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{{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/>] (Debated)|
| 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 without prior discussion on the talk page -->
'''Children of Bodom''' is a ] band from ]. There is some contention regarding the band's genre classification, but in general the band's musical style can be described as a ] of ], ] and ] .


'''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.
The band's earlier releases leaned more towards a power metal style, but recently the band has focused on a style more closely related to melodic death metal. However, several key traits have remained consistent throughout the band's history, such as a focus on rapid tempos and technical guitar and keyboard solos. Other traits, such as Alexi's vocal approach and Jaska's use of ]s are also consistent across the band's discography. The lyrics of Children of Bodom's songs are written in ] and most often are concerned with the subjects of ], personal struggles and the ].


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==


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>
====Early years====


== History ==
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 had shared an interest in heavy metal, especially ] bands, such as ], ] and ]. Bassist ] completed the initial line-up of the band. IneartheD recorded its first ], titled ''Implosion of Heaven'', during August of the same year.
{{More citations needed section|date=January 2021}}


=== Formation and early years (1993–1996) ===
Samuli 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 ] in late ], making it impossible for him to remain in the band. His last contribution to IneartheD were the lyrics of the songs from their second demo, ''Ubiquitous Absence of Remission''. 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. Alexi, who had previously only composed the melodies of the songs, assumed the role of the band's lyricist.


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.
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.


]
The bassist chosen to replace Samuli was Henkka "Blacksmith" Seppälä, whom Alexi and Jaska had previously met at school. 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 ].
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.
With this new line-up, IneartheD proceeded to record their third demo, entitled ''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. Considering that none of the musicians had much money to begin with, it was an audacious move.


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.<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.
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.


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"/>
Janne was the component which was previously missing from IneartheD. His presence allowed the band to assume the style which would later characterise Children of Bodom. With him, the band successfully recorded their first album in 1997. Their debut, ''Something Wild'', was supposed to be released by a small ] label, but ] (from ]) acquired 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, ]' boss immediately became interested in signing them for a country-wide release. The latter deal was much more attractive to 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.


For the band to be able to sign with Spinefarm Records, a new name was required; 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 phone book. 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. 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">
{{cite web
| 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)===
The story of the Lake Bodom murders 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 who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, in early ], the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation reported that Gustafsson was a suspect. He was later arrested and tried. On October 7, 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}}
{{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."
===Something Wild===
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}}


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.
''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 negative fifteen degrees ] .


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".
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 concentrating on finishing his studies. He was replaced by ] (a female pianist who is a friend of the band and who currently plays with the theatrical band ]) for the duration of the tour.


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.
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 ]. This song was later renamed "Downfall".


=== Rise to popularity: ''Follow the Reaper'' and ''Hate Crew Deathroll'' (2000–2004) ===
Their second European tour occurred in September of that same year, but once more Janne was not able to perform with them. Alexi's then-girlfriend ] (from ] and formerly of ] 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.
]]]
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.
===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 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.


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>
In July of 1999, the success of the "Downfall" single and ''Hatebreeder'' allowed Children of Bodom to schedule three concerts in ] with Sinergy and veteran band ]. 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 ] were used on the recording of the concert.


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.
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 featured lyrics 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. Virtuoso guitar solo artist ] also provided a few solos for these albums.


===Hate Crew Deathroll and Are You Dead Yet?=== === Breakthrough with ''Are You Dead Yet?'' (2004–2007) ===
] ]]
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 January ] 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, even though all of their albums eventually reached this status, with ''Follow the Reaper'' reaching platinum status.
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.
]


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.
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 right in the middle of the tour without giving previous warning. ]'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 Finland) 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.


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>
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" as a joke. 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 ] 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 ], 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 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>
==Genre controversy==
To what specific genre Children of Bodom actually belongs to is highly debated amongst fans and critics alike. Some debate that the band is part of several musical genres, including ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Some sources claim the band is 'extreme power metal', due to the band's overarching use of power metal elements throughout their discography, and their use of extreme metal elements combined with these. Others feel the band has no association with death metal or black metal, due to the bands lack of intergration into the scenes associated with either genre. Some claim the band as thrash metal, due to some of their influences on early albums being thrash metal bands, and their first albums sharing some sonic similarity with thrash metal songs. Others discount all of the above suggestions, claiming the band as a speed metal band due to the use of high ]s akin to power metal and thrash metal.


=== ''Blooddrunk'' and ''Relentless Reckless Forever'' (2007–2012) ===
==Trivia==
]]]
* Children of Bodom's symbol is the ] — jokingly nicknamed Roy by the band.
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>
* They often refer to themselves as the "Hate Crew".
The album contained 10 songs including a cover of "Ghost Riders in the Sky".
* Most of the band's lyrical content is not printed on the album booklets, thus at times leaving the words up for the listener to interpret.
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
* Despite popular belief, Children of Bodom has never covered the songs "The Trooper" by ] or "The Final Countdown" by ]. "The Trooper" was actually covered by the band ], and 'The Final Countdown' has been done by the bands ] and ].
| url = http://www.wacken.com/en/woa2008/main-bands/billing-2008/
* The single ''Children of Bodom'' included, in addition to the title track, the songs "Repent (Whore)" by ] and "Iron, Steel, Metal" by ] which are both mistaken to be covers performed by Children of Bodom.
| title = Billing/Bands 2008
* Other covers by the band include "Bed Of Nails" by ], "Rebel Yell" by ], "Shot In The Dark" by ], "Don't Stop At The Top" by the ], "Oops, I Did It Again..." by ], "Talk Dirty To Me" by ], "Hellion" by ], "Silent Scream" by ], "Somebody Put Something In My Drink" by ], "No Commands" by ], "She Is Beautiful" by ], "Aces High" by ], "Latomeri" by ] and "Mass Hypnosis" by ].
| access-date = 3 December 2007
* The quotation "''From now on we're enemies - you and I''" is taken from the movie ]. Janne Warman also used another quotation from this movie on the ''Accept The Fact'' album.
| work = ]
* The quotation "<i>Death? What do you all know about death?</i>" as a preface to Sixpounder (Hate Crew Deathroll) is taken from the movie ], from the character of SSgt. Bob Barnes, played by ].
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927040407/http://www.wacken.com/en/woa2008/main-bands/billing-2008/
* The quotation "<i>My pain is constant and sharp and I do not hope for a better world for anyone, in fact I want my pain to be inflicted on others. I want no one to escape.</i>" as a preface to Angels Don't Kill (Hate Crew Deathroll) is taken from the movie ], from the character of Patrick Bateman, played by ].
| archive-date = 27 September 2007
* The quotation from Follow the Reaper: "<i>Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadfull, art not so.</i>" is from the poems of the 17 century poet ].
}}</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>
* The quotation from The Nail (Something Wild) "<i>Your eyes are full of hate, 41. That's good. hate keeps a man alive, it gives him strength.</i>" is from the 1959 biblical epic film, ].


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>
==Current line-up==
* ] - Vocals/Lead guitar
* ] - Rhythm guitar
* ] - Keyboards
* ] - Bass
* ] - Drums


]]]
==Former members==
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.
* ] - Rhythm guitar (1995-2003)

* ] - Keyboards (1995-1997)
'']'' 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 ]
* ] - Bass (1993-1995)

* ] - Rhythm Guitar
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

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at:06/06/2013 color:studio
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<!--Do not add future releases to a band history timeline. Add them once they have been released. Discuss future albums in the article body.-->
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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:Jaska text:"Jaska Raatikainen"
bar:Waltteri text:"Waltteri Väyrynen"

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}}


==Discography== ==Discography==
{{Main|Children of Bodom discography}}
===Albums===
* '']'' (1997) * '']'' (1997)
* '']'' (1999) * '']'' (1999)
* '']'' (Live CD, 1999)
* '']'' (2000) * '']'' (2000)
* '']'' (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)
* ''The Carpenter'' (1997) (Split single with ] and ])
* ''Children of Bodom'' (1998) (split with Cryhavoc and Wizzard)
* ''Downfall'' (1998)
* ''Hate Me!'' (2000)
* ''You're Better Off Dead'' (2002)
* ''Needled 24/7'' (2003)
* ''Trashed, Lost & Strungout'' (EP and DVD-EP, 2004)
* ''In Your Face'' (EP, 2005)

===Videos===
* ''] - ]''
* '']''
* '']''
* '']''
* '']''
* '']''
* '']''
* '']''

===Other===
* '']'' (IMPORT) (Compilation CD, 2003)


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

==Samples==
*
*
*
*


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


{{Children of Bodom}}
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{{Authority control}}
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Latest revision as of 19:49, 7 December 2024

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

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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

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External links

Children of Bodom
Studio albums
Live albums
Compilations
Extended plays
Singles
Cover songs
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