There was a Finnish invasion at the Bronson Centre last Friday as Children of Bodom and the band’s ‘Hexed’-tour came to town along with fellow countrymen Swallow the Sun and Wolfheart. As usual the Bronson Centre was a buzzing with local metal fans who for a change didn’t have to deal with the snow and bitter cold, but just some pouring rain. With the chants of “Bodom, Bodom, Bodom !”, C.O.B. fired up the heavy metal engines and launched into the title track from their 2005 release Are You Dead Yet into Under Grass and Clover of the latest release ‘Hexed’. The audience’s rpm’s were revved through the roof.
With a momentary pause in the onslaught, front man Alexi Laiho thanked the fans for their continued support over the years and emphasized how much the band enjoy playing in Canada, which was quickly followed by the band jumping head first into In Your Face. If you were going to sum up the band’s set into words, “in your face” would be a good start. The band has hard hitting drums, pummeling guitar riffs, shredding solos, blazing vocals and even duelling keyboard/guitar solos that will leave you mesmerized. Basically the band rips your face off, smashes it on the ground, picks it up with a pitchfork and then shoves it down your throat.
Its always best to be short and sweet leaving the crowd wanting more and this is exactly what C.O.B. did on this fine night of heavy metal. The band’s set was the perfect mixture of new and old. With one last break before ending the set Laiho thanked the crowd one more time and screamed out ” If you want peace prepare for war!”
Setlist:
1: Are You Dead Yet?
2: Under Grass and Clover
3: In Your Face
4: This Road
5: Bodom Beach Terror
6: Everytime I Die
7: Platitudes and Barren Words
8: We’re Not Gonna Fall
9: I Worship Chaos
10: Sixpounder
11: Angels Don’t Kill
12: If You Want Peace… Prepare for War
Encore:
13. Hate Me!
14. Downfall
