AKA: Inearthed (1993–1997)
Origin: Espoo, Finland
Genres: Melodic death metal, power metal
Years active: 1993–2019
Key Members: Alexi Laiho, Jaska Raatikainen, Henkka Seppälä, Janne Wirman, Daniel Freyberg
Best Selling Artists: One of Finland’s best-selling artists of all time with more than 250,000 records sold
Final Concert: In 2019, they held their last concert in Helsinki named A Chapter Called Children of Bodom
Formation and Early Years (1993-1996)
Children of Bodom, originally named Inearthed, was formed in 1993 in Espoo, Finland, by guitarist Alexi “Wildchild” Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen. These two childhood friends were united by their passion for heavy metal, particularly influenced by death metal bands like Dissection, Entombed, and Cannibal Corpse, as well as classic metal giants such as Iron Maiden and Metallica. The initial lineup was rounded out by bassist Samuli Miettinen, the main lyricist, until he relocated to the United States in 1995.
Name Change and Rise to Fame (1997-2000)
In 1997, the band rebranded themselves as Children of Bodom, a name inspired by the infamous Lake Bodom murders in Finland in 1960. This change marked a turning point, as the band began to infuse more melodic elements into their music, distinguishing them from other death metal acts. Their debut album, Something Wild, released the same year, showcased their signature blend of brutal metal with melodic hooks, quickly earning them a loyal fanbase.
Key Albums and Achievements
Children of Bodom’s discography is impressive, with ten studio albums, three live albums, two EPs, two compilation albums, and one DVD. Here are some of their most notable works:
- Something Wild (1997): This debut album established their unique sound.
- Hatebreeder (1999): Featuring more complex compositions, it continued to build its reputation.
- Follow the Reaper (2000): This album was their first to receive gold certification in Finland and marked their international breakthrough.
- Hate Crew Deathroll (2003): Known for its aggressive yet melodic style, this album further solidified their status.
- Are You Dead Yet? (2005): This album embraced a more modern metal sound and appealed to a broader audience.
Their live album, Tokyo Warhearts: Live in Japan (1999), was a notable success, selling out its limited edition of 20,000 copies almost immediately.
Band Members
Final Lineup:
- Alexi Laiho: Lead guitar, lead vocals (1993–2019), bass (1993–1994, 1995–1996), keyboards (1993–1996, 2019)
- Jaska Raatikainen: Drums (1993–2019), keyboards (1993–1996)
- Henkka Seppälä: Bass, backing vocals (1996–2019)
- Janne Wirman: Keyboards (1997–2019)
- Daniel Freyberg: Rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2016–2019)
Former Members:
- Alexander Kuoppala: Rhythm guitar (1995–2003)
- Roope Latvala: Rhythm guitar (2003–2015)
- Samuli Miettinen: Bass (1993–1995)
- Jani Pirisjoki: Keyboards (1996–1997)
Disbandment and Legacy
Children of Bodom played their final concert in Helsinki in December 2019, aptly titled “A Chapter Called Children of Bodom,” before disbanding. Following the disbandment, Laiho and Freyberg formed a new band, Bodom After Midnight, in 2020. Sadly, Alexi Laiho passed away on December 29, 2020, bringing an end to an era for the band and its fans.
Musical Style and Influence
Children of Bodom’s music is characterized by a fusion of melodic death metal with power and neoclassical metal elements. Laiho’s virtuosic guitar work marks their sound, Wirman’s intricate keyboard arrangements, and the band’s ability to seamlessly integrate melody with aggression. Over their career, they became one of Finland’s best-selling artists, with over 250,000 records sold in their home country alone.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout their career, Children of Bodom garnered numerous accolades, including multiple gold and platinum certifications for their albums in Finland. Alexi Laiho was frequently hailed as one of the best metal guitarists of his generation, earning accolades from various music publications and fans worldwide.
Children of Bodom T-Shirts
If you’re a true Children of Bodom fan, these Grim Reaper t-shirts are the perfect way to show dedication to the legendary Finnish metal band. Each shirt features dark, haunting artwork that captures the band’s signature blend of melodic death metal and their fascination with the macabre. Whether it’s the eerie reaper cloaked in shadows or the intricate alchemical symbols, these designs are a nod to iconic albums like Follow the Reaper and Hate Crew Deathroll. Made from soft, high-quality cotton, these shirts are not just merch—they’re a statement for any metalhead who appreciates the dark and powerful legacy of Children of Bodom.
Children of Bodom Discography
Children of Bodom was a Finnish melodic death metal band from Espoo, Finland. Formed in 1993 under Inearthed, they rebranded to Children of Bodom in 1997. They were renowned for their unique blend of melodic death metal with elements of power metal and neoclassical metal. The band disbanded in 2019 after a final concert in Helsinki.
Studio Albums
- Something Wild (1997)
- Hatebreeder (1999)
- Follow the Reaper (2000)
- Hate Crew Deathroll (2003)
- Are You Dead Yet? (2005)
- Blooddrunk (2008)
- Relentless Reckless Forever (2011)
- Halo of Blood (2013)
- I Worship Chaos (2015)
- Hexed (2019)
Live Albums:
- Tokyo Warhearts (1999)
- Chaos Ridden Years – Stockholm Knockout Live (2006)
- Holiday at Lake Bodom (15 Years of Wasted Youth) (2012)
EPs:
- Trashed, Lost & Strung Out (2004)
- Hellhounds on My Trail (2008)
Compilation Albums:
- Bestbreeder from 1997 to 2000 (2003)
- Holiday at Lake Bodom (15 Years of Wasted Youth) (2012)
DVDs:
- Chaos Ridden Years – Stockholm Knockout Live (2006)
Most Popular Songs
“Are You Dead Yet?” (2005)
“Downfall” (1999)
“Hate Me!” (2000)
“Needled 24/7” (2003)
“Everytime I Die” (2000)
“In Your Face” (2005)
“Blooddrunk” (2008)
“Sixpounder” (2003)
“Halo of Blood” (2013)
“Under Grass and Clover” (2019)
Awards and Sales
- Gold Certifications: Multiple albums, including Follow the Reaper, Hate Crew Deathroll, and Are You Dead Yet?, received gold certification in Finland.
- Emma Award: Won the “Metal Album of the Year” for Blooddrunk at the Emma Gaala (Finnish Grammy Awards).
- Sales: Over 250,000 records sold in Finland alone, making them one of Finland’s best-selling artists. Worldwide, they have sold over two million records.
Band Members Biographies
Alexi Laiho (Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals)
Alexi Laiho (1979-2020) was the founding member, lead guitarist, and vocalist of Children of Bodom. Known for his virtuosic guitar skills, Laiho was often recognized as one of the best metal guitarists of his generation. He started playing violin at seven and switched to guitar at eleven. Laiho was also involved in side projects like Sinergy and Kylähullut. He passed away in December 2020 due to health complications related to alcohol abuse.
Jaska Raatikainen (Drums)
Jaska Raatikainen (born 1979) co-founded Children of Bodom with Laiho. He started with piano and French horn before switching to drums at twelve. Raatikainen played a crucial role in the band’s formation and was known for his technical drumming skills. He has also been involved in other musical projects like Mercury Circle.
Henkka Seppälä (Bass, Backing Vocals)
Henri “Henkka T. Blacksmith” Seppälä (born 1980) joined Children of Bodom in 1995. He started playing guitar at eleven and later switched to bass. Seppälä was known for his solid bass lines and backing vocals. He is also multilingual and has been involved in academic pursuits alongside his music career. Post-Children of Bodom, he joined the band Moon Shot.
Janne Wirman (Keyboards)
Janne Wirman (born 1979) joined the band in 1997. His intricate keyboard arrangements brought a classical and jazz influence to the band’s sound. Wirman has also been involved in other projects like Warmen and Kotipelto.
Daniel Freyberg (Rhythm Guitar)
Daniel Freyberg (born 1982) joined Children of Bodom in 2016. Before joining the band, he played with Norther and Naildown. After Children of Bodom disbanded, he continued to work with Laiho in Bodom After Midnight until Laiho’s death.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_Bodom
https://metalstorm.net/bands/biography.php?band_id=72&bandname=Children+Of+Bodom
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/children-of-bodom-mn0000086828
https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/the_real_tragic_story_behind_children_of_bodoms_band_name-158434
