Disco de Children of Bodom: “Something Wild [PA]”

Children of Bodom's debut release is far more melodic death metal than anything they would release later. Although the phrase commonly used to describe them is melodic death, without the harsh vocals delivered by Alexi Laiho they are closer to power or speed metal. This album however is closer to death metal than their others, and there are also tinges of black metal such as on In The Shadows. This isn't as good as the two that would follow it, Hatebreeder and Follow The Reaper, their sound is less refined and developed, but there are still some great songs. Laiho's rasping vocals fit the music perfectly even though his guitar work isn't as prominent as on later releases, and there is more classical influence here. Red Light In My Eyes part 2 takes some of its tune from Mozart's Symphony no. 25.

The first two tracks are good, but it's the two Red Light In My Eyes songs that really hold your attention. The intro to the first part is great and it contains some parts you can really hum along to, and the second part is no less good, the Mozart tune opens the track and it also contains some memorable parts. As a double act the two songs are great and fit together well, and once the second part ends another of the best songs on the album begins, Lake Bodom. The fantasy/power metal style beginning draws you in and it contains probably the best guitar solo on the CD, COB's later albums are made up of tracks similar to this one. The Nail contains an intro speech from Nightmare on Elm Street 2 and it's another solid track, the longest here, and Touch Like Angel of Death rounds things off, it's another headbanging frenzy with more classical-inspired keyboards. The album is short in length, but what's here is great, only just behind the next two they would release and worthy of five stars.

Stand-outs: Red Light In My Eyes 1+2, Lake Bodom, The Nail

I was inspired By dark Tranquillity and In flames( the vocals)to get into COB, and I tell your what, these kids can kick someserious butt. The album got the brutallity of Cradle of filth, and can here two different vocal levels at a random, with a more mature vocal( I am not comparing with COF, just giving u the taste what to expect). Their guiter sounds a lil like maiden, and Malmsteen, some of the songs have a tune of Xentrix. The mixing is very mature. This album got everything you need. Awesome bouble bass attack through out the whole album. He has a very good future, very skilled, brutally fast. Good harmonizing on guiter. I am waiting to buy hatebreeder, these r kinda r hard to find in US..u lucky....all these info is not enough to explain the sound, u should have a good sense of emotion and melody to go deep in it.

This is an great cd by an awesome band. When I first heard CoB it was on this album and I was amazed. The musicianship is so good. If you're interested in anything by CoB I also suggest you try listening to other great bands like dimmu borgir, inflames and even cradle of filth. This band comprises excellent vocals, complicated guitar work and good use of the double bass pedal. I suggest that you get this album if you're interested in death metal, black metal, speed metal ,thrash metal or are just interested in a good change of music. IT ROCKS!

Good '98 debut CD from this Scandinavian metal outfit.Tracks that managed to sort of draw me in were "Deadnight Warrior","Lake Bodom" and "Touch Like Angel Of Death".Only downside here is that 'Something Wild' has a total of seven cuts,with a duration of 32 minutes.Is this like an EP?Either way,it should appeal to some fans of In Flames,Kreator,Opeth,Mercyful Fate and Iced Earth.They're currently on tour here in the states,as I saw them earlier this year.They put on a great live performance.Go see 'em!

The band's very first album, "Something Wild", introduced us to some great technical Metal in 1997 and laid a path for what would be a great musical journey in the realm of the Finnish gods Children Of Bodom. Mixing various elements like the complicated guitar-leads of Melodic Death and fast rhythmic riffs of Power Metal, the unique blend found in "Something Wild" does create an addiction after too many listenings.

The assault on your senses will be invading, your vision probably blurry in the process, but once you've fully opened up to this record, you'll understand that beneath the layers and layers of complicated instrumental euphoria paired with demonic vocals, there is talent.

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The Whole Thing...

...Take the scarred hand of the Reaper and follow him to the greatest depths of Hell. You Will Love It.