# Children of Bodom > Finnish melodic death metal band **Wikidata**: [Q171718](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q171718) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_Bodom) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/children-of-bodom ## Summary Children of Bodom was a Finnish melodic death metal band that formed in 1993 and dissolved in 2019. Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Alexi Laiho, the group released influential albums such as *Hate Crew Deathroll* and *Follow the Reaper* primarily through Spinefarm Records. The band is recognized for its significant role in popularizing the melodic death metal genre worldwide. ## Key Facts - **Genre**: Melodic death metal (a subgenre of death metal originating in 1990) and power metal. - **Origin**: Finland. - **Active Period**: 1993–2019 (Inception: 1993; Dissolved: 2019). - **Record Label**: Spinefarm Records (a Finnish label founded in 1990, part of Universal Music Group). - **Key Members**: Alexi Laiho (guitar, vocals), Jaska Raatikainen (drums), Henkka Seppälä (bass), Janne Wirman (keyboard), Roope Latvala (guitar), Alexander Kuoppala (guitar), and Daniel Freyberg (guitar). - **Notable Albums**: *Something Wild*, *Hatebreeder*, *Follow the Reaper*, *Hate Crew Deathroll*, *Are You Dead Yet?*, and *Blooddrunk*. - **Live Recordings**: *Tokyo Warhearts – Live In Japan 1999* and *Stockholm Knockout Live*. - **Namesake**: The band's name is derived from the Lake Bodom murders, an unsolved triple murder in Finland in 1960. - **Related Projects**: Members were involved in bands such as Impaled Nazarene, Sinergy, Thy Serpent, Kylähullut, The Local Band, and Bodom After Midnight. - **Aliases**: CoB, COBHC. - **Website**: https://www.cobhc.com/. ## FAQs - **When was Children of Bodom active?** The band was formed in 1993 and remained active until its dissolution in 2019. - **Who was the lead singer of Children of Bodom?** Alexi Laiho served as the lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary composer for the band throughout its existence. - **What record label did Children of Bodom release music on?** They released major works, including *Hate Crew Deathroll* and *Follow the Reaper*, on Spinefarm Records, a Finnish label associated with Universal Music Group. - **What genre of music is Children of Bodom classified under?** The band is classified as melodic death metal, a subgenre of death metal that began in 1990, and also incorporates elements of power metal. - **What is the significance of the name "Children of Bodom"?** The name references the Lake Bodom murders, an unsolved triple murder that took place in Finland in 1960. - **What other bands were Children of Bodom members involved in?** Members participated in various other groups, including Impaled Nazarene, Sinergy, Thy Serpent, Kylähullut, The Local Band, and the later project Bodom After Midnight. ## Why It Matters Children of Bodom holds a significant place in the global music industry as a major conduit for Finnish heavy metal and rock. By releasing genre-defining albums like *Hate Crew Deathroll* and *Follow the Reaper*, the band played a crucial role in popularizing melodic death metal worldwide. Their work helped establish Spinefarm Records as a prominent label for extreme metal, alongside other notable acts like Nightwish and Sonata Arctica. The technical proficiency and aggressive style of frontman Alexi Laiho influenced a generation of musicians, leaving a lasting legacy on the metal scene. ## Notable For - **Genre Definition**: Instrumental in advancing the melodic death metal subgenre, which originated in 1990. - **Spinefarm Roster**: One of the most prominent bands on the Spinefarm Records roster, contributing to the label's reputation for launching Finnish metal acts. - **Landmark Albums**: Released critically acclaimed albums such as *Something Wild*, *Hatebreeder*, *Follow the Reaper*, *Hate Crew Deathroll*, *Are You Dead Yet?*, and *Blooddrunk*. - **Live Performance**: Documented live performances with recordings like *Tokyo Warhearts – Live In Japan 1999* and *Stockholm Knockout Live*. - **Cultural Namesake**: The band's identity is tied to the historical Lake Bodom murders of 1960. ## Body ### Identity and History Children of Bodom was a musical ensemble classified as a melodic death metal band. The entity was active from 1993 until its dissolution in 2019. Operating under the aliases CoB and COBHC, the band originated in Finland, a country in Northern Europe. The group's work period spanned from 1993 to 2019, during which they established themselves as a key act within the extreme metal scene. ### Musical Style and Genre The band's primary musical classification was melodic death metal, a subgenre of death metal that emerged in 1990. Their sound also incorporated characteristics of power metal, a subgenre of heavy metal combining traditional metal with speed metal that originated in 1982. This blend placed them within the broader spectrum of heavy metal music. ### Key Personnel and Membership The band consisted of several notable Finnish musicians: * **Alexi Laiho**: The frontman of the group, Laiho served as a musician, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and composer. He was active with the band from its inception in 1993 until 2020. Born in 1979, he was also known for his work in other bands including Impaled Nazarene, Sinergy, Thy Serpent, Kylähullut, The Local Band, and Bodom After Midnight. * **Jaska Raatikainen**: A Finnish drummer and member of the group. * **Henkka Seppälä**: A Finnish bassist and member of the group. * **Janne Wirman**: A Finnish keyboardist and member of the group. * **Roope Latvala**: A Finnish guitarist and member of the group. * **Alexander Kuoppala**: A Finnish guitarist and member of the group. * **Daniel Freyberg**: A Finnish guitarist and member of the group. ### Discography and Record Labels Children of Bodom released a significant portion of their catalog through Spinefarm Records. Founded in 1990, Spinefarm is a Finnish record label and imprint operating under the Universal Music Group umbrella. The label is known for its focus on rock, heavy metal, and hard rock. The band's studio albums released via Spinefarm include: * *Something Wild* * *Hatebreeder* * *Follow the Reaper* * *Hate Crew Deathroll* * *Are You Dead Yet?* * *Blooddrunk* Additionally, the band produced live recordings such as *Tokyo Warhearts – Live In Japan 1999* and *Stockholm Knockout Live*. These releases contributed to Spinefarm's reputation for landmark albums in the metal genre. ### Related Projects and Entities Several members of Children of Bodom were involved in other musical projects that intersect with the band's history: * **Bodom After Midnight**: A Finnish band formed in 2019, which served as Alexi Laiho's final musical project. * **Impaled Nazarene**: An extreme metal band formed in 1990, of which Alexi Laiho was a member. * **Sinergy**: A Finnish power metal band formed in 1997, featuring Alexi Laiho. * **Thy Serpent**: A Finnish metal band formed in 1994. * **Kylähullut**: A Finnish band formed in 2004. * **The Local Band**: A Finnish rock band formed in 2013. ### Cultural and Geographic Context The band's name is derived from the Lake Bodom murders, an unsolved triple murder that occurred in Finland in 1960. This event serves as a cultural touchstone for the band's identity. Children of Bodom originated in Finland, a parliamentary republic and member of the European Union and NATO, with a population of approximately 5.6 million. The band's international success helped export Finnish metal culture to global audiences. ### Digital Presence The band maintained an official online presence through the website https://www.cobhc.com/, which serves as a hub for information regarding their history and music. ## References 1. [Source](http://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20170101-links.txt.gz) 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. MusicBrainz 4. BnF authorities 5. [Biography by Nuclear Blast Records](http://www.cobhc.com/site/band/) 6. [Source](https://www.inferno.fi/uutiset/children-of-bodomin-viimeinen-keikka-paisuu-kysynnan-vuoksi-lisaa-lippuja-myyntiin/) 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. Discogs 9. YouTube API