19:34 Children of Bodom, with a straight back and clear mind

Alexi Laiho is a man who has a lot to say and who is not ashamed to say it. The band accompanies their leading man with determined extreme metal. Swearing is fun!

Laiho's chatting between songs is often more interesting than the music they play, although it doesn't keep him from embarrassments. This time the typical "You're the best audience" -banalities and the swear word cavalcades were followed by comments how the audience in Joensuu is better than at their last gig in Rock Perry, Vaasa. Some may think that this kind of "rating of audiences" is cheap. Nevertheless, it's a true sign of real cosmopolitan behaviour. Ony in Joensuu!

The band had more energy than a forestfire and the playing - well, it worked. What else can you expect from a band that has, in addition to it's already convincing fingerwork, added a rhytm and technique virtuoso like Roope Latvala to it's ranks. The band's faithful fans had arrived in great numbers and based on the applauds, you could tell that they really liked what they heard and saw.

Heavy. That's something that Ilosaarirock needs and Children of Bodom served it to those wanting. Metal, with your back straight and your mind clear, more or less.

Text: Mikko Kuronen
Translation: JR
Pictures: Minna Veliheimo

Back