The Children Have Returned With the Reaper (and the Bodom Song)
Still keeping up with demand and forever playing that specific blend of extreme-thrash-Finnish-metal, Children of Bodom have hit it again with their eighth album release, Halo of Blood. With just enough angst as its aged predecessors, Halo of Blood gives the fans that quality of pristine brutality that only COB can deliver.
“Waste of Skin” is a long-awaited reprise from the days of Hate Crew Deathroll. The band returns to the heavier rifts and wicked double pedaling as it did a decade ago. With the treacherous singing of the guitars and vocal aesthetics, Alexi Leiho and Roope Latvala blend together with harmonious new blood and energy.
In a recent video interview with German TV iM1, the band was asked about the musical progress from Relentless Reckless Forever to Halo of Blood. Jaska mentioned COB “went back in a way” this was in agreement with what Janne mentioned when asked about the heavier elements to the newest album in relation to their previous release. “We’re not saying it’s heavier, faster or harder because that’s what people always say”. The band was revisiting an old element of their music, while still pursuing growth and developing new material. The fans that are waiting for the next Follow the Reaper or Hatebreeder will be happy to hear some of the favorite technical elements of both.
The segue between “Screams for Silence” and “Transference” could have just as easily been a two part-er from the same song. Following the lyrics set between them is like listening to both sides of a story as told by conjoined twins.
“The Days Are Numbered” and “Dead Man’s Hand on You” have the most immediate contrasted elements to the album. The former is a super fast track that stacks upon a much slower, more power ballad tempo within “Dead Mans Hand on You”. Overall, the layout of the album is structured for the sake of lyrics and poetic flow.
Children of Bodom bring it back with this album’s “Bodom” song. The song was long awaited since its random disappearance from the band’s previous record Relentless. Fierce and lurid “Bodom Blue Moon” satisfies the bloodlust for this specialty track and is well worth the wait.
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