I checked a popular metal news blog today while at work to learn that Alexi “Wildchild” Laiho, best known as the frontman and lead guitarist for the Finnish melodic death metal band Children of Bodom, has recently passed away. My heart fell into my ass upon reading this.
Children of Bodom has been one of my favorite bands for almost a decade now. They were one of the first bands to introduce me to the Nordic melodic death metal scene as well as death metal as a whole. Even after going down that rabbit hole and discovering countless other bands, they still hold up, largely thanks to Laiho’s absolutely shredding guitar work. He was truly one of the best, most technical guitarists the music scene has encountered and has inspired countless wannabe rockers to pick up a guitar.
I never had a chance to see him live. The one time I happened to live close to a city where Children of Bodom was playing I had a work conflict I couldn’t miss the same night. I was bummed, but figured I’d get another chance to see them. I guess I was wrong.
I’ve been cranking CoB all day today. Rest in Peace, Alexi.
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