Children of Bodom: A Journey Through Their Underrated Tracks
The iconic Finnish metal band Children of Bodom has released their official, self-titled memoir, narrating their story in their own words. In the spirit of honoring the neoclassical masters and their legendary guitarist, Alexi Laiho, we’ve explored their discography to highlight some of their most under-appreciated tracks.
Neoclassical Excellence: “Black Widow”
When it comes to channeling the greats, Children of Bodom did it with finesse. Their track “Black Widow,” featured in the album Hatebreeder, showcases a captivating riff inspired by Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.” This piece stands out not just for its technical prowess but for how Alexi breathed new life into classical motifs, particularly in the song’s mesmerizing middle section.
Live Magic: “Touch Like Angel of Death”
It’s hard to listen to the studio version of “Touch Like Angel of Death” from Something Wild after experiencing its electrifying live rendition on Tokyo Warhearts. The band ingeniously added an intro inspired by Hans Zimmer and Nick Glennie-Smith’s “Hummel Gets the Rockets,” delivering chills with every performance.
Humor and Horror: “Bodom Beach Terror”
Children of Bodom often infused humor into their music, as seen in “Bodom Beach Terror,” reminiscent of Goosebumps titles like “Say Cheese and Die!” The track kicks off with a gripping intro, leading into one of Alexi’s most satisfying guitar licks during the chorus, right after the haunting line, “Wash your hands in the lake of your blood / Just before you die.”
Overlooked Gems: “Next in Line”
While some fans criticized Are You Dead Yet? for straying from the band’s signature neoclassical style, the album houses impressive tracks, including “Next in Line.” This song features gigantic riffs and showcases some of Alexi’s most powerful screams, along with a legendary solo exchange between him and keyboardist Janne Wirman in the bridge.
Closing with a Bang: “We’re Not Gonna Fall”
Despite the mixed reviews for Are You Dead Yet?, its closing track, “We’re Not Gonna Fall,” delivers an unforgettable lead riff and one of the band’s best beatdown sections. The only drawback? The track’s runtime of just 3:18 feels far too short for such a powerful composition.
Mid-Tempo Mastery: “Banned From Heaven”
For fans who can’t get enough of tracks like “Every Time I Die” and “Angels Don’t Kill,” Blooddrunk’s “Banned From Heaven” is a hidden gem from a less celebrated era of Bodom. This ballad-esque track stands out as a high point in the late 2000s and early 2010s, showcasing the band’s ability to create emotionally resonant music.
Goofball Riffing: “Northpole Throwdown”
Even though Relentless Reckless Forever was Alexi Laiho’s least favorite album, “Northpole Throwdown” proves that Bodom could still produce fun, energetic tracks. The lyric, “This is the way we roll / At the fucking Northpole,” is bound to bring a smile to any listener’s face.
A Return to Form: “One Bottle and a Knee Deep”
With Halo of Blood, Children of Bodom made a significant comeback, reigniting their trademark neoclassical shredding and infectious melodies. The album reflects a more sober Alexi, leading to darker lyrical themes. “One Bottle and a Knee Deep” encapsulates this evolution beautifully.
Soft Yet Powerful: “All for Nothing”
Among the softer pieces in Bodom’s discography, “All for Nothing” stands out for its poignant instrumental section. It carries a swansong vibe throughout, making it a fitting conclusion to I Worship Chaos. While not the darkest track, it carries a deep sense of melancholy.
Reimagining a Classic: “Knuckleduster”
The original version of “Knuckleduster” appeared on the Trashed, Lost & Strungout EP, but the reimagined version on 2019’s Hexed truly shines. With ferocious solos and a clever fake-out ending, this rendition of the track is everything fans could hope for and more.
Conclusion
Children of Bodom’s legacy is rich with musical brilliance, and their under-appreciated tracks deserve recognition. As we celebrate their contributions to the metal genre, we remember Alexi Laiho and the indelible mark he left on music. The band’s ability to blend humor, emotion, and technical prowess has solidified their place in heavy metal history.
FAQs
What is the significance of Children of Bodom’s memoir?
The memoir provides an intimate look at the band’s journey, allowing fans to understand their story in their own words, celebrating their achievements and challenges.
Which songs are considered underrated by Children of Bodom?
Some underrated songs include “Black Widow,” “Next in Line,” “Banned From Heaven,” and “All for Nothing,” which showcase the band’s musical versatility and depth.
Why did some fans dislike the album Are You Dead Yet?
Some fans felt that the album strayed too far from the band’s signature neoclassical style, leading to mixed reviews despite its strong riffs and memorable tracks.
What themes are explored in the band’s later albums?
In their later albums, especially Halo of Blood, the band explored darker and more pointed lyrical themes, reflecting Alexi Laiho’s personal growth and struggles.
