic Laiho"/>]]
Children of Bodom has been described usually as ]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/every-children-of-bodom-album-ranked-from-worst-to-best-by-alexi-laiho/ |title=Every Children Of Bodom Album Ranked From Worst To Best By Alexi Laiho |work=] |last=MacKinnon |first=James |date=13 February 2019 |access-date=30 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2019/11/children-of-bodom-parting-ways-three-members/ |title=Children of Bodom are parting ways with three longtime band members|work=] |date=1 November 2019 |last=Hadusek |first=Jon |access-date=30 April 2020}}</ref> and ], combining the two genres together.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/metal-detector-getting-the-knowledge-children-of-bodom |title=Children Of Bodom: Metal Detector |work=] |last=Ewing |first=Jerry |date=22 November 2006 |access-date=30 April 2020}}</ref> Influences and inspirations to Children of Bodom were cited as a variety of artists such as ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Admin |date=1999-09-01 |title=Children of Bodom – Hatebreeder – Interview {{!}} Lollipop Magazine |url=https://lollipopmagazine.com/1999/09/children-of-bodom-hatebreeder-interview/ |access-date=2024-02-10 |language=en}}</ref>

Laiho has been, according to ], "widely celebrated as one of the genre's most accomplished players",<ref name="AllMusic Laiho">. ].</ref> while the band has an "instantly recognizable sound".<ref>Gregory Heaney. . ].</ref>

==Tributes==
In 2022, a restaurant ] dedicated to the band called Bodom Bar & Sauna was opened in Espoo, located next to the ]. As the name suggests, the bar also includes a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inferno.fi/uutiset/children-of-bodomin-muusikot-avasivat-bodom-bar-saunan/|title=Children of Bodomin muusikot avasivat Bodom Bar & Saunan|first=Jonna|last=Ikonen|website=Inferno.fi|date=13 November 2022|access-date=16 November 2022|language=fi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/espoo/art-2000009202891.html|title=Children of Bodom -baari saunoineen aukesi vaivihkaa Espooseen|first=Erika|last=Mäkelä|work=]|date=15 November 2022|access-date=16 November 2022|language=fi}}</ref>

==Band members==
;Final lineup
* ] – ], ] <small>(1993–2019)</small>, ] <small>(1993–1994, 1995–1996)</small>, ]s <small>(1993–1996, 2019)</small>, ]<small> (1993–1996, 2003, 2015) (died 2020)</small>
* ] – ] <small>(1993–2019)</small>, keyboards <small>(1993–1996)</small>
* ] – bass, ] <small>(1994–2019)</small>
* ] – keyboards, backing vocals <small>(1997–2019)</small>
* ] – rhythm guitar, backing vocals <small>(2016–2019)</small>

;Bodom After Midnight lineup (2020–2021)
* Alexi Laiho – lead guitar, lead vocals <small>(died 2020)</small>
* Daniel Freyberg – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
* Mitja Toivonen – bass, backing vocals
* Waltteri Väyrynen – drums
* Lauri Salomaa – keyboards, backing vocals <small>(live member)</small>

;Former members
* Samuli Miettinen – bass, backing vocals <small>(1994–1995)</small>
* Jani Pirisjoki – keyboards, backing vocals <small>(1994–1997)</small>, rhythm guitar <small>(1994–1995)</small>
* ] – rhythm guitar, backing vocals <small>(1994–2003)</small>
* ] – rhythm guitar, backing vocals <small>(2004–2015; live member 2003–2004)</small>

;Former live members
* ] – keyboards <small>(1998)</small>
* ] – keyboards, backing vocals <small>(1998)</small>
* Netta Skog – accordion <small>(guest 2015, 2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h06HxM4uwpg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/h06HxM4uwpg |archive-date=15 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Children of Bodom (feat. Netta Skog) - Lake Bodom (Live @ Oulu 12.12.15)|date=12 December 2015 |publisher=]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQxs5lZBPoU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/vQxs5lZBPoU |archive-date=15 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Children Of Bodom feat. Netta Skog - Lake Bodom live at Tuska 3.7.2016|date=4 July 2016 |publisher=]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVuFKoHrMAs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/cVuFKoHrMAs |archive-date=15 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Children Of Bodom - Lake Bodom Live @ Tuska Open Air 3/7/2016|date=3 July 2016 |publisher=]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8khNg-IUUdw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/8khNg-IUUdw |archive-date=15 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Children Of Bodom - Ghost Riders In The Sky (Stan Jones cover) Live @ Tuska Open Air 3/7/2016|date=3 July 2016 |publisher=]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.v2.fi/artikkelit/viihde/1976/Tuska-2016-raportti-lauantain-ja-sunnuntain-tapahtumista/|title=Tuska 2016, raportti lauantain ja sunnuntain tapahtumista|website=V2.fi}}</ref></small>
* Antti Wirman – rhythm guitar, backing vocals <small>(2015)</small>

'''Timeline'''
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:30
PlotArea = left:110 bottom:100 top:0 right:10
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1993 till:04/23/2021
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1993
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1993

Colors =
id:band value:skyblue legend:Band_name
id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals,_lead_guitar
id:backing value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:guitar value:green legend:Rhythm_guitar
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:keyboard value:purple legend:Keyboards
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album
id:other value:gray(0.5) legend:Other_release

LineData =
layer:back
at:11/01/1997 color:studio
at:04/26/1999 color:studio
at:10/30/2000 color:studio
at:01/01/2003 color:studio
at:09/19/2005 color:studio
at:04/09/2008 color:studio
at:03/08/2011 color:studio
at:06/06/2013 color:studio
at:10/02/2015 color:studio
at:03/08/2019 color:studio
<!--Do not add future releases to a band history timeline. Add them once they have been released. Discuss future albums in the article body.-->
at:08/21/1994 color:other
at:07/09/1995 color:other
at:02/14/1996 color:other
at:10/11/1999 color:other
at:08/01/2003 color:other
at:10/06/2004 color:other
at:10/11/2006 color:other
at:10/16/2006 color:other
at:06/09/2008 color:other
at:09/22/2009 color:other
at:05/22/2012 color:other
at:04/23/2021 color:other
BarData =
bar:Inearthed text:"Inearthed"
bar:COB text:"Children of Bodom"
bar:BAM text:"Bodom After Midnight"
bar:Alexi text:"Alexi Laiho"
bar:Jani text:"Jani Pirisjoki"
bar:Alexander text:"Alexander Kuoppala"
bar:Roope text:"Roope Latvala"
bar:Daniel text:"Daniel Freyberg"
bar:Samuli text:"Samuli Miettinen"
bar:Henkka text:"Henkka Seppälä"
bar:Mitja text:"Mitja Toivonen"
bar:Janne text:"Janne Wirman"
bar:Lauri text:"Lauri Salomaa"
bar:Jaska text:"Jaska Raatikainen"
bar:Waltteri text:"Waltteri Väyrynen"

PlotData=
width:15 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4)
bar:Inearthed from:start till:01/01/1997 color:band
bar:COB from:01/01/1997 till:12/15/2019 color:band
bar:BAM from:03/16/2020 till:end color:band
bar:Alexi from:01/01/1993 till:12/29/2020 color:vocals
bar:Alexi from:01/01/1993 till:01/01/1996 color:keyboard width:3
bar:Alexi from:01/01/1993 till:01/01/1994 color:bass width:11
bar:Alexi from:01/01/1993 till:01/01/1995 color:guitar width:7
bar:Alexi from:01/01/1995 till:01/01/1996 color:bass width:7
bar:Alexi from:07/14/2003 till:08/16/2003 color:guitar width:3
bar:Alexi from:05/29/2015 till:01/19/2016 color:guitar width:3
bar:Jani from:01/01/1995 till:01/01/1996 color:guitar
bar:Jani from:01/01/1995 till:01/01/1996 color:keyboard width:7
bar:Jani from:01/01/1995 till:01/01/1997 color:backing width:3
bar:Jani from:01/01/1996 till:01/01/1997 color:keyboard
bar:Alexander from:01/01/1996 till:07/14/2003 color:guitar
bar:Alexander from:01/01/1996 till:07/14/2003 color:backing width:3
bar:Roope from:08/16/2003 till:05/29/2015 color:guitar
bar:Roope from:08/16/2003 till:05/29/2015 color:backing width:3
bar:Daniel from:01/19/2016 till:end color:guitar
bar:Daniel from:01/19/2016 till:end color:backing width:3
bar:Samuli from:01/01/1994 till:01/01/1995 color:bass
bar:Samuli from:01/01/1994 till:01/01/1995 color:backing width:3
bar:Henkka from:01/01/1996 till:12/15/2019 color:bass
bar:Henkka from:01/01/1996 till:12/15/2019 color:backing width:3
bar:Mitja from:03/16/2020 till:end color:bass
bar:Mitja from:03/16/2020 till:end color:backing width:3
bar:Janne from:01/01/1997 till:12/15/2019 color:keyboard
bar:Lauri from:03/16/2020 till:end color:keyboard
bar:Lauri from:03/16/2020 till:end color:backing width:3
bar:Janne from:01/01/1997 till:12/15/2019 color:backing width:3
bar:Jaska from:01/01/1993 till:12/15/2019 color:drums
bar:Jaska from:01/01/1993 till:01/01/1996 color:keyboard width:3
bar:Waltteri from:03/16/2020 till:end color:drums
}}


==Discography== ==Discography==
{{Main|Children of Bodom discography}}
===Albums===
* '']'' (1997) * '']'' (1997)
* '']'' (1999) * '']'' (1999)
* '']'' (Live CD, 1999) * '']'' (2000)
* '']'' (2001)
* '']'' (Compilation CD, 2003)
* '']'' (2003) * '']'' (2003)
* '']'' (2005) * '']'' (2005)
* '']'' (2008)
<!-- DO NOT add Skeletons in the Closet; it is not an official record, being a cover album. We only state standard studio albums here—Skeletons in the Closet can be found on the discography page -->
* '']'' (2011)
* '']'' (2013)
* '']'' (2015)
* '']'' (2019)


===Singles and EPs=== ==See also==
* ]
* ''Implosion of Heaven'' (Demo, 1994)
* ''Ubiquitous Absence of Remission'' (Demo, 1995)
* ''Shining'' (Demo, 1996)
* ''Children of Bodom'' (1998)
* ''Downfall'' (1998)
* ''Hate Me!'' (2000)
* ''You're Better Off Dead!'' (2002)
* ''Trashed, Lost & Strungout'' (2004)
* ''In Your Face'' (EP, 2005)

Despite popular belief, Children of Bodom have never covered the songs "The Trooper" by ] (cover actually recorded by ]) or "The Final Countdown" by ] (actually covered by both ] and ]).

The single ''Children of Bodom'' included, in addition to the title track, the songs "Repent (Whore)" by ] and "Iron, Steel, Metal" by ]. These two songs were never covered by Children of Bodom.


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}}
# {{note|henkkainterview}}
# {{note|bodomsite}}

==Samples==
*
*
*
*


==External links== ==External links==
{{commons category}}
*
*{{Official website|http://www.cobhc.com}}
*
*{{allmusic}}
*
*


{{Children of Bodom}}
]
]
]


{{Authority control}}
]

]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 10:00, 2 January 2025

Finnish melodic death metal band

Children of Bodom
Children of Bodom performing live in 2016Children of Bodom performing live in 2016
Background information
Also known asInearthed (1993–1997)
OriginEspoo, Finland
Genres
Years active1993–2019
Labels
Past members
Websitecobhc.com

Children of Bodom was a Finnish melodic death metal band from Espoo. Formed in 1993 as Inearthed, the final line-up of the group upon their split in 2019 consisted of frontman Alexi Laiho, drummer Jaska Raatikainen, bassist Henkka Seppälä, keyboardist Janne Wirman and rhythm guitarist Daniel Freyberg. The band released ten studio albums, three live albums, two EPs, two compilation albums and one DVD.

The band's third studio album, Follow the Reaper, was their first album to receive a gold certification in Finland, and subsequent studio albums acquired the same status. Their next four albums each debuted at number one on the Finnish album charts, and have also seen chart positions on the United States Billboard 200. They are one of Finland's best selling artists of all time with more than 250,000 records sold there alone.

In 2019, Children of Bodom held their last concert in Helsinki named A Chapter Called Children of Bodom, before disbanding the band. Laiho and Freyberg carried on as Bodom After Midnight in 2020. Laiho, who was one of the founding members of Children of Bodom as well as the only main songwriter, died on 29 December 2020.

History

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Formation and early years (1993–1996)

Children of Bodom was formed in 1993 by guitarist Alexi "Wildchild" Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen under the name of Inearthed. They had known each other since early childhood and had shared an interest in heavy metal, especially death metal groups, such as Dissection, Entombed, Cannibal Corpse, Autopsy, and Obituary and classic metal groups such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Dio, and Ozzy Osbourne. Bassist Samuli Miettinen completed the initial line-up of the band. Inearthed recorded its first demo, Implosion of Heaven, during August of the same year.

Lead guitarist and singer Alexi Laiho in 2007

Miettinen was the main composer of the band's lyrics for the two years that he took part in Inearthed, but his family moved to the United States in 1995, making it impossible for him to remain in the band. His last contributions to Inearthed were the lyrics of the songs from their second demo, Ubiquitous Absence of Remission which was the first time they worked with producer Anssi Kippo at Astia-studios (Lappeenranta, Finland). In this demo, keyboards were incorporated into the band's songs for the first time. In order to achieve this, both Laiho and Raatikainen played the keyboards separately and subsequently mixed the recorded track with the other instruments. Laiho, who had previously only composed the melodies of the songs, assumed the role of the band's lyricist.

At the time, Raatikainen played French horn in a local big band, and during a rehearsal, he met Alexander Kuoppala, a trumpet player and also a proficient guitarist. Shortly after the recording of their second demo, Kuoppala was invited to join Inearthed as a rhythm guitarist.

In early 1996, Henkka "Blacksmith" Seppälä, whom Laiho and Raatikainen had previously known from school, replaced Miettinen on bass as well as contributing backing vocals. The band also recruited Jani Pirisjoki to play keyboards.

With this new line-up, Inearthed proceeded to record their third demo, titled Shining. This demo did not impress record labels any more than the previous ones had, and none took interest in the band. Despite their efforts, their music got little exposure and managed only to play at local events. As a last resort, the band decided to record an independent, self-funded album.

Laiho wanted to make use of the keyboards more effectively, but Pirisjoki was not attending rehearsals. Thus, he was fired and replaced by a friend of Raatikainen's, a jazz pianist named Janne "Warman" Wirman.

In order to sign with Spinefarm Records, the band was required to create a new name due to the contract they signed with Shiver records under the name Inearthed. The band found the answer in their local phone book when they stumbled upon Lake Bodom. The band found that the lake had an interesting story behind it due to the Lake Bodom murders. A long list of possible names involving the word Bodom was then made, and they settled on Children of Bodom.

Something Wild and Hatebreeder (1996–2000)

The original logo (top) was used only on the cover of the first pressing of the debut album Something Wild in November 1997. After that, the second logo has been in use for every subsequent release.
Roope Latvala

Something Wild was produced, recorded and mixed by Anssi Kippo and Children of Bodom at Astia-studios (Lappeenranta, Finland). In an attempt to promote their band, they opened a show for Dimmu Borgir in 1997. Something Wild was released in late 1997 in Finland and in 1998 worldwide. In early 1998, for promotional purposes, the band recorded a music video of the song "Deadnight Warrior". The video was directed by Mika Lindberg and had a slim budget of €1000. It made use of simple scenery, which consisted essentially of an outdoors location after a snowstorm. The band played for a couple of hours at night, with an average temperature of minus fifteen degrees Celsius.

Although Laiho was very critical of all of the music he had written, he noted that he dislikes Something Wild the most of all of his albums. When recording this album, Laiho had tried to mimic the style of one of his idols, Yngwie Malmsteen, which is why Something Wild is considered one of the most technical albums Children of Bodom have produced. Despite this, he considered it to be their "most important" record, as it "put them on the map."

Children of Bodom's first European tour began in February 1998. They played with bands such as Hypocrisy (at such festivals as Under the Black Sun), The Kovenant and Agathodaimon, but Wirman was replaced by pianist Erna Siikavirta for the duration of the tour.

Months later, the band recorded two new songs again at Astia-studios with producer Anssi Kippo, titled "Towards Dead End" and "Children of Bodom". In late August, the band played the song "Forevermore" live for the first time during a show in Russia. This song was later renamed "Downfall".

Their second European tour occurred in September of that same year, but once more Wirman was not able to perform with them. Laiho's then-girlfriend Kimberly Goss (from Sinergy and formerly of Dimmu Borgir, Ancient and Therion) assumed the keyboards this time. By the end of the tour, Kimberly invited Laiho to join Sinergy, which at the time was still in its early stages.

The second album, Hatebreeder, was recorded between the end of 1998 and the beginning of 1999 by Anssi Kippo at Astia-studios (Lappeenranta, Finland). It was originally titled Towards Dead End, but while in studio the members of the band opted for the current title. To create anticipation in Finland, the '"Downfall" single was released two weeks prior to the album's release. It was accompanied by a new music video, once more directed by Mika Lindberg. Hatebreeder ultimately topped the charts in many European countries. In July 1999, the success of the "Downfall" single and Hatebreeder allowed Children of Bodom to schedule three concerts in Japan with Sinergy and In Flames. During two of these concerts, the live album Tokyo Warhearts was recorded. In it the band managed to seamlessly reproduce and at times improve on their songs. At their request, no overdubs were used on the recording of the concert.

Rise to popularity: Follow the Reaper and Hate Crew Deathroll (2000–2004)

Jaska Raatikainen

For their next release, Children of Bodom decided to make use of Peter Tägtgren's Abyss studio in Sweden instead of the Finnish Astia-studio from Anssi Kippo where they had recorded all of their previous releases including the demos from Inearthed. The band wrote eight songs for the album. While in the studio, they decided to include an extra track that was hastily composed and featured lyrics improvised by Laiho; that track would eventually receive the name of "Kissing the Shadows". The band gave the album the name of Follow the Reaper and recording sessions took place between August and September 2000; the album saw a worldwide release in late 2000. A music video for "Everytime I Die" was recorded by the Finnish director Tuukka Temonen shortly after.

In February 2002, Children of Bodom began writing songs for their upcoming album, titled Hate Crew Deathroll. They returned to Astia-studio (Lappeenranta, Finland) to work with producer Anssi Kippo again. The session ensued during the months of August and September, and the album was released January 2003 in Finland. It remained on the top of the Finnish charts for a total of three weeks and subsequently became the band's first gold album. Eventually, all of the band's albums reached this status and Follow the Reaper reached platinum.

On 3 January 2003, the Finnish Metal Music Awards were held at Tavastia Club in Helsinki. Voting was open to all the metal fans and was presented through the various media outlets that were working with the event's organizers. Children of Bodom was awarded Finnish Band of the Year.

Children of Bodom's first world tour began in 2003 and lasted until late 2004. The tour had many sold-out concerts and marked the consolidation of the band in North America, but was also accompanied by an unexpected announcement: Kuoppala decided to quit Children of Bodom for personal reasons right in the middle of the tour without giving previous warning. In an interview, when Laiho was asked why Kuoppala left the band, he stated that "Well, I try to be careful about what I say about him because there is no bad blood between us. He told me that he just got sick of touring and the whole band/rock 'n roll lifestyle living in hotels and tour buses and stuff. For me it was really weird because he was always the one who was SO into it! He was a die hard rock 'n roller and suddenly he made a quick 180 turn in his whole life. This whole situation involves a new girlfriend." Griffin's guitarist Kai Nergaard was invited by Laiho to replace Kuoppala, but did not accept the offer. Thus, Alexi's bandmate from Sinergy, Roope Latvala (founding member of Stone, one of the bands which started the heavy metal movement in Finland) assumed the guitars as a session player, until a more permanent solution could be found. This formation was introduced in Moscow on 16 August.

Breakthrough with Are You Dead Yet? (2004–2007)

Janne Wirman

After finishing the world tour with Latvala – who then assumed a permanent position in the band's line-up – Children of Bodom proceeded to record and release the EP Trashed, Lost & Strungout and the single "In Your Face", which contained songs from their upcoming album and a parody cover of "Oops!... I Did It Again" by Britney Spears. In late 2005, the album Are You Dead Yet? was released, featuring a style different from what had been presented by the band on its previous works. Simpler and heavier guitar riffs were incorporated into Children of Bodom's sound, as well as elements from industrial music. Reactions from fans to the release were varied; however, the album remains the band's most commercially successful. It was awarded gold status in Finland and reached first place on the Finnish charts, 16th in Germany, 16 in Sweden and 17 in Japan. The next release of the band was a DVD-single for the song "In Your Face", which included the music video, backstage footage from the band and a live recording of the song "Sixpounder" at Wacken Open Air festival in 2004. In June, Children of Bodom was in front of 120,000 spectators, one of their biggest concerts, on the last concert of the Böhse Onkelz. The DVD of the concert, called Vaya Con Tioz, includes Children of Bodom's performance of "Everytime I Die".

Children of Bodom's live DVD Chaos Ridden Years - Stockholm Knockout Live was released on 5 December 2006. It contains a recording of a live concert performed on 5 February 2006 in Stockholm, Sweden, with over 90 minutes of live footage. "Chaos Ridden Years" refers to a documentary featuring interviews with band members about the history of the band and footage of the band on tour. It also contains every music video Children of Bodom has made, except for "Needled 24/7". Guitarist Alexi Laiho was voted world's best guitarist of 2006 by Metal Hammer magazine.

In June 2006, the band embarked on one of their biggest tours: The Unholy Alliance tour, playing alongside Slayer, Lamb of God, Mastodon, In Flames and Thine Eyes Bleed. The bands toured the US through June and July, and Europe through October and November.

On 31 January 2007, Laiho slid down the lane at a bowling alley after accidentally stepping over the foul line. He slammed hard into the wall, breaking his left shoulder. This rendered him unable to play guitar for six weeks. Due to this incident, Children of Bodom was forced to cancel their first 2007 tours, and a festival that they were slated to headline.

On 31 March 2007, the band's website released information on Laiho's condition stating that while Laiho's injury will never fully heal, it no longer affects his ability to play the guitar. The same notice also stated that the band had already written some songs for a new album and would start recording sometime later in 2007.

Blooddrunk and Relentless Reckless Forever (2007–2012)

Henkka Seppälä

From October to December 2007, Children of Bodom recorded their sixth studio album, titled Blooddrunk, which was released on 15 April 2008. The album contained 10 songs including a cover of "Ghost Riders in the Sky". Children of Bodom was featured on the Gigantour 2008 North American tour with Megadeth, In Flames, Job for a Cowboy and High on Fire. Children of Bodom was one of the first bands to be confirmed for Wacken Open Air 2008, where they performed alongside many bands including Iron Maiden, Sonata Arctica and Avantasia. Children of Bodom played at Donington Download on 15 June, playing a mixture of old and new songs. On 8 March 2008, Children of Bodom did their first UK signing event at the Zavvi music shop in Oxford Street, London. They signed copies of their new single "Blooddrunk" in CD, 7 inch and 12 inch vinyls, only 666 copies of the 12 inch vinyls have been made.

On 26 June 2008, Children of Bodom played their first show in Auckland, New Zealand with support from local scene acts Dawn of Azazel and Subtract at the Transmission Room. In 2008, Children of Bodom's first three studio albums, as well as Tokyo Warhearts, were remastered and re-released with bonus tracks. In September and October 2008, the band toured the U.S. supporting Blooddrunk with support from The Black Dahlia Murder and Between the Buried and Me. Testament also made a special guest appearance in the main support slot at the tour's New York City date. In November and December 2008, the band toured in Europe supporting Slipknot and Machine Head. From late January to early March 2009, the band also co-headlined the European tour with Cannibal Corpse with Diablo opening for them. On 2 April 2009, Children of Bodom embarked on the No Fear Energy Tour headlined by Lamb of God with main support from As I Lay Dying and themselves, and rotating opening slots with God Forbid and Municipal Waste, but dropped off the tour a week before it was finished following a serious injury Alexi sustained after falling from the top bunk of his tour bus on 26 April 2009, after the show in Palladium Ballroom, Dallas, Texas. In addition to the injury, on 8 May 2009, at Roseland Ballroom in New York City, Alexi and Children of Bodom were forced to quit playing after a few of their songs because of Alexi's previous injury. Laiho originally planned to continue touring despite his injury but was forced to cancel last six dates when any efforts to alleviate the pain failed. All summer festival dates went down as planned and were unaffected by Alexi's injury.

Alexander Kuoppala

In February 2009, Children of Bodom hinted at plans to release a cover album titled Skeletons in the Closet, which was released on 23 September 2009. They also admitted to being "lazy" when it comes to practicing and talked about plans to have more songs on future albums. The band embarked on a tour of South America and Mexico in September 2009. Support for the trek came from Amorphis. Also in September and October 2009, the band returned to North America to headline a massive month-long tour. On most dates support on the trek came from The Black Dahlia Murder and Skeletonwitch. Austrian Death Machine and Holy Grail made a special guest appearance in the main support slot at the tour's second Pomona, California date. On 18 October 2009, four days after the band's North American tour finale in Honolulu, Hawaii they performed at Japan's Loudpark Festival along with Megadeth, Judas Priest, Slayer, Anthrax, Rob Zombie and Arch Enemy. In the six days following their performance at the Loudpark Festival, they held three shows in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China respectively. They finished their two-month September to October tour in Moscow, Russia. This concluded their year and a half long Blooddrunk World Tour.

Skeletons in the Closet is a cover album released on 22 September 2009. It features covers released on versions of previous albums but also includes four new tracks. Covered artists include Suicidal Tendencies, Britney Spears, Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Andrew WK, Billy Idol and Scorpions

Children of Bodom featured a contest to promote their new album in which anyone could win prizes featuring an ESP/LTD M-53 electric guitar, the band's entire back catalog, and Skeletons in the Closet. The contest ran from 25 August to 21 September 2009. The winners were announced 28 September 2009.

Return to form with Halo of Blood (2010–2014)

After the Blooddrunk tour ended, Children of Bodom started recording their new album. During the recording of the drum tracks there was a small tornado and the power was cut out. Consequently, the recording was delayed until after their tour with Black Label Society. Children of Bodom released some information to Metal Hammer magazine about new album tracks. The three tracks they released were titled "Pussyfoot Miss Suicide", "Ugly", and "Was It Worth It?"

In November the band announced "The Ugly World Tour 2011" which would run from March–May 2011 and would feature dates around Europe. Opening Acts were Ensiferum, Machinae Supremacy and Amon Amarth (UK only). On 24 November, it was announced that the title of the album would be Relentless Reckless Forever. The album was released on 8 March 2011. A music video for "Was It Worth It?" was produced, featuring skateboarder Chris Cole as well as noted pro skaters Jamie Thomas, Garrett Hill and Tom Asta. "Was It Worth It?" was released as a downloadable track for the video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock in February 2011.

Halo of Blood is the band's eighth studio album. It was released on 6 June in Europe, 10 June in the United Kingdom and on 11 June in North America. The Mayhem Festival tour alongside Rob Zombie, Mastodon and Amon Amarth was also announced on 18 March 2013.

Music journalist Neil Kelly of PopMatters said in praise of the album, "Death metal could very well re-enter mainstream consciousness through Halo of Blood, the most accessible Children of Bodom release yet."

In May 2014, the band toured eastern Australia, visiting Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne with Eye of the Enemy as support, along with Orpheus Omega in Melbourne, and Emergency Gate in Brisbane and Sydney.

I Worship Chaos, Hexed and final show (2014–2019)

Rhythm guitarist Daniel Freyberg 2016

On 7 April 2015, the band announced that they have begun working on the follow-up of Halo of Blood. On 29 May 2015, the band announced on their Facebook page that Roope Latvala is no longer part of Children of Bodom with the new album to be recorded as a four-piece for the first time. However, the band later updated that Latvala's part in the band will be filled in by Antti Wirman, keyboardist Janne Wirman's younger brother for live commitments until the end of the year; he debuted with the band in a private live show in Helsinki. In a later interview with Wirman, he stated that his brother would not join the band permanently. On 8 June 2015, the album title was announced as I Worship Chaos and was released through Nuclear Blast on 2 October 2015. On 19 January 2016, the band announced the addition of Daniel Freyberg on guitar. He would make his live debut with them in Tampa, Florida on 9 February.

In an interview with Noizr Zine, taken on 14 September 2017, Children of Bodom's keyboardist Janne Wirman answering to the question about the band's plans to start working on a new album with "the same production team" (Mikko Karmila and Mika Jussila) after '20 Years Down & Dirty' tour ends, said the following: "Yes, I think we are. And we're going to record it in our warehouse." In November 2017, Bassist Henkka Seppälä discussed in an interview that the band have half an album's worth of material written for the next album. They began to start recording the new album in March 2018. In August 2018, Seppälä stated in an interview with TotalRock Radio that the album will be released in early 2019. In November 2018, the band revealed that the album would be called Hexed. It was released on 8 March 2019.

On 1 November 2019, it was announced that Children of Bodom would play their final show with the line-up at the time on 15 December. The gig, dubbed "A Chapter Called Children of Bodom", took place at the Helsinki Ice Hall, Finland. The statement said:

"After almost 25 years with Bodom, thousands of shows & 10 albums, Henkka , Janne and Jaska have decided to step back and change direction within their lives. Alexi and Daniel will have further announcements about their plans to keep creating new music in the future."

It was later reported that the main reason for the departures was that Raatikainen, Seppälä and Wirman could no longer find a shared viewpoint with Laiho. Laiho and Freyberg found a new bassist and a new drummer according to Helsingin Sanomat. According to Finnish music zine Soundi, Laiho could not use the band's name without permission from his former bandmates.

The band released the final show as a live album on 15 December 2023.

Bodom After Midnight and death of Alexi Laiho (2020–2021)

Bodom After Midnight
OriginHelsinki, Finland
GenresMelodic death metal
Years active2020–2021
LabelsNapalm, Ward
Past membersAlexi Laiho
Daniel Freyberg
Mitja Toivonen
Waltteri Väyrynen

In 2020, Laiho decided to carry on with Freyberg in their new band Bodom After Midnight. Joining them were bassist Mitja Toivonen (ex-Santa Cruz), drummer Waltteri Väyrynen (Paradise Lost) and touring keyboardist Lauri Salomaa. The band made a live debut on 23 October 2020 in Seinäjoki, Finland with two more shows at Tavastia in Helsinki, Finland, where the band played an hour-long set of Children of Bodom songs.

On 4 January 2021, it was announced that Alexi Laiho had died in late December 2020 from health complications at the age of 41. Bodom After Midnight was in the process of working on its full-length debut album, and before his death, recorded three songs and shot a music video, which were announced to be released posthumously. On 10 February, the band announced the release of an EP titled Paint the Sky with Blood, which was released on 23 April 2021. The 3-song EP features the final recordings by Laiho, consisting of two original songs and a Dissection cover. Guitarist Daniel Freyberg stated that there would be no more releases: "There was no more songs written. That was all the songs, all the riffs Alexi ever presented us. So there's no leftovers."

In an April 2021 interview with Loudwire, Freyberg stated that Bodom After Midnight would not continue without Laiho: "Unfortunately, Bodom After Midnight as an active band is pretty much going to be buried with Alexi. We don't really feel comfortable using the name Bodom without Alexi, because it's so connected to him."

Their song "Paint the Sky With Blood" was elected by Loudwire as the 8th best metal song of 2021.

Musical style and influences

Frontman Alexi Laiho is "widely celebrated as one of the genre's most accomplished players" according to AllMusic.

Children of Bodom has been described usually as melodic death metal and power metal, combining the two genres together. Influences and inspirations to Children of Bodom were cited as a variety of artists such as Anthrax, Darkthrone, Dimmu Borgir, Entombed, Yngwie Malmsteen, Helloween and Stratovarius.

Laiho has been, according to AllMusic, "widely celebrated as one of the genre's most accomplished players", while the band has an "instantly recognizable sound".

Tributes

In 2022, a restaurant bar dedicated to the band called Bodom Bar & Sauna was opened in Espoo, located next to the Niittykumpu metro station. As the name suggests, the bar also includes a public sauna.

Band members

Final lineup
Bodom After Midnight lineup (2020–2021)
  • Alexi Laiho – lead guitar, lead vocals (died 2020)
  • Daniel Freyberg – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Mitja Toivonen – bass, backing vocals
  • Waltteri Väyrynen – drums
  • Lauri Salomaa – keyboards, backing vocals (live member)
Former members
  • Samuli Miettinen – bass, backing vocals (1994–1995)
  • Jani Pirisjoki – keyboards, backing vocals (1994–1997), rhythm guitar (1994–1995)
  • Alexander Kuoppala – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1994–2003)
  • Roope Latvala – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2004–2015; live member 2003–2004)
Former live members
  • Erna Siikavirta – keyboards (1998)
  • Kimberly Goss – keyboards, backing vocals (1998)
  • Netta Skog – accordion (guest 2015, 2016)
  • Antti Wirman – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2015)

Timeline

Discography

Main article: Children of Bodom discography

See also

References

  1. "Discography Children of Bodom" (in Finnish). Finnish charts. Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  2. ^ "Former CHILDREN OF BODOM Frontman ALEXI LAIHO Launches New Band, BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT". Blabbermouth. 16 March 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  3. brownypaul (4 January 2021). "Children of Bodom Vocalist/Guitarist Alexi Laiho Passed Away, Aged 41". Wall Of Sound. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  4. Mankkinen, Jussi; Kiviranta, Varpu (4 January 2021). "Children of Bodomin perustanut Alexi Laiho on kuollut: kitaristi arvosti suomalaista itsepäisyyttä ja sisua". Ylei.fi (in Finnish). Helsinki. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  5. "Children of Bodom's Alexi Laiho Opens up About Dangerous Past Relationship with Alcohol | BeatRoute". Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
  6. ^ "CoC : Children of Bodom : Interview : 1/16/1999". Chroniclesofchaos.com. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  7. "Children of Bodom FAQs". COBHC.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2013.
  8. "Metal News - Finnish Metal Music Awards 2003 Results ( Metal Underground . com )". Metalunderground.com. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
  9. "Interview with Children of Bodom's Alexi Laiho". Metal-Rules.com. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
  10. "CHILDREN OF BODOM Frontman Alexi Laiho Injured Bowling - "Six Weeks Of No Guitar Playing - Doctor's Orders"". bravewords.com.
  11. updated, Jon Wiederhorn last (28 June 2021). "The wild times, final days and last recordings of Alexi Laiho". guitarworld.
  12. "Children of Bodom Hate Crew Official Website | The Ugly World Tour 2011". Cobhc.com. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
  13. "Metal News - Children of Bodom Reveal American Release Date ( Metal Underground . com )". Metalunderground.com. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
  14. "Gigantour 2008 lineup". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
  15. "Billing/Bands 2008". Wacken Open Air. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 3 December 2007.
  16. "Children of Bodom Hate Crew - Official Website". Cobhc.com. Archived from the original on 1 January 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
  17. Archived 8 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  18. Archived 28 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  19. "Blabbermouth.Net - Lamb of God, As I Lay Dying, Children of Bodom To Team Up For North American Tour". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on 21 February 2009. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  20. "CHILDREN OF BODOM Performs Abbreviated Set in New York City". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on 13 May 2009. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  21. "Children of Bodom To Release 'Skeletons in the Closet' Collection of Covers". Blabbermouth.net. 23 April 2009. Archived from the original on 1 April 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
  22. "Children of Bodom Talk Cover Albums!". Female First. 23 February 2009. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  23. "CHILDREN OF BODOM Bassist Checks in From The Road". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  24. "Children of Bodom Hate Crew Official Website". www.cobhc.com. Archived from the original on 21 February 2009. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  25. "CHILDREN OF BODOM New Song titles Revealed". Jorzine.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  26. "Children of Bodom Hate Crew Official Website". www.cobhc.com. Archived from the original on 20 November 2010. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  27. "CHILDREN OF BODOM: 'Was It Worth It?' Video Released - Feb. 15, 2011". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on 19 February 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
  28. Kelly, Neil (19 June 2013). "Children of Bodom: Halo of Blood". PopMatters.
  29. "Halo of Blood Over Australia Tour 2014 at The Hi-Fi Sydney (Moore Park) on 9 May 2014 –". Last.fm. 9 May 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2015.
  30. "Children of Bodom Begin Work on New Album | Music News @". Ultimate-guitar.com. 5 April 2015. Retrieved 27 October 2015.
  31. Vallecillo, Alix (29 May 2015). "Children of Bodom part ways with guitarist". Metal Insider. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  32. "Interview: Janne Wirman from Children Of Bodom". Moshville. 19 August 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  33. "Children of Bodom Recruit New Guitarist". Venia Magazine. 21 January 2016. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  34. "Interview: CHILDREN OF BODOM's Janne Wirman on Touring, New Album, and "Stranger Things" — Noizr". YouTube. 27 September 2017. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
  35. "Children of Bodom interview Wacken 2018 — TotalRock Radio". YouTube. 6 August 2018. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  36. "A Chapter Called Children of Bodom". Children of Bodom - Official. November 2019. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
  37. "All Three Ex-CHILDREN OF BODOM Members Issue Statement, "Could Not Find A Shared Viewpoint"". Metalinjection.net. 24 December 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  38. "A Chapter Called Children Of Bodom". Cobhc.com. November 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  39. Hartmann, Graham (19 November 2019). "Alexi Laiho Can't Legally Use Children of Bodom Name". Loudwire.com.
  40. Divita, Joe (24 October 2020). "Set List + Video: Alexi Laiho's New Bodom Band Makes Live Debut". Loudwire. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  41. Mankkinen, Jussi; Kiviranta, Varpu (4 January 2021). "Children of Bodomin perustanut Alexi Laiho on kuollut: kitaristi arvosti suomalaista itsepäisyyttä ja sisua". Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). Yle. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  42. Brown, Paul (4 January 2021). "Children of Bodom Vocalist/Guitarist Alexi Laiho Passed Away, Aged 41". Wall of Sound. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  43. Rosenberg, Axl (10 February 2021). "Alexi Laiho's Bodom After Midnight to Release EP in April". Metalsucks. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  44. "Alexi Laiho's Bodom After Midnight Has No Leftover Material: 'There Was No More Songs Written'". Blabbermouth. 9 April 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  45. Hartmann, Graham (2 April 2021). "Alexi Laiho Was 'Very Happy + Excited,' Says Bodom Guitarist". Loudwire. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  46. Al-Sharif, Rabab; DiVita, Joe; Hartmann, Graham; Richardson, Jake; Trapp, Philip; Summan, Yasmine (6 December 2021). "The 35 Best Metal Songs of 2021". Loudwire. Townsquare Media. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
  47. ^ Alexi Laiho Biography. AllMusic.
  48. MacKinnon, James (13 February 2019). "Every Children Of Bodom Album Ranked From Worst To Best By Alexi Laiho". Kerrang!. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  49. Hadusek, Jon (1 November 2019). "Children of Bodom are parting ways with three longtime band members". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  50. Ewing, Jerry (22 November 2006). "Children Of Bodom: Metal Detector". Metal Hammer. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  51. Admin (1 September 1999). "Children of Bodom – Hatebreeder – Interview | Lollipop Magazine". Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  52. Gregory Heaney. Children of Bodom Biography. AllMusic.
  53. Ikonen, Jonna (13 November 2022). "Children of Bodomin muusikot avasivat Bodom Bar & Saunan". Inferno.fi (in Finnish). Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  54. Mäkelä, Erika (15 November 2022). "Children of Bodom -baari saunoineen aukesi vaivihkaa Espooseen". Helsingin Sanomat (in Finnish). Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  55. "Children of Bodom (feat. Netta Skog) - Lake Bodom (Live @ Oulu 12.12.15)". YouTube. 12 December 2015. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021.
  56. "Children Of Bodom feat. Netta Skog - Lake Bodom live at Tuska 3.7.2016". YouTube. 4 July 2016. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021.
  57. "Children Of Bodom - Lake Bodom Live @ Tuska Open Air 3/7/2016". YouTube. 3 July 2016. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021.
  58. "Children Of Bodom - Ghost Riders In The Sky (Stan Jones cover) Live @ Tuska Open Air 3/7/2016". YouTube. 3 July 2016. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021.
  59. "Tuska 2016, raportti lauantain ja sunnuntain tapahtumista". V2.fi.

External links

Children of Bodom
Studio albums
Live albums
Compilations
Extended plays
Singles
Cover songs
Related articles
Categories: