Melodic Death Metal, some say a dying subgenre. Well Children of Bodom are here to spit in the faces of those who question the longevity of their beloved sound. The Finnish maestros have what can only be described as a unique sound. Something which has peaked and troughed during their tenure. Here is my verdict on their newest rendition I Worship Chaos.

 

My first note is there is no Intro, just banging straight into it with I Hurt. A great opener to what laid ahead. Big distinctive melodies throughout which Children of Bodom are famous for to kick off with. The harmony of the Keyboard from the possessed claws of Janne Wirman and guitar of Alexi 'Wildchild’ Laiho are sublime and the punchy double kick to set the tempo by Jaska Raatikainen. The departure of Roope Latvala which some would of though detrimental to the band hasn’t shown at all here.

 

Wildchild’s vocals do not wain at any point during the album, exhaling every word with raw emphasis and anger. Something which in previous albums has not had the conviction on display here. The lyrics are what you would expect from these guys, quite predictable and simple but very catchy. I think this compliments the complex and diverse characteristics of rest of the music.

 

Alexi has always shown the very best how to write a good strong melodic riff and this stays very much the same here. Heavy, complicated, balanced, rhythmic, compelling. I’m sure there are more ways to describe the genius on display here. Every song having its mark stamped firmly as an individual and not lost as filler in this beast of an album.

 

I notice the great recording quality here on the 9th album from the Finnish Melodeath Masters. Recorded in Danger Johnny Studios in Helsinki, Finland with Producer Peter Tagtgren (formerly of Bloodbath), who has clearly done his homework on this one.  A veteran around the genre, Tagtgren shows his knowledge off with the crispness of this recording.