Formed: 1993
From:
Helsinki,
Finland
Last Known Status: Active
Background
Children of Bodom was bred in spring 1993 when guitarist Alexi Laiho (Sinergy, Kylähullut, ex-Impaled Nazarene, Thy Serpent) and drummer Jaska Raatikainen (Virtuocity) decided to form a death metal band under the moniker "Inearthed." They recruited bassist Samuli Miettinen and recorded their first demo "Implosion of Heaven" in 1994. Soon after, the band added guitarist Alexander Kuoppala and keyboardist Jani Pera Pirisjoki. Later on, Miettinen and Pirisjoki left the band and Henkka Seppäla (bass) and Janne Warman (keyboards; Warmen) joined in.
With their own money, the band recorded their debut album "Something Wild" in 1997, blending elements of speed, death and power metal. The album impressed Spinefarm Records so much that they decided to sign the band. Inearthed changed its name to Children of Bodom (named after a notorious mass murdering that occured at Lake Bodom just outside of Helsinki in 1960) in order to get out of their previous contract with a Belgian label. Children of Bodom got a licensing deal with Nuclear Blast to handle releases to the rest of Europe.
Alexander left the band in July 2003, leaving fans in shock as the band had said that they would quit if one of its members left. But Alexi said "Children of Bodom ain't ready to fucking die yet!" as they recruited Alexi's fellow Sinergy guitarist, Roope Latvala (Walhalla, ex-Stone, To/Die/For, Waltari). After ruling Europe, Children of Bodom began to take over North America with their first ever North American tour with Dimmu Borgir in late 2003.
Latest Children of Bodom News
Below is our complete Children of Bodom news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 502 1 2 3 ... 25 26 Last
Warmen (Ex-Children Of Bodom, Etc.) Premiere Video
Melodic death/power metal outfit Warmen — featuring former members of Children Of Bodom and more — have unveiled a new music video for their track “Nine Lives.” The song marks the second single released from their upcoming album Band Of Brothers, which is set to arrive on August 15th through Reaper Entertainment.
Warmen (Ex-Children Of Bodom) Premiere New Single
Melodic death metal group Warmen — featuring former members of Children Of Bodom and more — have just released the title track from their upcoming album Band Of Brothers. A brand new lyric video for the song is now available to stream below. The full album is scheduled for release on August 15th via Reaper Entertainment.
New Supergroup Crownshift Premiere Track
Emerging metal supergroup Crownshift is gearing up to launch their inaugural album through Nuclear Blast in the first half of this year. The band has introduced themselves to the global audience with an official music video for their debut single, "If You Dare." You can check it out below.
The ensemble boasts a notable roster. Here are the individuals involved: More...
Children Of Bodom's Final Show To Be Released
Finnish metal stars Children Of Bodom, who performed their final show on December 15th 2019, are set to release said show as a live album in 2023. A year after the final show, the band's former frontman Alexi Laiho would pass away aged only forty one. A statement from the surviving members reads as follows:
"Exactly three years ago, 15th December 2019, Children Of Bodom played their last show at the Helsinki Ice Hall. To keep this precious last moment alive and also available to everyone who couldn’t make it to see the show, Alexi’s estate, Daniel, Henkka, Janne and Jaska will release the show next year as a live album.
"To make it more special we’d love to have photos from YOU to be included in the album booklet. What we’re looking for is any Bodom related memories, from any era. We would like the Hate Crew to be part of the album, as the Hate Crew was always the essential part of the phenomenon called Children Of Bodom. That’s why we are asking you to be part of this!
"If you feel like taking part in this project please submit your photo via email to fans@cobhc.com by 31st December 2022. Looking forward to see you what you guys have in your archives and stay tuned for more news.
"Please note that we have to be sure that the photos are ok for us to use, hence we kindly ask you to read this: By submitting a photo you agree that you will grant us the irreversible compensation free and royalty free right to use the material in our album materials. We can’t guarantee that we will use your photos but we will go thru all of them and pick the ones suitable. By submitting a photo you guarantee that you have all the rights to do so and that you have the consent of all the persons that can be recognized in the photo."
Bodom After Midnight Premiere New Music Video
Bodom After Midnight (Ex-Children Of Bodom) are about to premiere a new music video in a few hours (as of press time) for "Paint The Sky With Blood". The track is taken from their upcoming new three-song EP of the same name, that will be out in stores April 23rd via Napalm Records.
The recording lineup feature late ex-Children Of Bodom frontman/guitarist Alexi Laiho (April 08, 1979 - Dezember 29, 2020) and guitarist Daniel Freyburg, ex-Santa Cruz bassist Mitja Toivonen and Paradise Lost drummer Waltteri Väyrynen.
Bodom After Midnight To Release New EP In April
In 2020, the news was flooded: Led by the extremely talented Alexi Laiho, newly formed supergroup Bodom After Midnight was about to become the striking successor to legendary metal band Children Of Bodom. Their sonic plans were massive – including an EP release in the spring followed by a full-length album later in the year.
The EP, "Paint The Sky With Blood" (out April 23 via Napalm Records), was recorded in Finland back in 2020 and was meant to be the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Sadly, that chapter ended far too soon, and now, the three-track piece embodies a whole new meaning. "Paint The Sky With Blood" is an overwhelming tribute to an outstanding artist and an exceptional sonic heritage – matchless late guitarist/vocalist Alexi Laiho – and at the same time, a modern homage to the genre itself.
"Like ourselves, Alexi was beyond stoked about these songs and anxious to get these out so we are happy that we can fulfill his wish. Needless to say that we are honored and proud to be a part of his very last creative work and unleash it the way he wanted it to. It’s time to let the beast out of the cage one more time as a celebration of Alexi’s music,
legacy and the man himself."
- Bodom After Midnight More...
Headline News
Ex Children Of Bodom Frontman Passes Away
Alexi Laiho, former frontman of Finnish metal band Children Of Bodom, has passed away at the age of 41. A statement from Children Of Bodom reads as follows:
"One of the most renowned guitarists in the world, Alexi Laiho, has passed away. The musician, most notably known as the front man of Children of Bodom, died in his home in Helsinki, Finland, last week. Laiho had suffered from long-term health issues during his last years.
"More than 25 years of friendship. We lost a brother. The world lost a phenomenal song writer and one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Memories and Alexi’s music will live forever.
"Our thoughts are with Alexi’s family during this difficult time.
"-Henkka, Janne and Jaska"
Furthermore, his Bodom After Midnight bandmates have posted the following message:
"It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Alexi Laiho. We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken for the sudden loss of our dear friend and band member. Our journey together as a band had only just begun so there’s no words to describe the shock and the bottomless grief that all of us feel.
"May your soul rest in peace, you will be eternally missed. We love you brother.
"Our deepest condolences go to his family. No further announcements nor interviews will be given at this time. We kindly ask to respect our need to process and go through this terrible situation in privacy. Thank you for your understanding and support.
"Daniel, Mitja & Waltteri" More...
Bodom After Midnight Perform First Live Concert
Bodom After Midnight performed their first ever live show, October 23rd, at the Rytmikorjaamo in Seinäjoki, Finland. The group feature ex-Children Of Bodom frontman/guitarist Alexi Laiho and guitarist Daniel Freyburg, ex-Santa Cruz bassist Mitja Toivonen and Paradise Lost drummer Waltteri Väyrynen.
Bodom After Midnight’s debut live performance consisted entirely of Children Of Bodom tracks and ran as follows: More...
Bodom After Midnight Announces First Shows
Bodom After Midnight, built from the ashes of Children Of Bodom, is currently working on new material for their debut album. The band - featuring frontman Alexi Laiho (ex-Children Of Bodom), guitarist Daniel Freyberg (ex-Children Of Bodom), bassist Mitja Toivonen (ex-Santa Cruz), drummer Waltteri Väyrynen (Paradise Lost), and touring keyboardist Lauri Salomaa - have announced three shows for their native Finland next month. They will be the band's live debut.
October
23 - Rytmikorjaamo - Seinäjoki, Finland
24 - Tavastia - Helsinki, Finland
30 - Unholy Winter Fest - Joensuu, Finland
Children Of Bodom To Change Their Name?
Finnish metal outfit Children Of Bodom, who recently announced the departure of Henkka (T. Blacksmith - bass), Janne (Wirman - keyboards) and Jaska (Raatikainen - drums,) may have to alter their moniker, frontman Alexi Laiho revealed in a new interview. Since this announcement, it has come to light that the Children Of Bodom name belongs to AA & Sewira Consulting Oy, the company owned by Raatikainen, Seppälä and Wirman. On June 28th, the trio filed an application with the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland, and their application was subsequently granted for a five-year period starting on October 1st. This means that although Laiho intends to continue to move forward, the new outfit can't use the Children Of Bodom moniker without the permission of Wirman, Raatikainen and Seppälä.
Speaking with Finland's Soundi and Helsingin Sanomat, Laiho revealed things within the band have been tense for quite some time, and that Wirman, Raatikainen and Seppälä made the decision to leave last year. Things were pushed towards the final decision to call it quits in December during the band's recent Russian tour.
Laiho: "We fought a lot within the band, and I can honestly admit that those fights were mainly my fault. They always started with some misunderstanding. I have no bad feelings towards any of them."
On moving forward, Laiho says the band name may need to be altered slightly: "Maybe it could be just Bodom or the name of one of our songs, but it must be a name that suggests that it's the same band."
Laiho and Freyberg have, according to Helsingin Sanomat, already found a new bassist and a new drummer. If all goes as planned they will start performing live next spring.
Laiho: "Of course, there's a bit of sadness since we've been a band for a really long time. We've had more good times than bad times. On the other hand, I also feel relieved. I'm pretty fucking excited that I get to play with the new guys. The thrill of playing with a new line-up seems to quell the sadness."
Three Children Of Bodom Members To Leave The Band
Finland’s perhaps best-known metal act, Children Of Bodom, will be playing their final show with their current line-up this coming December. "A Chapter Called Children Of Bodom" will take place at the Black Box in Helsinki Ice Hall on December 15th. Below is a statement from the band:
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce that 2019 will be the last for Children Of Bodom with this line-up.
"After almost 25 years with Bodom, thousands of shows and 10 albums, it is time for Henkka, Janne and Jaska to step back and change direction within their lives. All three will miss the fans and supporters in every city in every country the band ever played.
"The last show of this line-up will be on the 15th of December at Helsinki Ice Hall. Tickets still remain for some of the Finnish shows in December.
"Alexi and Daniel will have further announcements about their plans to keep creating new music in the future.
"Thanks again for everything - Children Of Bodom"
Children Of Bodom Posts New Music Video Online
Finland's melodic death superstars CHILDREN OF BODOM have released an official animated video for the title track of their latest album, Hexed. The RMIT University in Australia spent the last 15 weeks working on the video, with producers Aaron McLoughlin and Simon Norton spending around 3000 working hours with their team to create the video. Check it out below.
Aaron states: "As always, we like to come up with something that suits what the band is all about, so we drew inspiration from the song lyrics as well as the monochromatic imagery found in Children of Bodom’s videos and album art. We decided a black and white horror film would be cool - set on a lake, of course! And we had to include a Roy cameo appearance, obviously! Although Hexed is a fast track, it’s also particularly measured in the way it plays out over the 5-minute duration, so part of the fun was crafting a cinematic narrative that flows with the amazing technical precision of the music. The animation students at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia are some of the most talented rising stars in the world, and I think they’ve done a terrific job on this project. Animating metal videos is such a fun thing to do at university, and the team felt very honoured creating this film for Children of Bodom."
Bassist Henkka adds: "It’s such a cool thing to have a video of one my favourite tracks of the album. And the fact it’s made by Aaron and his 25 students in Australia is even cooler. The black and white calm mood suits perfectly to this not-so-calm song. The lake and it’s reflection makes a perfect ending for it." More...
Hevisaurus Premiere New Song & Video "100"
A few years back the news of a Finnish kid-friendly dinosaur metal group named ‘Hevisaurus‘ made the rounds. Hevisaurus tirelessly recorded and toured since then and have recently released their 100th song. Check out ”100” the 3rd single from the band's upcoming new album ”Bändikouluun!”.
For that special occasion Hevisaurus enlisted the help of various well known metal musicians: More...
Nova Rock: Timetable And Festival App Revealed
Austrias' biggest rock and metal summer festival Nova Rock is about to celebrate its 15th anniversary this year. This year's edition will once again take place in the Pannonia Fields nearby the small village of Nickelsdorf, from June 13th through June 16th 2019.
The recently revealed timetable can be seen HERE
Also available now is the official Nova Rock festival app for iOS and Android.
So far confirmed metal related bands are as follows: More...
Slipknot, Slayer, Etc. Confirmed For Nova Rock
Austrias' biggest rock and metal summer festival Nova Rock is about to celebrate its 15th anniversary this year. 2019's edition will once again take place in the Pannonia Fields nearby the small village of Nickelsdorf, from June 13th through June 16th 2019, including the following so far confirmed metal related bands:
Slipknot, Slayer (final show in Austria), Amon Amarth, In Flames, Behemoth, Testament, Anthrax, Lamb Of God, Children Of Bodom, Rob Zombie, Slash Feat. Myles Kennedy, Sabaton, Godsmack, I Prevail, Amaranth, The Amity Affliction, Ministry, Within Temptation, Powerwolf, While She Sleeps, Bad Wolves, Dropkick Murphys, Trivium, Beartooth, Tesseract, Fever 333, Puddle Of Mudd, Papa Roach, All Faces Down, Infected Rain, Inglorious.
Tickets for the four days lasting festival can be ordered online HERE.
New this year for a safe and comfy stay at the camp ground: The "Grrrls Camping Area" which is only accessible for girls. Free registrations for this area are now open HERE.
Some festival trailers for the event can be streamed below:
Children Of Bodom Posts New Lyric Video Online
Finland's melodic death superstars Children Of Bodom unleash their tenth album, "Hexed," today via Nuclear Blast Records. In celebration of the event, the band has released the official lyric video for "Hecate's Nightmare." Check it out below.
"So finally the day has arrived", states COB frontman, guitarist, and mastermind Alexi Laiho. "The 10th COB record has finally been released!!! It took an insane amount of hard work to put all this together but at this point it feels like it’s been more waiting anxiously than anything else so I'm both excited and relieved that the damn thing is out. So thank you for your patience my friends, I hope the waiting has been worthwhile and that you’ll like the album. Either way I’ll see you on the road soon. Horns up!" More...
Children Of Bodom Premiere New Song & Video
Children of Bodom premiere a music video for their new song “Platitudes And Barren Words“ taken from band’s new record “Hexed“, which is scheduled for a release next Friday, March 08th.
Says the group’s vocalist/guitarist Alexi Laiho of this latest song: More...
Children Of Bodom Discusses Recording New Album
Finland's melodic death superstars Children Of Bodom are set to release their tenth album, Hexed, on March 8, 2019 via Nuclear Blast Records. In a new trailer posted today, Alexi discusses the recording and mixing process for the band's new offering, which you can check out below.
"Hexed" saw the return to Finland’s Danger Johnny Studios where they were reunited with Mikko Karmila ("I Worship Chaos," "Halo Of Blood," "Hatebreeder," "Follow the Reaper" & "Hate Crew Deathroll") who recorded everything except keyboards and also produced the album with the band. Janne Wirman recorded keyboards at Beyond Abilities Studios. The album was mixed and mastered at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland. More...
Children Of Bodom Posts More Track By Track Videos
Finnish metal stars Children Of Bodom has posted the sixth, seventh and eighth videos online explaining the tracks "Platitudes and Barren Words," "Hexed" and "Relapse." You can check them out below. The songs appear on the band's forthcoming new album, "Hexed," which is set to be released on March 8th through Nuclear Blast Records.
"Hexed" will be available in the following formats:
- CD Digipak
- Pink w/ Black splatter vinyl – Limited to 300
- CD Digipak + T-Shirt + Poster
Children Of Bodom Posts New Album Trailer
Children Of Bodom will release their tenth album, Hexed, on March 8th via Nuclear Blast Records. Today the band chats about how their surroundings can affect the writing process of Hexed. Watch the fourth trailer below.
Hexed will be available in the following formats:
- CD Digipak
- Pink w/ Black splatter vinyl – Limited to 300
- CD Digipak + T-Shirt + Poster More...