CHILDREN OF BODOM — Relentless Reckless Forever (review)

CHILDREN OF BODOM — Relentless Reckless Forever album cover Album · 2011 · Melodic Death Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
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.
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