http://www.myspace.com/childrenofbodom
Genre: Traditionally a very difficult band to put into a genre. Power Metal/Melodic Death Metal.
Track List:
Not my Funeral (4:54)
Shovel Knockout (4:02)
Roundtrip to Hell and Back (3:46)
Pussyfoot Miss Suicide (4:09)
Relentless Reckless Forever (4:40)
Ugly (4:13)
Cry of the Nihilist (3:30)
Was it Worth it? (4:05)
Northpole Throwdown (2:54)
Overview
Children of Bodom are my favourite band, lets make no bones about it. I am also one of the very rare people who likes all of their work - traditionally there is a major split between fans of their older material and their new material, most lurking in the former. Their most recent albums 'Are You Dead Yet?' and 'Blooddrunk' have come in for some flak, mostly for being different rather than actually bad.
Their sound has changed a lot through the years, moving slowly from their trademark style of Alexi Laiho/Janne Wirman solos wherever possible to what one might call a more generic, heavy sound. It is generally the talent of these two that make Children of Bodom stand noticably out - Wirman has hands of lightning and none could match Alexi's fret blitzing. One might mark this change in sound to two things. Alexander Kuopalla, on rhythm guitar left the band after 'Hate Crew Deathroll', and was replaced by Roope Latvala. This was subsequently followed by the biggest shift in their musical style. Wirman also revealed recently that it was at this same time Alexi began taking other ideas on from his bandmates for how the albums were to sound, previously utilizing his own ideas most of the time. 'Relentless Reckless Forever' continues CoB's newer sound in some respects, but there are some delightful moments of nostalgia unique amongst Bodom albums. If you want a summation of the sound, the heavier tracks on the 'Hate Crew Deathroll' album are the most comparable, which to me is no bad thing.
Review
The lead single for this album, 'Was it Worth it?', can be summed up in one phrase - a single. It reminds me a lot of their previous single 'In Your Face', it feels very simple but is quite catchy. The tone the band used to describe this song sounded to me almost apologetic for something they considered a mass appeal cop-out, which I find pretty frustrating. Usually I think CoB never pick their best songs for singles, and this one isn't an exception. The song isn't bad, I've grown to like some of the steady riffing, and the chorus sticks in your head despite being quite messy, with too many elements attempting to combine. However, the solo towards the end is atrocious - it is the worst solo in of any CoB song, ever. The video is also dire, it is simply your standard metal video of the band playing the song, with some skaters in the background that have no relavance whatsoever. I'll provide the video, but the song isn't to everyone's taste, I wouldn't advise judging the album on it.
The album as a whole maintains, and in some way exentuates, the more generic route the band is taking. The style focuses far more on riffs and rhythm guitar now than Laiho's lead or Wirman's keyboard, which have always been focal points. This is exemplified by songs such as 'Not my Funeral' and 'Relentless Reckless Forever'. Both of these are decent songs, but these guy's roles feel relegated to the background in these tracks. The tempo shifts also feel a little odd, especially on the latter which changes from slow to fast in a way that doesn't feel quite right.
My absolute favourite thing about this album are some noticable throwbacks to previous albums that I have never seen CoB do before. 'Shovel Knockout' has sections that could be taken straight out of 'Hate Crew Deathroll', while 'Roundtrip to Hell and Back' and 'Cry of the Nihilist' take parts from multiple sources. There is definately a huge mix in 'Cry of the Nihilist', from 'Hatebreeder' to 'Blooddrunk' to 'Are you Dead Yet?' This is the one thing I can truely highlight as unique about this album from it's predeccesors, which is ironic since it is taking material from them, and is a huge plus.
That said, many of the songs tread the line very finely when it comes to whether they are themed or similar and easily confused. This is mostly a problem for the first 5 tracks, except 'Pussyfoot Miss Suicide', mainly because it stands out like a sore thumb. I don't actually think it's a terrible song in itself, but the interesting rhythm may be far too gimmicky for many, and just doesn't fit with the album.
The best songs are definately 'Ugly' and 'Northpole Throwdown'. 'Ugly' shows the other songs how it's done, mixing a great, fast opening with some slower parts very well. Even though the chorus isn't handled the best it has one of the albums really good solos, something I was very grateful for, as they are not that common (compared to other CoB albums, to be fair). 'Northpole Throwdown' is an adrenaline fuelled powerhouse of a song, blazing away on both guitars. The chorus utilizes backup vocals very well, in the style of 'Hellhounds on my Trail', and also has a fantastic solo. The only shame is that it's so short. Overall, my favourite song is probably 'Shovel Knockout'.
Conclusion
The album feels very generic, that can't be denied. There are some good points, like the homage paid to previous albums, but ultimately there are some bad points I can pick at. The drums feel very redundant and my favourite thing about CoB, their distinct usage of Laiho and Wirman, is at it's least noticable in any of their albums. If you like metal as a whole you might like this album, but equally if your a big CoB fan you might not.
Personally I feel the album is pretty average. I can't look at any of the songs and say they are terrible, but equally hardly any appeal a great amount. This may change - I really hated Blooddrunk at first and it's since grown on me. Wirman confessed that he himself did not really like the album at first, but came round after a few listens, so it's definately worth giving a try. Considering CoB's extremely high standards however, I cannot help but feel somewhat disappointed, despite that fact that I have warmed to it more over repeated playthroughs.
Rating: 7/10
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