 | Tracklist:
- Warheart
- Silent Night, Bodom Night
- Hatebreeder
- Bed of Razors
- Towards Dead End
- Black Widow
- Wrath Within
- Children of Bodom
- Downfall
| Ranking: #23 for 1999 | |
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On 61 Lists
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Initially, I had very low expectations for Children of Bodom. My friend was really into them, but during his infatuation with every one of the band's records from Something Wild to their latest, Are You Dead Yet. I myself was more interested in the seclusion that bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, Megadeth, and Avenged Sevenfold gave me, and didn't feel the need to listen to a band which screamed about hate and death. I gave Lake Bodom a listen, and while the vocals really killed it for me, the guitars and keyboards drew me back every now and then. Pretty big mistake on my part, I guess. It wasn't until much later that I gave the band a deserved, unbiased listen. Predictably, I loved it. That's how things usually turn out with me. Bodom's debut album, Something Wild, was the first Children of Bodom album I checked out, and remains a favourite to this very day, getting constant listens from yours truly. But what do I think about their other albums, you ask? Outstanding releases as well. The first one of these records to be released to the public was 1999's Hatebreeder. No sophomore jinx (if such things exist in music…) is apparent on this release, as listeners are treated to a fine 38 minute performance from the young Finnish quintet.
Much like their other albums, Hatebreeder is highlighted by Bodom's two strongest points. Their take on extreme power metal is a very impressive mix of shredding; thrashy riffs; neo-classical passages; melodic yet fast melodies; infectious keyboarding; and of course, am eerie atmosphere. Ok so that's all fine and dandy, but does it work? A resounding "HELL YES!" would be the only appropriate response to question such as that. Though their formula may seem too good to be true for some, Children of Bodom still manages to relentlessly pound out track after track after track without slipping up. Each track flows flawlessly from one to another and any momentum that is picked up by the band transfers excellently into the next song. The opener, Warheart, is a perfect example of the band's solid musical direction. When necessary, the speedy riffs from Alexi and Alexander are supported by the melodic keyboarding of Janne Warman, and vice versa. But saying that, Janne's keyboards do not mark a dip in the heaviness of the music. The riffs and leads still scream with the strength and power of a German power metal band and the aggressiveness of a thrash metal band. Though it may not be accessible for the masses, the music found on Children of Bodom's second effort should (and is, I guess) definitely be popular among the metal fans of the world.
The band's other strong point lies in the technical skill of its members. This is most apparent in the likes of Alexi 'Wildchild' Laiho, the guitarist and vocalist of the band. Not once does he cease to impress through his exceedingly impressive leads. Laiho's tactics take skill, speed, and power to the highest extremes, yet unlike some, he manages to hold off when such a performance would be harmful to the flow of the album. This is a talent that is not limited to Alexi, but is also shared by the rest of the band. Throughout the album, Laiho's shredding is fun to listen to, as not once does he let up on his relentless assaults. Yet in my opinion, Alexi is not the most impressive member of the band. That honour belongs to keyboardist Janne Warman. Never is he left in the dust by any of his band mates, as his speed and virtuosity are more than enough to make him stand out. When he isn't providing a very adequate rhythm to the music, Warmen can be heard soloing with that same strength and power found in Alexi's shredding. The keyboards really stand out during the second and third tracks, Silent Night, Bodom Night and Bed of Razors, where they maintain a very consistent presence in the music.
Children of Bodom is quite the talented band. While to those not immersed in the extreme metal may find them slightly difficult to get into, once you started liking the band, there's no going back. Hatebreeder is one of Bodom's essential albums, and should you find yourself liking the band, it's definitely an album worth looking into. Almost any type of metal fan could find something that they like in Hatebreeder, whether they're fans of power metal, thrash, black, or even death metal. Hatebreeder is a very memorable listen and while not my favourite album from Bodom, it's a very fun collection of music to listen to. Pick this up if you have the chance.
Recommended Tracks:
Warheart
Silent Night, Bodom Night
Children of Bodom
Toward Dead End
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 2.5
miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike ruuuuuuuuuuuuules
Alexi 'Wrathchild' Laiho
I do believe that it's "Wildchild" though.This Message Edited On 11.05.06
Digging: Converge - Axe To Fall | | | Album Rating: 3.5
It is. Good review. This album pwns.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Fixed.
Digging: Tegan and Sara - Sainthood | | | Album Rating: 5
I find this to be COB's most superior album, and one of my all time favorites. Just about a classic in my eyes
Digging: Between The Buried And Me - The Great Misdirect | | | Album Rating: 2.5
I think I prefer Something Wild and Follow the Reaper to this.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off
I don't like Something Wild but FTR is definitely better than this.
The vocals annoy me though.
Digging: Katatonia - Night Is The New Day | | | Album Rating: 2
The album is really good, although the sound is more developed in Follow the Reaper.
Digging: Radiohead - OK Computer | | | Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off
yeah and alexi doesn't sound like a hoarse chicken as much
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Follow the Reaper is easily their best.
Kissing the Shadows=heaven.
Digging: Cannibal Ox - The Cold Vein | | | Album Rating: 2
Follow The Reaper is second best. This is the best.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
If this is the best then I continue to point out how mediocre this band is.
Digging: A Forest of Stars - The Corpse of Rebirth | | | Album Rating: 3.5
This is not the best.
| | | Album Rating: 2
This is their worst IMO, Something Wild is probably their greatest moment.This Message Edited On 10.12.07
| | | Album Rating: 5
Very good review as usual.
IMO their albums go like this:
Follow The Reaper
Hatebreeder/Something Wild
Hate Crew
Are you Dead Yet?
All are awesome though.
Digging: All the Empires of the World - Last Rites | | | Album Rating: 4
the first 5 songs on this album I consider classic CoB songs.
amazing album... hard to choose between follow the reaper and this.
something wild is 3rd.
hatecrew is 4th
Digging: Pavement - Wowee Zowee | | | Album Rating: 4.5
This album is way better than FTR and definitely their best. Unlike FTR, this album is strong throughout. The second half of FTR is really weak. The melodies in FTR sound a lot more cliche too. This album had way more thought put into it.
Hatebreeder actually had its own sound. FTR is where they started becoming more generic. This Message Edited On 08.31.08
| | | Album Rating: 5
Follow The Reaper is incredible. I just think this album is so damn good that it makes them one of the greatest back-to-back albums ever.
| | | Album Rating: 4
I like this album, hate Follow the Reaper. Go figure.
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Alexi Laiho's voice just really gets on my nerves, and his shred isn't really all that spectacular in my opinion, but they do make fairly enjoyable metal.
Also, can Laiho speak normally? I swear every time I see a live video and he's just talking he still screams. JANNA WIRMAN ON THE MOTHER****IN KEYBOARDS!!!! WOOPS I BROKE A STRING ON THAT DIVEBOMB!!!!
Digging: City of Ships - Look What God Did To Us
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you don't have enough fucks in there
Digging: PSY/OPSogist - Kings Of Sleep
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