The Finnish melodeath band Children of Bodom has recently released their ninth studio album “I Worship Chaos” via Nuclear Blast. After the sudden departure of longtime guitarist Roope Latvala, many fans had questioned the future of the group and the song quality without Latvala but lead vocalist and guitarist Alexi Laiho has proven he is up to the challenge.
Working with producer Mikko Karmila, COB has given this record a much heavier and darker feel. With Laiho’s guitars being tuned a half step lower, the mood is intense and brooding. The songs are top notch with catchy hooks, searing solos, and some killer synth work from keyboardist Janne Wirman. The intensity of tracks like “I Hurt” and the thrash feel of “Horns” are counter balanced by the melodic feel of arena anthem “Morrigan” and the balladesque “All For Nothing.” Do not miss the guitar work on “Prayer for the Afflicted” and “My Bodom ( I Am The Only One)” as Laiho simply lights it up. The title track is a perfect combination of faster than lightning riffs and a melodic chorus, a perfect example of what melodic death metal should be.
With 20 years under their belts, Children of Bodom are a tight unit combining their technical prowess with superb melodies to give us another outstanding melodeath record . “I Worship Chaos” should silence the non-believers and rocket them back to the top of the genre yet again.
