Average Rating: 5.00 Rating Variance: 0.00 Objectivity Score: 15% (Not Balanced)
Sort by: Rating | Release Date | Rating Date | Name5.0 classicChildren of Bodom Follow the ReaperChildren of Bodom; the Finnish metal masters; deliver their third album - 'Follow the reaper (2000)' and It's one hell of a ride! Bodom retain their style from their two previous albums; 'Lake bodom' and 'Hatebreeder' and if you're new to the band those things are: PACE, MELODY and SOLO's! features all Heavy metal bands should seek, and Bodom highlight these very well throughout. From the eerie start of the opening track 'Follow the reaper' to the fresh sounding sweeping solo's of 'Kissing the shadows' it's evident that all members of the band have brought their a-game and this album secures Bodom's place as a serious force in Metal. Particular member of the band who shine are Alexi Laiho (Lead guitar + Vocals) and Janne Wirman (keyboard). You might be thinking, if you're new to the band: 'How can a keyboard be used well in heavy metal?' well my answer to you my friend would be to listen to the second track from the album; 'Bodom after midnight', It's powerful chorus leading into a catchy bridge/riff accumilates into some of Janne's best work to date and Alexi follows up with a superb solo (One of many present on the album). KEY TRACKS AND SHORT ANAYSIS: 'Bodom after midnight' - As mentioned; an epic chorus and melodically catchy solo make this a Bodom classic. 'Kissing the shadows' - Again, as mentioned, the ending duel between Guitar and keyboard is excellent and Alexi produces a masterful set of sweeps to end the album, something an amature guitarist like myself can only aspire to. 'Hate me' - The first ten seconds sum up the entire album, It's all about energy through melody. This is a real song you can sing to (something often disregarded in the area of death metal), screaming 'I dont give a *** if you hate me!' during the chorus sections. FAILURES: Okay, I've hyped this album alot so far in this review, and although the album is of 'classic' standard, it does have its limitations... Firstly; and likely the main issue with all Bodom's albums; are the vocals: They may be catchy at times and keep the rhythm going, but they're not all too impressive and often you feel that there would be no substantial difference if they were removed. This is mostly evident during 'Verse sections' as most chorus sections seem to flow seemlessly ('Hate me' and 'bodom after midnight' particularly). Another, harsh criticism, is the fact that, dispite the recipe being almost perfect, the albums does nothing to attract knew fans to the band, it's very much 'If you like em, you'll love this!' in oppose to a revolutionary step forward. But if you can stomache the vocals, which certainly won't be to everyones taste, theres nothing stopping you from spending your money on this album. In conclusion; The album has very strong strengths and very few things holding it back. It's fast pace, melody, heaviness and soothingness all formulate into one essential purchase. I highly recommend this album, and award it 5/5. (First review, let me know what you think, cheers)
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