It is no wonder that Children of Bodom (the title is a reference to a famous Finnish unsolved murder mystery) has been so successful in the metal scene, given its adorable choice of must-have capabilities. First, they play their instruments with virtuous skill and incredible speed. Second, they know how to mix up the best ingredients from both heavy and metal: traditional song structures and melodies combined with aggression and yapping-style singing from old trash metal form a hotchpot that is hard to resist. Third, they have left poetry for art school students, instead preaching their unadorned gospel straight to their listeners' hearts. And fourth, Alexi Laiho is a frontman whom most bands can only dream of. During his solos many a bedroom guitarist finds himself high above the ground suspended on the curly tabulatures of Mr. Laiho's eloquent instrument.
Children of Bodom's latest appearance in Ilosaarirock was in 2000. Back then they were almost like another band, so different was their situation. During the years they have gained, besides global success, a status as a trailblazer. They are more balanced and better in every respect now, but have managed to avoid the trap of becoming a smoothly-packed product for metal kids. In 2005 Children of Bodom is full of fighting spirit. After five years' waiting, it is time for all their fans to taste the scythe again in Ilosaarirock.
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