Children of Bodom
Capitol Theatre, Perth
Sunday 6 November 2011

by Metal Billy

Arriving as local prog-metallers Voyager entertained the growing crowd with their well honed brand of melodic prog, frontman Daniel Estrin brandishing a very non-metal 'keytar' but using it to great effect , especially in the closing song sprinkled with snippets of 80's faves including Ghostbusters and Beverly Hills Cop. Lead Guitarist Simone was most impressive as she crunched out some tasty sounds from her axe.

With a basic COBHC banner behind them, Alexi Laiho and his bunch of long haired Finnish thrash and rollers took to the stage opening up with the title track from 2011 release Relentless Reckless Forever, Laiho establishing himself front and centre with guitar almost vertical nestled next to his ear as they tore through the first half of the set mainly comprising of RRF material ( Not My Funeral , Roundtrip to Hell, Shovel Knockout ) interspersed with older tracks and lots of songs with "Bodom" in the title ( Children of Bodom, Bodom Beach Terror, Bodom After Midnight ).

Laiho is the Scandinavian equivalent of Dave Mustaine as he wrung the neck of his guitar whilst tearing strips off the walls with his rasping vocals ( which could have been a bit more prominent in the mix ). He is definitely the captain of this runaway sleigh of riffage. Laiho's wailing guitar VS Janne Wirman's frenetic speed- infused keyboards were the highlight of the night as the punters lapped it up and the final bracket of Angels Don't Kill, Downfall, Blooddrunk and finale of Hate Crew Deathroll were a worthy climax to a show that seemed to finish not long after it started as Laiho bid one and all goodnight to appreciative cheers.

Having been my first COB experience I would certainly return for a repeat bludgeoning.

Set List
1. Relentless Reckless Forever
2. Are You Dead Yet ?
3. Not My Funeral
4. Kissing The Shadows
5. Living Dead Beat
6. Roundtrip To Hell and Back
7. Children of Bodom / Deadnight Warrior
8. Hate Me
9. Shovel Knockout
10.Bodom After Midnight
11.Bodom Beach Terror
12.In Your Face
13.Angels Don't Kill
14.Downfall

15.Blooddrunk
16.Hate Crew Deathroll