Category Archives: Children Of Bodom

Listen To Previously Unreleased Live Recordings Of The Late Alexi Laiho (Children Of Bodom) Singing Death’s “Within The Mind” And “Defensive Personalities”

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Journalist and author Björn “Nalle” Österman has paid tribute to the late Alexi Laiho (Children Of Bodom) and the late Chuck Schuldiner (Death) by releasing live audio of Laiho singing Death’s “Within The Mind” and “Defensive Personalities” during a March 1, 2002 memorial concert for Schuldiner at Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland. Laiho performed the tracks with a supergroup called Evil Chucks. That band consisted of guitarist Mitja Harvilahti (Moonsorrow), guitarist Janne Perttilä (Moonsorrow, Barren Earth), bassist Oppu Laine (Amorphis, Chaosbreed, Barren Earth), drummer Nalle Österman (Gandalg, Chaosbreed), and several guest vocalists.

[via Blabbermouth]

Alexi Laiho (Children Of Bodom) Passes Away

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Bodom After Midnight and former Children Of Bodom vocalist/guitarist Alexi Laiho has sadly passed away at the age of 41. The musician died at his home in Finland last week after previously battling long-term health issues.

Bodom After Midnight issued the following statement:

“We are crushed by the sudden passing of our dear friend and band member. Words cannot describe this shock and the profound sadness that we feel.”

Laiho’s sister continued:

“We are all absolutely shocked and devastated. We ask for privacy and understanding during these hard times. My little brother’s funeral will take place privately.”

His widow Kelli Wright-Laiho also added:

“Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father. Our hearts are eternally broken.”

Children Of Bodom also commented:

“One of the most renowned guitarists in the world, Alexi Laiho, has passed away. The musician, most notably known as the front man of Children of Bodom, died in his home in Helsinki, Finland, last week. Laiho had suffered from long-term health issues during his last years.

More than 25 years of friendship. We lost a brother. The world lost a phenomenal song writer and one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Memories and Alexi’s music will live forever.

Our thoughts are with Alexi’s family during this difficult time.

-Henkka, Janne and Jaska”

Ex-Children Of Bodom Frontman Alexi Laiho’s “Chaos, Control & Guitar” Biography Is Now Available In English

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An updated edition of Alexi Laiho’s “Chaos, Control & Guitar” biography has been released in English. A description of the book, which was written by Petri Silas, can be read below:

“Alexi Laiho is one of the most internationally successful metal musicians in Finland. When a punk rocker’s attitude to life is combined with dazzling technical know-how on the electric guitar, a larger-than-life story begins to unfold. Relentless practice, horror movies, and vintage cars. Hard rock and even harder partying. These are the elements that Alexi ‘Wildchild’ Laiho is known for. In his candid biography, the best metal guitarist in the world reveals for the first time what he loves, what he hates, and what he fears. A veritable Hitchhiker’s Guide to Alexi, ‘Chaos, Control & Guitar’ is the only authorized biography of the first four decades in the life of the former Children Of Bodom and current Bodom After Midnight frontman.”

Former Children Of Bodom Members On Their Departure: “We Couldn’t Find A Shared Viewpoint During These Last Few Years”

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Children Of Bodom recently played their final show with bassist Henkka T. Blacksmith, drummer Jaska Raatikainen, and keyboardist Janne Wirman and now the three former members have issued a new statement on their departure. According to them, the group “couldn’t find a shared viewpoint during these last few years.”

Blacksmith, Raatikainen, and Wirman said the following:

“Dear fans,

2019 is coming to an end, so it’s a good time to take a look back before turning our gaze toward a new year. For us, 2019 was eventful, and a big part of that was playing our last COB gig in December.

We have received a lot of questions about what we’re going to do next and why we quit. Since this decision has sparked up a conversation and false rumors, we want to talk about why we ended up making it, one more time.

There is no argument behind the band’s name trademark or its use. We have a joint agreement. Alexi Laiho sold his share of the company and this meant that the three of us became owners of the COB brand. Although plans for our future are open, what is certain is that we will never do anything to disrespect this brand and the long career we’ve built together.

Also, we definitely want to set the record straight with the misconception that we quit because we have families or wanted to retire. Music is our profession and our lives, and all our families know that. They are proud of what we do, and they completely have our back. It should also go without saying that we as individuals are not retiring.

Success brings with it the responsibility to take a stand on decisions unrelated to music as well. These decisions were very difficult for us. We were five band members, each with their own roles, but we couldn’t find a shared viewpoint during these last few years.

The reason for writing this is not to point fingers but to clear things up. We are and always will be proud of what COB achieved together.

Happy holidays and best wishes for 2020!

Henkka, Janne and Jaska“

Frontman Alexi Laiho and guitarist Daniel Freyberg are planning to continue with new members, but it is unknown what name they will perform under.

Watch Footage From Children Of Bodom’s Final Show With Their Current Lineup

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Last night (December 15), Children Of Bodom played their final show with bassist Henkka T. Blacksmith, drummer Jaska Raatikainen, and keyboardist Janne Wirman at the Jäähalli in Helsinki, Finland. You can find footage from the concert below. As previously reported, frontman Alexi Laiho and guitarist Daniel Freyberg plan to move forward with new members, but it is still unknown if they will be able to keep the Children Of Bodom name.

[via Blabbermouth]

Alexi Laiho May Not Get To Use The Children Of Bodom Name For The Band’s New Lineup

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As previously reported, Henkka T. Blacksmith, Jaska Raatikainen, and Janne Wirman will be exiting Children Of Bodom after their December 15 show at Black Box in Helsinki, Finland. However, Soundi are now reporting that Alexi Laiho may have to change the band’s name due to AA & Sewira Consulting Oy, the company owned by the aforementioned trio, holding the rights to the moniker.

Raatikainen, Blacksmith, and Wirman reportedly filed an application with the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland on June 28 and it was granted for a five-year period starting on October 1. This means Laiho can’t use the name without their permission.

Laiho told Soundi that “it might not be a good idea” legally to use the Children Of Bodom name. He continued:

“It may be that the name of our new lineup needs to be tweaked a bit in some direction. Or maybe it could be just Bodom or the name of one of our songs. But it must be a name that suggests that it is the same [group].”

Laiho and guitarist Daniel Freyberg have already started putting together a new lineup. A drummer and bassist have already been chosen and Laiho says they are “incredibly talented young guys who look very good on stage.” He went on to say the group may start playing shows next spring.

Laiho also commented on the current lineup’s final shows in Finland:

“You have to be a professional. You can’t show negative personal feelings on stage. As before, we will do our best to have fun and enjoy playing some good music.”

He also admitted that he has “mixed feelings” about the whole situation:

“Of course, there is a bit of sadness, since we’ve been a band for a really long time. We have had more good times than bad times. On the other hand, I also feel relieved. I’m pretty fucking excited that I get to play with the new guys. The thrill of playing with a new lineup seems to quell the sadness.”

It’s worth noting that Soundi also reached out to Wirman, but he said he “will not comment further on this subject at this time” and that “more information will come once the gigs in Finland have been played.”

[via Blabbermouth]

Children Of Bodom To Part Ways With Bassist, Drummer, & Keyboardist

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Children Of Bodom have announced that bassist Henkka T. Blacksmith, drummer Jaska Raatikainen, and keyboardist Janne Wirman will be exiting the band at the end of 2019. The group’s December 15 show at Black Box in Helsinki, Finland will be their last to feature the current lineup.

Children Of Bodom issued the following statement:

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that 2019 will be the last for Children Of Bodom with this line-up.

After almost 25 years with Bodom, thousands of shows & 10 albums it is time for Henkka, Janne and Jaska to step back and change direction within their lives. All three will miss the fans and supporters in every city in every country the band ever played.

The last show of this line-up will be on the 15th of December at Helsinki Ice Hall. Tickets still remain for some of the Finnish shows in December.

Alexi and Daniel will have further announcements about their plans to keep creating new music in the future.

Thanks again for everything – Children Of Bodom“

Tour Dates:

12/05 Seinäjoki, FIN – Rytmikorjaamo
12/06 Oulu, FIN – Teatria
12/07 Tornio, FIN – Teatria
12/10 Helsinki, FIN – Tavastia
12/11 Tampere, FIN – Pakkahuone
12/12 Turku, FIN – Logomo
12/13 Jyväskylä, FIN – Lutakko
12/14 Jyväskylä, FIN – Lutakko
12/15 Helsinki, FIN – Black Box

Furthermore, the band’s “Hate Crew Deathroll” set at the 2020 Tuska Open Air Metal Festival has been cancelled.

Children Of Bodom Premiere Animated Video For “Hexed”

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Children Of Bodom have premiered an animated video for the title track of their latest album “Hexed.” The clip was created by students at the The Royal Melbourne Institute Of Technology in Australia and it was produced by Aaron McLoughlin and Simon Norton.

McLoughlin commented:

“As always, we like to come up with something that suits what the band is all about, so we drew inspiration from the song lyrics as well as the monochromatic imagery found in Children of Bodom’s videos and album art. We decided a black and white horror film would be cool – set on a lake, of course!

And we had to include a Roy cameo appearance, obviously! Although ‘Hexed‘ is a fast track, it’s also particularly measured in the way it plays out over the 5-minute duration, so part of the fun was crafting a cinematic narrative that flows with the amazing technical precision of the music.

The animation students at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia are some of the most talented rising stars in the world, and I think they’ve done a terrific job on this project. Animating metal videos is such a fun thing to do at university, and the team felt very honoured creating this film for Children of Bodom.”

Bassist Henkka T. Blacksmith added:

“It’s such a cool thing to have a video of one my favourite tracks of the album. And the fact it’s made by Aaron and his 25 students in Australia is even cooler. The black and white calm mood suits perfectly to this not-so-calm song. The lake and it’s reflection makes a perfect ending for it.”

Children Of Bodom Premiere “Platitudes And Barren Words” Music Video

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Children Of Bodom have premiered a new video for their new song “Platitudes And Barren Words.” This track is from the band’s new album “Hexed,” which will be released on March 8. Alexi Laiho commented:

“This one has been a lot of people’s favorite song since day one and when you think about it, every single part of it is catchy as hell so it makes sense. Can’t wait to play it live.”