Children of Bodom has unveiled their heartfelt memoir, aptly named, which is now accessible here. This book narrates the remarkable journey of the iconic Finnish metal band through their own perspectives.
In tribute too the neoclassical maestros and their late guitar genius, Alexi Laiho, we have compiled a selection of some of Bodom‘s most overlooked tracks from their vast catalog.
“Sunless Widow”
If you’re seeking inspiration from musical legends, why not take cues from titans like Beethoven? “Sunless Widow,” with its riff drawing influence from Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” emerges as one of the standout neoclassical pieces on the album Hatebreeder. In this track’s central segment, Alexi brilliantly channels classical elements infused with his unique flair.
“Touch Like Angel Of Death” (Live version from Tokyo Warhearts)
The live version featured on 1999’s *Tokyo Warhearts* transforms your perception of “Touch Like Angel Of Death.” The band cleverly integrated an introduction inspired by Hans Zimmer and Klaus Badelt’s “Hummel Gets The Rockets” from *The Rock* (1996), crafting an unforgettable ambiance that sends shivers down your spine each time you listen.
“Bodom Beach Terror”
The playful essence woven into Children of Bodom’s music leads to tracks reminiscent of classic horror tales. “Bodom Beach Terror” can be compared to “Say Cheese and Die!” Following a chillingly simple intro, alexi unleashes one of his most unforgettable riffs during this song’s chorus right after delivering lines such as “wash your hands in the lake of your blood / Just before you die.”
“Next in Line”
A segment among long-time fans expressed criticism towards *Are You Dead Yet?*, as it represented a departure from Alexi’s traditional neoclassical sound. Nevertheless,this album—alongside its often underappreciated track “Next in Line”—is packed with powerful riffs and extraordinary vocal performances by Alexi. The guitar duel between him and keyboardist janne Wirman during this song’s bridge is nothing short of legendary.
< iframe loading = ” lazy ” title = ” Next In Line ” width = ” 880 ” height = ” 660 ” src = "https://www.youtube.com/embed/Alb4OJHdKAU?feature=oembed '' frameborder= ' ' 0 ' allowfullscreen >
“We’re Not Gonna Fall”
This prompts us to reevaluate our judgments… perhaps *Are You Dead Yet?* was too harshly critiqued. The concluding track features an unforgettable lead riff along with one among Bodom’s heaviest breakdowns and an outstanding exchange between guitar and keyboard solos. Its only potential flaw might be that it could have easily extended beyond its brief runtime of 3:18 minutes.
< p >< iframe loading='' lazy '' title='' We're Not Gonna fall '' width='' 880 '' height='' 660 '' src='' https://www.youtube.com/embed/e86CdLYg4F0?feature=oembed'' frameborder= ' ' 0 ' allowfullscreen >
“Banned From Heaven”
The mid-tempo offerings by Children Of Bodom resonate joyfully for numerous fans. For those who frequently revisit tracks like “Every Time I Die” or “Angels Don’t Kill,” *Blooddrunk*’s ballad-like gem titled “Banned From Heaven” remains a favorite despite being released during what many consider less favorable years for Bodom musically.
< iframe loading= '' lazy '' title='' Banned From Heaven'' width=' '880' height=' '660' src= "https://www.youtube.com/embed/1WYW4WWr8RY ? feature=oembed'' frameborder= ' ' 0' allowfullscreen >