UMUR "Blooddrunk" is the 6th full-length studio album by Finnish melodic death metal act Children of Bodom. The album was released through Spinefarm Records in April 2008.

If you are familiar with the band´s sound, it will come as no surprise that the music on "Blooddrunk" is melodic death metal drenched in power metal tinged synths. Compared to the more traditional heavy metal inspired death metal style of the two predecessors ("Hate Crew Deathroll (2003)" and "Are You Dead Yet? (2005"), the music on "Blooddrunk" is slightly harder edged though. Of course we´re talking details here, and Children of Bodom more or less stick to their guns on "Blooddrunk". The songwriting has somewhat stagnated and you won´t find many new ideas on this album keeping in mind how much the band developed their style on the first four albums. The musicianship is excellent as ever, the sound production is professional and well sounding and as such the songwriting is pretty strong too. I guess the problem with "Blooddrunk" is, that it drowns in the band´s discography. It just doesn´t stand out among the best releases by the band.

When that is said "Blooddrunk" is still a quality product and new fans who listen to this album first, probably won´t understand why my review comes off slightly negative and hardcore fans of the band will probably enjoy this one without reservations too. To the more casual fans my recommendation is that you get "Follow the Reaper (2000)" and "Hate Crew Deathroll (2003)" to hear the best the band has to offer. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is warranted.

arcane-beautiful I remember my first encounter with Children Of Bodom. I wanted to get into the band, so getting their newest album at the time, Are You Dead Yet?, I put on the first song and went, “wow...probabbly one of the best metal songs I have ever heard.” And the rest of the album had a similar vein. It was just good song after good song.

Now Children Of Bodom never have really been a band to go crazy over in my opinion. But I have to admit, that Are You Dead Yet? Is a perfect album. So the rest of their stuff is a bit touch and go to be honest. Now I will admit that Hatebreeder & Hatecrew Death Roll are great albums. But after Blooddrunk, the band kind of made me loose interest. Bloodrunk wasn't too bad, it was a disappointment, but I just didn't really care about them much anymore. In fact I thought of them more as a novelty (covering Britney Spears songs and all that).

So when this album came out, I forgot about it really. I knew it was out, but I was like “meh”. So when I was getting a bunch of “new albums,” I thought, “meh what's the worst that could happen with this one.” And to be honest, I should have just forgotten it.

This is their 2nd disappointment in a row, and its an even bigger disappointment than the latter. I think Children Of Bodom have really lost their identity with this release, because it seems that all their uniqueness has been drained, and what is left is just the sounds of all the modern metal bands (I think this album prooves that fine line between Melodic Death Metal and Metaclore). In fact, this album reminds me of when you hear an unsigned band and think “meh”

The album is bad, but its not terrible. This isn't going on the worst albums list either, but it's close. What saves this album is that now and then, there are songs which have some pretty good moments, and make them slightly more interesting. But the rest is just filler. The perfect way to describe this album is that the good songs sound like the filler on most Bodem albums, and the rest is worse.

Now instrumentally, the band just isn’t as impressive as they where. I remember I used to compare the instrumental playing of Alexis & Roope to the work of John Petrucci & Jordan Rudess. But now, it's just standard, solo, solo, solo, solo...and nothing else really. And as usual, Alexis just sounds like a cat.

1. Not My Funeral – Ok...being the first song, I'm thinking, “em, this isn't the Children Of Bodom I've known and liked. This is maybe a bit too much of a step forward in the modern direction. Good production though, but very forgetful. 5/10

2. Shovel Knockout – I do like the thrasy moments. And to be honest, there is something about the chorus I like. Although still a little bland though. 5/10

3. Rountrip To Hell & Back – I really don't care about this song. To be honest, it just kind of sounds like all the modern metal out today, all clustered together. Although there is a nice riff in it. And the ending is just terrible in my opinion. The slow down bit sounds so rushed. 4/10

4. Pussyfoot Miss Suicide – With such a funny name, you'd think this song would be interesting. Nope. Bland as ever. And theirs some instrumental and musical changes that make no sense, and arent nice to listen to. I guess the chorus isn't the worst, but it's still not great. 3/10

5. Relentless Reckless Forever – The chorus isn't too bad on this one. In fact its one of the best on the album. Now that's not saying a lot. 4/10

6. Ugly – Ok,again, this song isn't the worst. It's got a good chorus, and there are some nice moments in it which come back now and then which are nice. 5/10

7. Cry Of The Nihilst – Best song on the album. In fact it seems to be one of the only real redeeming features. Great chorus and lead up to it. Great instrumental section too. Finally glimmers of the old Bodom are being shown. 7/10

8. Was It Worth It? - Ok, another pretty good song on the album. I hate it when albums start off bad, and get good at points. Nice chorus. 6/10

9. Northpool Throwdown – Nice thrashy end. But forgetable. 3/10

CONCLUSION: I really don't have a lot of faith for these guys now. Myabe their next one won't be so bad. But I'm not going out at any great depths to listen to it. Although if you like heavy riffs and nonsense, then you actually might like this.

2.3/10

arcane-beautiful I don't like cheese...the dairy product...but when cheesy music comes my way...I do kind of like it.

Now I'm not admitting to being a Cheesaholic, cause you can get your bad cheese and your good cheese. Now this cheese is the good cheese.

After Bodoms first 4 albums, the really did make a name for themselves. And as they progressed, their music was getting easier and easier to listen to in contemporary terms. And this album really pushed them into more listenable terms.

Adopting a more melodic style, with some really catchy chorus' and a bigger sound...these guys made some really cheesy songs. And I mean that in the nicest way possible

Originally a melodic death metal band, with black metal influences, and big symphonic keyboards, the band adopted more modern influences, with power metal, metalcore, and basic pop music to make some really interesting songs. Now this album isn't full of strophic 3 minute pop songs. No, in fact, the songs take their own loveable mutated form. With Yngwie influenced instrumental passages, big sing along chorus, homage to 80's metal, outlandish guitar and keyboard solos, the band become more of a light hearted affair.

And even these songs are cheesy, their still really unique. And the best thing about this album is that its such fun to listen to. And not only that, you can tell the band really enjoyed making these songs, and really enjoyed playing and messing around with them. Its passionate, yet is contemporary, which for me is the perfect unison between artistry and entertainment.

As usual, Alexi's vocals are rhaspy and screamy. Lyrically the album is the same as it always is, with songs about violence...and violence...and violence...and violence...and angels...and violence. To be honest you wouldn't really care what Alexi is saying half the time. For all I know he could be meowing like a cat in heat. Oh, and instrumentally, the band is always on top of their game.

1. Needled 24/7 – Ok, now this song is the song that marks their dramatic change. And to be honest, if you are gonna make a change, you might as well make as rocking a tune as this one. Infectiously catchy with one great chorus. Great instrumentation and some killer riffs. Theirs also something cool about the lyrics too. One of their most classic songs in my opinion. 10/10

2. Sixpounder – I love the keyboards in this song. Something about them reminds me of Dream Theater. There is some really killer head-banging moments in this song. Some great instrumentation in this song. There is something pretty cheesy about this song, but to be honest, its just a really killer song (even the silly depend voice in the chorus is amazing...but funny as well haha). 9/10

3. Chokehold (Cocked 'n' Loaded) – The intro is very 80's. OK, the song is pretty cheesy, especially with the gang vocal chorus, but you have to love it. The changes throughout are pretty cool too, and really do surprise you. Great instrumental work, especially the neo classical instrumental sounding bit. I was surprised at how much I actually like this song, even though I've heard it loads of times. 9/10

4. Bodom Beach Terror – One of the greatest metal intros of all time in my opinion. It's a bit of a Carcass rip off, and yes bit cheesy, but you can't help but love it. Some of the lyrics aren't the best, and the song is a major cheese feast at times, but I have to admit, you can't help but bang your head to a lot of the parts. I also love the fast paced style of Alexi's vocals. 8/10

5. Angel's Don't Kill – One of the more slower and darker Bodom songs. Great main riff. The melodic guitar lines are also really beautiful at times. At times the song is really interesting, and then at times it's a bit meh, but to be honest, the interesting bits make up for the slightly boring moments, and even then the boring moments arent that bad. 7/10

6. Triple Corpse Hammerblow -There is something very The Cure about the intro of this. Very gothicy, yet with a poppy side. The main riff remind me of Dragonforce (who are the kings of cheese anyway). Some really killer instrumentation. Great chorus, even though it's very simple.9/10

7. You're Better Off Dead – Everyone knows that symphonic stabs are some of the most cheesiest things to put in a song. Ok, this song is pretty killer, and I know I have mentioned cheese too much in this review...but you have to admit...that chorus is some major cheese. None the less, a pretty kick ass song. 8/10

8. Lil' Bloodred Riding Hood – What a cheesy name for a song (I wonder why no one has thought of Ba Ba Black Metal Sheep). This song seems a bit filler, but, when the instumental section comes in, it all makes sense. In fact this song should have just stayed an instrumental, cause its fine without the vocaled parts...in fact I forget them already. 7/10

9. Hate Crew Deathroll – I wonder why this song wasn't earlier on in the album, cause it is one of the best song on the album. And yes, the Pantera reference and almost rip off to them is noticeable (although I actually like it, it's almost like a sign of respect, so don't go complaining about plagiarism yet). Great way to end the album, especially cause this is one of the best songs on it. A great chorus too, and riffs that would melt your face off. Great way to end the album in my opinion. 10/10

CONCLUSION: Not their strongest, but still pretty damn good. I'm not the world biggest Bodem fan, so to actually give it a score like this really is an honour for me, cause they made such a kick ass album (even though it is very cheesy).

7.9/10

arcane-beautiful Bodom can be a bit touch and go for me. At times their music is great...I have to admit they have some great songs and great albums (with Are Youd Dead Yet? being my favourite), but also they can be a bit meh....especially now a days where their so predictable and the songs you've heard before. But back in the late 90's...this was way ahead of its time. Now they're are alot of bands who sound like this today, and you can say Bodom may have been their biggest influence...with this album being the zenith of influence.

Bodom's sound was slowly progressing through the years, and this thir 3rd album, really shows them at what I believe to be one of their most strongest eras.

When listening to this album, the influences were quite noticable, e.g. Emperor, Carcass, At The Gates, In Flames etc., but to be honest, they weren't too noticable, and sounds of these bands only happened every once in a while before hitting you in the face with the Bodom signature power. The instrumentation is also amazing, with Alexi's guitar playing being note perfect with Janne's key playing, showing some amazing technical abillity throughout.

The songs on this are classics and really will stand the test of time. This is a classic metal album, but I wouldn't say it's a masterpiece, although I have to say...it's pretty close to one in my opinion.

1. Warheart - Wow what an opener. Amazing intro. Just a kick ass in your face metal song. 10/10

2. Silent Night, Bodom Night - Great arrangement with great guitar and keyboard interplay. Great chorus. 10/10

3. Hatebreeder - Quite black metal with a load of interesting twists and turns. 9/10

4. Bed Of Razors - Great melodic arrangement. Full of nice interesting instrumental sections. 9/10

5. Towards Dead End - The intro that every metal fan has learnt how to play on guitar (I should know...we were all 15 once haha). It's just a classic metal song, and I love it. 10/10

6. Black Widow - Great symphonic stabs. Pretty kick ass, but meh, not as good as the rest. 8/10

7. Wrath Within - Great intro...again a bit meh. 8/10

8. Children Of Bodom - The self titled song that all cheesy bands should have. Great main riff and arrangement. Packed full of amazing guitar work and instrumental sections that will make you quiver...with delight...I hope. 9/10

9. Downfall - I love the mood changes throughout. Nice arrangement too. 9/10

CONCLUSION: I'm not the biggest Bodom fan, but I have to admit, this album is amazing.

J-Man Children of Bodom has received quite a bit of heat for their last few releases - particularly 2008's universally slandered Blooddrunk. Relentless Reckless Forever (pardon the equally awful album title) can be considered a "return to form" of sorts. Although it may lack the charm of their first handful of releases, this is an exceptionally strong melodic death metal album filled with memorable songwriting, impeccable musicianship, and that distinct sound that's made Children of Bodom recognized worldwide. Relentless Reckless Forever does feel a bit run of the mill at times, but the bottom line is that this a fun album that I always have a great time putting on.

The music here is a mix of death/thrash metal, power metal, and touches of progressive metal (mainly in the keyboard arrangements). I also hear a bit of metalcore, but it's not a particularly dominant style. Keyboards are very prevalent on Relentless Reckless Forever - this is mainly a "guitar album", but the synth work from Janne "Warman" Wirman is definitely enough to piss off the death metal purists. The cheesy tones occasionally bug me and add a "cheap" atmosphere to the music, but I generally have a great appreciation for Wirman's playing. He's a "keyboard wizard" in the truest sense. Of course, the two guitarists (Alexi "Wildchild" Laiho and Roope Latvala) offer plenty of blinding leads and tasteful riffs throughout the near 40-minute duration. The production is also polished and professional.

It's really hard not to at least moderately enjoy Relentless Reckless Forever - this is a fun album in the truest sense. Cheesy keyboards, crazy instrumental sections, and catchy songs are really what this album is all about. I would've greatly appreciated a more adventurous attitude, but that doesn't severely detract from the great experience I have every time I put on Relentless Reckless Forever. Fans of Children of Bodom and melodic death/power metal in general are advised to check this out - just don't take it too seriously! Somewhere between a 3-3.5 is a fair rating here.