Children of Bodom

The Sound Academy
Toronto, Ontario
September 26, 2009

Photos & Review: Karen Fader McBride

Once again those Finnish road warriors Children of Bodom invaded Toronto. Having been on tour for the past two years solid these metalheads know how to perform and perform they did. Fans packed into The Sound Academy to hear the band rip through favourites old and new. Those who could afford it paid a hefty $90 for VIP tickets which included early entry and a meet & greet as well. Roope, Jaska, Alexi, Janne and Henkka graciously signed autographs and took photos with VIP ticket holders a half hour before those waiting in the cold rain were permitted inside. Finally around 7:30pm the crowd began to chant and the doors open to a flood of eager teens.

Once Skeletonwitch and The Black Dahlia Murder got the crowd warmed up the Bodom boys hit the stage. The last time COB were in town was with the No Fear Energy Tour in late April of this year, having been direct support for Lamb of God. Shortly after that particular show, front man Alexi Laiho fell from his tour bus bunk and shattered his shoulder and a couple ribs. He made it through a few more performances before the band finally had to drop off the tour completely to allow Alexi time to heal and recover. Recover he did as was apparent this evening as he worked the stage, head banging and swinging his guitar around his neck front to back. It was great to see him back to on his game and able to belt out a song again. Henkka on bass straddled the stage as he played, often switching from a black bass to a newer white model. The Hate Crew burned though tracks like Silent Night Bodom Night, Hellhounds on my Trail, Are You Dead Yet, Lake Bodom, Downfall and title track from their 2008 album, Blooddrunk . Although they recently released a cover album, Skeletons in the Closet, they have yet to include any of those songs on this current tour, although Alexi did mention to me post show that it is possible they may begin to play some live in the future.

Roope Latvala; a legend in his own right back in their home country of Finland due to the thrash metal band Stone, shredded away at his guitar and worked up an incredible sweat during the show. Always amazing to watch, he and Alexi would pair off and play side by side in a dueling guitar solo. Alexi would often run back to join Janne on keyboards and they too would then square off as well, leaning against one another and laughing. As always, Janne’s keyboard rack was loaded with bras; trophies he collects, tossed on stage from fans and then displayed proudly. On drums Jaska laid down a barrage of beats only capable from such a skilled drummer as himself. The crowd was pressed firmly against the barrier, a sea of rock horns in the air and many girls were atop their boyfriends shoulders to get either a better view of the show or in hopes of getting the bands attention, take your pick. Following a short break the band returned to the stage for an encore, giving the eager crowd two more songs, Every Time I Die and Hate Crew Death Roll. At the end of the performance Alexi stood center stage as single light cast down upon him. He bowed his head as the crowd roared their appreciation for the band. Soon his bandmates joined him as they tossed towels, drumsticks and guitar picks into the crowd before waving goodbye and exiting. Children of Bodom are currently on tour throughout North America, including more Canadian dates out west. They will finish off the tour with a gig in Hawaii after which they will enjoy some well needed and deserved R&R. Catch them while you can.

Children of Bodom Official Web Site

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