Children Of Bodom - Blooddrunk

It's been three years since Children Of Bodom's last studio CD, and even though there's been a live CD/DVD since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting the Finnish band's sixth release. The band went to the deep woods of Hollola, Finland with producer Mikko Karmila to record it.

Blooddrunk doesn't deviate much from past Children Of Bodom CDs, with thrashy riffs, shredding guitar solos, prominent synths and melodic hooks. The songs are heavy and dark, thickly constructed with layers of guitars and keyboards and plenty of solos from each. Alexi Laiho's guitar wizardry hasn't diminished at all, and he puts on some dazzling displays.

Laiho's trademark raspy vocals are unmistakable, and delivered with a lot of energy and emotion. Children Of Bodom expertly blend extremity and intensity with melody and catchiness. Blooddrunk isn't one of their all time best albums, but it's another solid effort that will continue Children Of Bodom's ascent to being one of the most popular metal bands in the world.

(released April 15, 2008 on Spinefarm/Fontana Records)