Children Of Bodom

To a promising quintet hailing from Finland, it was acknowledged that few bands these days set out to do something creatively unique without giving any thought to whether or not it would be commercially acceptable. Therefore, in 1997, the band in question, known as Children of Bodom, got together with the sole intention of making music that would adhere to no previously constructed guidelines. Their uncompromising attitude and undying work ethic helped them become one of the most influential thrash metal bands to emerge in recent years. Putting no limitations on their musical insanity they embraced a furious onslaught of dual guitar shredding mixed with dazzling keyboard mastery known as black metal. This distinctive musical style walks a fine line between the melodic and thrash, quickly catching the attention of metal fans worldwide. Almost six years together, the group continues to create some of the most relevant, exhilarating music as they rapidly approach the coveted legendary status so many strive for. Their fourth full-length offering, Hate Crew Deathroll, takes things to the next level proving to fans and critics alike that this hate crew are only just getting started. Children of Bodom formed in Espoo, Finland around spring 1993 and were named in reference to one of the most notorious mass murders in Scandinavian history. In the early days there were lots of line-up changes and the only two original members in the current line-up are guitarist/lead vocalist Alexi Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen, along with subsequent roster addititions including guitarist Alexander 'Ale' Kuoppala, bassist Henkka Blacksmith, and keyboardist Janne Wirman. While Laiho was filling in on guitar for black metal kings Thy Serpent, he forged a bond with singer Sami Tenetz, who, in turn, made a special visit to the Spinefarm Records office one day with the raw mix of Children of Bodom's debut album, completely blowing everyone who heard it away. Laiho and company ended up signing a three album deal with Spinefarm Records the very next day. Laiho then solely concentrated his efforts on Children of Bodom, and with a rejuvenated line-up intact the group immediately entered Astia Studios in their hometown. Their debut album, Something Wild, was released in Finland in November 1997. After numerous European shows, the band was already being hailed as ‘the new kings of the metal underground' by the European media. A licensing deal with Nuclear Blast Records for central Europe and the U.S. was soon inked, and with a huge buzz around them, Children of Bodom decided to immediately head back into the studio. The group upped the ante with 1999's Hatebreeder that featured nine blistering tracks pushing every musical aspect to its absolute maximum. Their second full-length album garnered positive reviews worldwide and the group quickly established a strong national presence. Due to the incredible press reactions they were able to make their first U.S. appearance at the esteemed Milwaukee Metalfest that summer. They were easily the most talked about band of the weekend. Just two years later the hate crew returned with Follow The Reaper that saw them focus more on their songwriting, offering catchier melodies and groove-filled hooks, while not compromising their aggression. Children of Bodom were now determined to create their most destructive, overwhelming offering to date, and with Hate Crew Deathroll this goal was achieved. They went back to Astia Studios with producer Anssi Kippo and the result is nothing short of awesome. The group has taken their songwriting to new heights incorporating more aggression, melody and sheer overwhelming power, knowing no limits to their musical boundaries. Laiho spits out lyrics with venomous hate, the twin guitars insanely shred everything in their wake with razor-sharp precision, while the rhythm section pounds away as if the world is about to end. This is all while blaring keyboards complete the path of destruction with fervor and accuracy. Over the past year Children Of Bodom have been extremely busy promoting their new album throughout Japan and Europe, touring with label-mates Shadows Fall and Soilwork. The group also garnered mainstream acclaim after their rousing appearance at this year's SXSW festival. Century Media's main focus now is to concentrate their efforts in building a strong presence for them throughout the U.S. starting with a nationwide tour in November of 2004. Therefore, it will not be long before the hate crew brings death to your door.