Children Of Bodom – I Worship Chaos

Mediocre For Gods Is Still Amazing

With every release from this band, the audience gets something a little different. Prior to its release, I Worship Chaos was being hailed as the darkest album ever constructed by Children Of Bodom. However, as it unfurls, its par for the course. That being said, “average” from Children Of Bodom is still melt-your-face-off fantastic, just not the dark, kamikaze evil the audience was lead to believe it would be. This, for fans, may prove to be slightly disappointing as the Finnish melodic death metal outfit is known for shattering expectations.

Despite a line up shuffle, the sound does not change that much. Alexi Laiho’s guitar is heavy, but playful, jet-setting around the fret-board at ridiculous speeds to give us tantalizing, enthralling solos. The titular track, “I Worship Chaos,” shows off Laiho’s talents to a tee. Contrarily, the rhythm section is excellently dark, keeping the heavy mood for the album as they should. Any gripes a person could have regarding the album are easily put to shame by tracks such as “Morrigan” and “Widdershins,” which ooze greatness and are the darkest tracks on the album. The latter of the two is the closing song; it is bone-crushingly heavy, an excellent end track. On the other hand, “Morrigan,” though considered a “slow” song, is extremely catchy and has the best groove on the album.

To judge the album solely on past experiences with the band is a little harsh. I Worship Chaos, though the sound of it may be average or expected to some fans, is great metal. If this album came out under any other name, it would be considered perfect. It gets your blood pumping and is extra special moshable. If this album does not receive accolades equal to its predecessors, it would be a major surprise.