Children Of Bodom - Hate Crew Deathroll

Melodic metal poster boys’ first success reissued

Finland is the new Sweden, as any headbanger knows, with a raft of world-class metal acts heading up the field. Nightwish do pompous operatic stuff, Lordi play heavy rock for children, Amorphis deliver obscure death metal and Stratovarius do dexterous power metal.

Drunker and shreddier than any of those is the Espoo quintet Children Of Bodom, whose blend of melodic, semi- extreme metal has become immensely popular in the last few years. This reissue of their fourth album, from 2003, will be snapped up by anyone who’s missed out so far thanks to the three bonus tracks (Ramones and Slayer covers, plus a live version of the opening track, Needled 24/7).

It’s easy to see why the metal community has embraced COB so enthusiastically: frontman Alexi Laiho’s ridiculously accomplished solos and reputation for a partying lifestyle have given them a touch of glamour, while the endless death references in the lyrics (see Triple Corpse Hammerblow and Lil’ Bloodred Riding Hood) have pulled in the emo kids. The music itself is fast, hummable power metal with death and thrash elements: its anthemic, eminently digestible nature explains why Bodom have been big hits on all the major metal tours of the last five years. Zippy, well-crafted stuff.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Spinefarm | tbc

Reviewed by Joel McIver
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