Children of Bodom - Blooddrunk

by David Svendsen

For older fans of Children of Bodom, the anticipation for Blooddrunk seems to be whether it returns to their thrashier roots (before Are You Dead Yet?) or does it continue on from there?

The answer is, both actually.

The band has returned to thrashier riffs, melodic synth-guitar solos that are improved upon from anything prior and a refined pissed off growl courtesy of Alexi Laiho. The riffs are just simply razor sharp and executed with intense energy, all the while drummer Jaska Raatikainen is thunderously chasing behind Laiho and Roope Latvala. The solos fly at supersonic speed and it is mind blowing to hear Janne Wirman on the keys following suit. The strength of this disc from all musicians illustrates how tight they have become during the relentless touring behind AYDY?, not to mention the entire 15 years since forming.

Read the full review at UnRatedMagazine.com