Relentless Reckless Forever Review

Released: Mar 8, 2011
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Label: Spinefarm Records
Number Of Tracks: 9
CoB returns with a punchier album than Blooddrunk, as Relentless is anything but reckless.

Sound:	7.1
Lyrics:	6.2
Impression:	6.9
Overall rating:	7.3
Reviewer rating:	6.7
Users rating:	7.9
Votes:	180

overall: 6

Featured review by: UG Team, on march 10, 2011

Sound: The CoB sound bursts with vibrant guitar tones that would not sound out of place on a Classic Rock record, but, having honed their own brand of Melodic Death, there is nothing to suggest an attempt at innovation on this album.

Laiho’s guitar work is technical as ever, as he pulls out all of his tricks on Shovel Knockout – a track on which his guitar work doesn’t fail to impress. The melodic Roundtrip to Hell and Back follows, bringing a slower, more synth-based facet to the album. In fact, the song sounds like it should be performed in a more orchestral setting, from the dramatically timed synthesiser to Laiho’s impassioned screams and down-picked rhythms. Laiho’s guitar work remains extraordinary; his inexorable refusal to solo at breakneck speed come the end of the song establishes it as an accomplished music composition.

Included for the listener’s own torture is the inane Pussyfoot Miss Suicide – cheap lyrics, and less than exciting composition result in a formulaic song that perhaps does more to establish more boundaries than it does to break them.

The title-track includes accomplished metal riffing, whilst Ugly serves as a reminder that even when recording only nine songs it is difficult for a band to say no to filler. Cry of the Nihilist proves to be a highlight of the album, Janne Wirman using his synthesiser skills to elevate the track to the heights it reaches; Laiho does well to remind us that he does a lot more with his guitar than he is often given credit for. It is important to listen for the less audible notes played, with listening to the album with headphones proving to be a step in the right direction to hearing the album as it is meant to be heard.

The single—Was it Worth it?—comes next, proving itself to be the compulsory -radio friendly, catch-all manifesto that seems to be the norm in the music industry today. The track is anonymous – save its chorus, fitting the pattern that one expects. // 7

Lyrics and Singing: Laiho’s lyrics aren’t poetic – harshly delivered, and bluntly put (and I’m not sure if I’m talking about my words or his). Songs such as Pussyfoot Miss Suicide have no place in such a well-established band’s repertoire, whilst Ugly proves to be no lyrical masterpiece. // 5

Impression: Relentless Reckless Forever will be met with some indifference by the metal community. It’s not that CoB doesn’t have the chops – they simply don’t have anything more to offer with the release of this album. It might include some excellent pieces, but it will be interesting to see how CoB builds on this release. // 6

- Samuel Agini (c) 2013

overall: 7

Reviewed by: Mujibabajaba, on march 14, 2011

Sound: This album is different. As others have said before, the most standout thing about this album is Alexi Laiho's voice. He gets better with every album COB releases. Even though there's no evidence of improvement from Bloodrunk, I personally don't think innovation was what they were trying to accomplish. I think they knew how good Blooddrunk was, and kept the same formula to try and make another album like it. It's not their best sounding release, but it's definately a strong attempt... in certain areas.

01. Not My Funeral - Strong start, but if its your first listen and you're skeptical about the album your mood won't change after this song.
02. Shovel Knockout - Though it's gotten many negative reviews, and honestly deserves what it got, its an attempt and they tried hard with it. I don't think they accomplished what they wanted to though.
03. Roundtrip to Hell and Back - The intro sounds almost bluesy, and then goes into a keyboard-dominated song. Not a particularly memorable song, but it's decent.
04. Pussyfoot Miss Suicide - A sub-par COB song about emo girls. Although, I must admit the solos pleasantly surprised me a little bit. Thats all.
05. Relentless Reckless Forever - The title track of the album proves Children of Bodom still got it, as the intro leads into a Laiho scream. The solo is has almost a Major feel to it, which gives it a certain "happy" tone.
06. Ugly - Yes, this indeed sounds like a filler. But the instruments sound great nonetheless, as in the case in all songs. But all it really is, is filler. Your feelings won't be made or broken from this song.
07. Cry of the Nihilist - Although I was skeptical, and almost in a negative mind from all the mediocre reviews of the album, I had high hopes of this song. I'm not sure why, but I did. To my surprise, I really liked the song and thought it fit well on a Children of Bodom album. Laihos and Roope Latvala's tones are crisp and perfect for a COB CD. That fact has never changed since the very beginning in 1997.
08. Was It Worth It? - The highly anticipated single off the record is reminiscent of earlier albums, but has a different concept. There is no guitar behind Laiho's singing in the verses, just the ol' bass and drums. That I liked. The solos matches up good as well. I'd recommend this song to even the first time COB listener. But thats just me.
09. Northpole Throwdown - Very Children of Bodom-like. Great song to end the album. As always, the tone is there and the keyboards are obviously put to good use.

Laiho's tone was never a major factor in an album before, because it's always been there and it's always been great but the rest of the features contested perfectly. This being almost a Blooddrunk and Are You Dead Yet? mix album, it could've been a lot stronger and more effort could've been put it. Lyrics were never Laiho's strong suit but he makes up for it by singing them. That will hopefully never change. But even with all the features this record has that shows its a lower level than previous work, the constant is the tone. Laiho's and Latvala's tone are up there, Seppala's bass is bumpin', and Raatikainen's drums are great. But we have the album, it is what it is, and if you don't like it than don't listen to it. I give the sound department an 8 purely because I love how the intruments sound and how they're played. They're all fantastic musicians, and deserve every bit of respect they get and then some. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Alexi Laiho is a great singer. His screams and harsh vocal fit his music perfectly. The only song that really has lyrics that threw me off guard was Pussyfoot Miss Suicide. I never expected a song about a high school emo girl. But other than that, I find the lyrics very Laiho-esque. I'm not saying thats good, I'm not saying thats bad, take it how you will. Thats about it for the lyrics section.

I give the lyrics a 6 because they're like the other albums, but sung well indeed. // 6

Impression: Chidlren of Bodom are a melodeath band, obviously. But heres the thing: you have other Melodic Death Metal bands, and you have Children of Bodom. They have themselevs set apart from other melodeath greats such as Carcass, Arch Enemy, and myGRAIN. That being said, I guess the only albums you can compare this to are previous Children of Bodom albums.

The most impressive songs, in my opinion, include the title track, Cry of the Nihilist, Northpole Showdown, and Was It Worth It. I've mentioned before that I love the tone and playing abilities of all the players. If the CD were stolen or lost, and I had the option of buying it again or getting something else, I'd have to seriously consider it. I can't give a clear answer, but it would probably be to buy something else I didn't have before (probably because I'd have the album downloaded on my computer already). I give the impression part of the album a 7. I wasn't sure how to feel about this album at first, but after a good thorough listen and some thinking, I came to terms with the downsides and consider it a good Children of Bodom album.

In the words of George Fisher, keep fuckin' supporting metal. \m/ // 7

Reviewed by: unregistered, on march 11, 2011

Sound: Relentless, Reckless Forever! This statement I can tell is meant for you to take notice, but the COB guys should include "Risky" into there title for this record. The opening song "My Funeral" is a major departure from there past efforts and offerings, instead of a blistering 250bpm record there is a groove feeling with this record, the solos are more based on feel then speed and technique which I am impressed by. Don't get me wrong I have loved the records they have put out in the past, but to have something with the Bodom sound and cutting vocals and to have it in a groove feeling is a real treat. That being said this record has it's intense moments, the title track being one of them also the song ugly is almost a take back to the thrash sound of 86. Other songs like "Pussyfoot Miss Suicide" with a syncopated guitar and drum riff is that slow head band feel, "Roundtrip To Hell And Back" is another example the keys are very prominent in this song which will bring a feeling of joy to any key players out there looking for inspiration and finally "Shovel Knockout" this track is in my opinion the heaviest song in there history with an incredible bass and drums intro very nice to this metal heads ears throughout the album Alexi proves he is still one of the most talented players in metal today, and on this record he really go's against his instincts on solos and instead of playing the blistering solos he's know for he add a flow that I have only heard on a few songs in years past also Janne Wirman's keyboard work is spot on as usual a very enjoyable flow to this record. All in all a well done record and a breath of fresh air. // 7

Lyrics and Singing: This albums lyrics are especially dark with songs of attempted suicide and many references to death so nothing has changed for COB after all whats more metal then a good horror story so bottom line for song topics, partying, love, death, all things Children Of Bodom. // 7

Impression: This CD is well produced, it has great vibes, a real bash your head / bob to your liking album. You can tell that they put work into the songs and for that I'm grateful. Now its up the the fans to decide! I consider it a great album and a progression from there last, well done boys! // 7

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: Maiden-Elf, on april 26, 2011

Sound: This is indeed not the best album this far, so we have that clear. COB being a well-known Finnish Melodeath-band, with this album they don't prove anything with this album, but they are still strong.

1. "Not My Funeral": Very good sound, not too bad lyrics, good song to open the album with
2. "Shovel Knockout": Bassintro works well, lyrics not too bad, why this song has gotten much bad reviews is a mystery to me, Keyboard-solo rocks.
3. "Roundtrip To Hell And Back": Awesome change of sound, fits the band well actually, very nice melodically seen, good lyrics, at least not bad.
4. "Pussyfoot Miss Suicide": A lot of fun memories from this song already, not the best lyrics though, very "and one more time" melody at first, but that's why I think it's very "mainstream" if you get it.
5. "Relentless, Reckless Forever": Awesome guitarparts, very "partymood", at least I think so, not the best, nor worst, lyrics.
6. "Ugly": Yeah, only a fill-out, were also included on a "Razor(MetalHammer)" and it was this song that made me want to by the album, which I got because I wanted it.
7. "Cry Of The Nihilist": simply awesome track.
8. "Was It Worth It?": Well, a mainstreamfriendly song, nice and very good all in all. Nice keyboardsound and guitar is awesome as always. Nice video too!
9. "Northpole Throwdown": Very, Truly, F--kin Bodom! Truly a very nice song, short and packed with awesomeness. Good solos too!
"Party All The Time" has to be the hillarious cover which is typical Bodom too.
But they did forget the typical song about Bodom, didn't they? // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics fit the music very well, Laiho's voice fits the lyrics (he wrote them, course they go well together). How GOOD the lyrics are? I guess mine isn't better so, I will not say anymore. // 9

Impression: Maybe you can compare it to "Blooddrunk"... Most impressing song to me is "Northpole Throwdown" but "Shovel Knockout" and some others were very liked too. I love the sound, the technically good everything + for that, - for not having drum intros! If this album disappeared from me I would have bought it again. // 8

overall: 5.7

Reviewed by: mikeiff, on march 21, 2011

Sound: Three years have passed since Blooddrunk, which I thought was pretty awesome, not their best album but a great album... Now, I've listened to Relentless Reckless Forever, and while it does have the unmistakable CoB guitar tone and overdriven bass, it lacks some strength in the sound of the drums and the vocal sound don't snap at you as aggresively as their previous efforts. The riffs aren't that bad, but some of them are a bit dumbed down, they could make it a lot better, and the guitar solos, despite being Alexi's trademark style, aren't just as good as the ones on "Blooddrunk" or "Are You Dead Yet?". The drum's blast beat in Shovel Knockout is just wrong, it's a resource that Children of Bodom shouldn't have used. // 6

Lyrics and Singing: Pussyfoot Miss Suicide and Ugly are really poor lyrically, the rest of the album ranges from "meh.. to decent" but nothing in this album is a Bodom masterpiece. Vocally, while Alexi still sounds good, the vocals lack some punch, and the mixing of the vocals doesn't help the so-so singing and the disappointing lyrics. // 5

Impression: Think of "Relentless Reckless Forever" as Children of Bodom's St. Anger, in the way that, while being a decent album, it doesn't match up to the quality of the band. Was it worth it? Was the song I liked the most, it's different from the classic CoB sound, but it's a cool song overall. I don't know if this album is going to grow on me if I give it a few more listens, but right now I am disappointed by this album. // 6

overall: 5.7

Reviewed by: JY-Rasputin, on march 11, 2011

Sound: To be honest, I was very sceptical of this album at first. Mostly because everything after hatebreeder seemed to go downhill. Suprisingly though, Relentless Reckless Forever delivers unlike it's predecessor Blood Drunk. I don't want to say that this album is everything we've been waiting for all this time but it's a good effort nonetheless. // 6

Lyrics and Singing: Alexi's lyrics are hard to take serious and are all but deep. They work vocals-wise but that's mostly it. Alexi's vocals sound a little better than on Blood drunk or Are You Dead Yet where I, personnally think, he sounded like he lost all his teeth. The vocals on this album are functional, that's it. // 5

Impression: The album is a better effort than blood drunk but issn't the melody galore one could expect from bodom. The opener 'Not My Funeral' is in my opinion the best song on the album. Shovel Knock-out is the second at that. Pussyfoot Miss Suicide, a song that I was sure would blow actually suprised me. After this song the album gets stale and predictable. The single was it worth it is my least favourate song, that solo section was horrible and the all over sound issn't that impressive. Is this a golden bodom release? No, are they heading towards a better direction? yes. I see this release as a possibility to once again deserve the pedestool they've been put on.

If you're a bodom fanboy/girl you will like this release, if you were, like me, sceptical this release will pleasantly suprise you, if you don't like bodom you won't like this. All over this album is one that will get you trough a week or so. // 6

overall: 9

Reviewed by: jas6nq, on march 10, 2011

Sound: The first few notes of this album ring of Are You Dead Yet? and quickly turns into something much more. This album is everything that Children of Bodom has build up to. The music is fantastically mixed, unlike some bass-heavy blunders found in the Blooddrunk mix. Without doing a song-by-song breakdown, the album goes back to the days of earlier albums, drawing from the same quasi power metal breaks with some new material. The songs have some original choruses, often lending from more rock-oriented riffs that you would expect singing to accompany. The guitar work is beautiful, with some very fun-sounding major licks that lead into head banging heavy stuff. It's a great balance that very few bands can do so well. Listening from start to end the songs tend not to blend together as they have in previous albums as each song has something different about it, each catching your ear in a different way. There has been a lot of work that has gone into the song writing of this album and it shows. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics generally deal with the same themes as their previous albums, violence and whatnot with the exception of partying in their cover of Eddie Murphy`s infamous Party All the Time. Hilarity ensues. Alexi Laiho`s vocal skills have noticeably improved, with better screaming and the occasional singing break that we hear all too few of. // 9

Impression: It would be cliche for me to say that this album is the best yet, but realistically it is fresh and revived, without feeling overworked. This is definitely an album that reassures the bands success and fan base and is sure to grow as well. It captures much of the energy that albums like Follow the Reaper have and polishes it with a new shine. Definitely a must-buy album for the Children of Bodom fan. // 9

overall: 6.7

Reviewed by: MetalBart91, on march 10, 2011

Sound: Relentless Reckless Forever has sort of a weird, not quite Children Of Bodom sound. Unlike in their previous albums which were bright and sharp and melodic this one sounds dull and its very riff orientated much like you see in american metal bands. The guitar riffs are plain, not very memorable and unlike in blooddrunk this album is not heavy at all. As a matter of fact it has a "happy" feel to it. Guitar solos...well their short, also not very memorable and some of them are...bluesy? Drums are your typical metal beats, basically you can tell whats coming next as if you listened to the album 100 times, theres no "wow", no surprise factor. Although it may seem like the band was slacking a bit with their instruments, Janne was definitely putting his keyboards to use. Basically don't expect anything less than great with keyboards.

And another good thing on this album I have to say are Alexi's vocals. Seems that they get better and better with each album. // 6

Lyrics and Singing: Anyone that listens to COB knows that Alexi's Lyrics are not exactly the greatest lyrics ever written. And that proves itself true in this album as well. "Not My Funeral" the first track on the album has lyrics that feels like hes screaming a question after question with no answer. Most of the songs consists of questions. "Shovel Knockout", just awful. "Roundtrip To Hell And Back", not too bad. A bit different but good different. "Pussyfoot Miss Suicide". You know that one girl in High School who burned herself with lighters and cut her legs and wrists for attention, and nobody really gave a shit what she did? So basically anyone could of written a song like that, but overall not too bad, kinda funny actually. And for the rest of the album it feels like hes talking out of a diary or something. // 7

Impression: Well this album comes nowhere near the first 3, but its definintly better than AYDY. Best songs on the album; "Not My Funeral", "Relentless Reckless Forever" and "Northpole Throwdown" these are (in my opinion) the only songs that say COB on this album. And for the worst songs, well without a doubt is "Shovel Knockout". When listening to this song you kinda have this "What the f--k were they thinking?!" thought. So save your self the trouble and just skip it. And of course the second worst song of the album is "Was Is Worth It", but we all knew that was coming, didn't we? // 7

overall: 5.3

Reviewed by: mertozer, on march 14, 2011

Sound: First of all, the band seriously worked hard on this album and you can feel the quality of their new producer. However despite being like that, the album desperately lacks some creativity that we got used to hear from Alexi. It doesn't sound like "old bodom", it doesn't sound like blooddrunk and that somehow annoys you when you listen to the album.The band had started to sound different in blooddrunk, but they clearly out of their music with this album. Best songs in the album should be Not My Funeral and Cry of The Nihilist. Actually you can't believe that Alexi could write the other songs. // 7

Lyrics and Singing: You don't wanna understand and think about cob's lyrics, that was their only downside, but now you can't enjoy the songs and lose yourself as usual so you start searching something else to enjoy.all you will find is stupid lyrics, alexi admits that.

Everyone says Alexi is becoming a better singer.I agree, but while doing so, ýt seems to me that he is losing something. I knew he sings better but I don't know I just didn't enjoy his screams and growls like the old times. // 3

Impression: If you haven't listened to any bodom, please start from the earlier albums, and if you are a fan, you should listen this at least a couple of times before throwing it away. I am a cobfan all the way and I know all of their songs by heart, so it was hard to be objective while listening to this album. My favourite albums are FTR and HCDR and now I started to think this can never change. In conclusion, even though RRF is a so-so album, after you listened it all, you are left with an unpleasant feeling. Cob will be coming to my town in april, and of course I will be there, but now I fear they will have too much songs from the new album. Finally, sorry for my English. // 6

Comments

[tume]

this album in my opinion about this album is that its pretty boring , nothing new and no song was good as hmm maybe 'Every time i Die'

[medleyproject]

Almost right, there's no really new stuff, but!--> COBHC is one of the bests, cause Alexi has got a talent to find out new riffs, sounds like old stuffs within the modern line.
The 'Was it worth it' song is so good, but my favorite is 'Roundtrip to hell and back'. This track brings the 2011 children style.

[Brutalious]

Fantastic album. They have really redeemed themselves since their last effort. Welcome back boys.

[krvolok]

The UG Team review and MetalBart91's are evenhanded but jas6nq's is pure fanboydom.And as for the album,uh a bit more than the average generic melodeath album and a bit less than a solid one.A 6 from me.

[drawnacrol]

Its a lot better than the last two releases, the first 5 songs are really good while the last 4 are pretty bad, I don't really care to much as long as they keep playing gigs and I get to see them live

[althebold711]

Pretty awesome album. To me it sounds like the best of their old and their new sounds fused into something better.

[CodySG]

I'm a total fanboy, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but I really enjoyed the album as a whole. There are some more forgetful riffs and certain songs stand out more than others, but I still think it's very solid effort by an amazing band.

[whaip]

Ewww, that album is pretty boring.

[Upmix]

YES, they're back with an awesome album, and to be honest, i DO like shovel knockout.

[MegadethFan18]

Let me start by saying I like every Bodom Album.

I disagree with the first review I love both Ugly and PMS (Insane solo duel thing) the lyrics are loltastic Alexi isn't exactly poetic. The Keyboard riff on the title track is awesome aswell I think it is a great album. Wish you didn't have to pay 23.99 to get the bonus track I really wanted it.

[LarryLatexx]

I really liked this album. Alexi himself said in an interview that it's not about inventing all the time something new and exciting, but more about creating an ass-kicking record which I agree totally on this album.

On RRF bodom's fast stuff are faster than blooddrunk, groovy stuff groovier and solos are still causing blisters on my fingers. I personally like both blooddrunk and RRF over bodom's earlier stuff.

p.s. pussyfoot miss suicide and ugly are awesome songs ! **** the lyrics, music is about music not some ****in edgar allan poe-type lyrics. Go read poems if you want eyegasms

p.p.s. bodom's new material is more like black metal mixed with trash metal, not melodic death metal. That melo-death stuff was at time of follow the reaper

[shredder3386]

Im really digging this album. It seems like they are pulling a "Shogun," in the sense that they are combining the elements of their old sound (which people love) with their new sound (which people bitch about). I dont know why so many reviewers disliked "Shovel Knockout," I thought it was awesome. The melodic breaks reminded me of why I love COB. Anyway solid album, its no Hatebreeder, but if I wanted to listen to that record I would just go put it on.

[Leather Sleeves]

*Should I even bother listening to it... hmmm... mmm, mini-wheats...*

[Leather Sleeves]

Listened to Was it Worth it... it wasn't.

[Axeman96]

Ive listened to it once, wasn't blown away but I think its gonna be one of those albums that grows on me.

[metallica144]

i think it's a great album. i found some similarities with HCDR, and even a little bit of FTR, blended with their new sound.

i honestly don't understand why one of the reviewers doesn't like Shovel Knockout and Ugly. you call Ugly a filler? the only song that sounds like a filler is Was it Worth it?

and about the lyrics, who cares about CoB's lyrics? it's all about the music.

don't see this comment as a fanboycomment, i respect the opinions of the reviewers

[courageous93]

The band should just make soundtracks or instrumental CDs.

[espal]

Leather Sleeves wrote:

Listened to Was it Worth it... it wasn't.

+1

Like, seriously, RRF is nowhere near their 'best album yet', like they've kind of announced. I was really expecting something...idk, in the vibe of Blooddrunk, maybe even AYDY. IMO, nothing beats those two.

/flame shield

I'm not sayin' I wanted a Copy/Paste of an album, just...more thrash (maybe groove), less black/death metal. Sorry, not their 'real' fan.

[maximumrocker]

Enjoy this album

solid effort id give it a 7 to 8

[ComeInnerEar]

7 at best.
Best album was definetly Follow The Reaper.

[MassacreEvolved]

in my honest opinion this album kicks hardcore ass... i dont hate a single thing about it laiho is a freakin god enough said

[AllAroundMetal]

I really started to like this album after listening to it a few times. And as far as the lyrics go, I never hear (or care about) what he sings anyway. His voice always felt more like another instrument to me.

[Zangetsu 101]

Bodom doing what they do best and an improvement on the last 2 albums.

[iammclovin]

Loved Not My Funeral and Was it Worth it, Party All the Time is pretty fun to listen to as well. Album's alright, not straight up amazing but I like it.

[mikeiff]

I was a bit disappointed by this album. Sounds decent, that's it. And I'm a huge CoB fan.

[sensui666]

i liked the album i just felt it lacked in the solo department a bit they both can rip so they should show it other then that i like it not my favorite but i dont hate it

[jas6nq]

Oddly enough I'm not even a huge fan, maybe i was just a tad too excited.

[Lh0o]

Boring

[DIAFTroll]

The album is definitely a Bodom album. It is nothing ground breaking. Enough said.

[COBHC_Erick429]

2nd review says Shovel Knockout is the worst song on the cd. Pretty funny, seeing as how thats my favorite off the cd and one of the best songs on it.

[svelle]

shredder3386 wrote:

Im really digging this album. It seems like they are pulling a "Shogun"

the only difference being, that the original "Shogun" worked quite well, whereas this didn't.

[celticstorm84]

Actually, I really like the album. It reminds me of some of their older stuff a bit and still has everything that in the "Children of Bodom" sound, no doubt about that. One thing I can say is that in general the songs aren't as memorable. A lot of their other stuff they'd lay a beat/rhythm/riff down and you'd take it to your grave, never forgetting it.

[Freaking Out]

Brilliant album, some of their best work in ages. I don't give a **** if it's not like their old "pirate" sound. They've been doing that for ages, and i'm glad the sound has changed. If you can't accept change, tough shit.

[Munq]

I find Cry of the nihilist clearly the best song on this album. One song contains amazing verse, another one a catchy guitar lick at the chorus, then there's that great keyboard solo somewhere, but overall the songs are nothing special.

[tisannai]

Top three album from CoB. The most noticeable thing is the quality and richness in riffs. The riffs work well with drums. They have worked hard for the album and luckily it shows. The band is on the right track after the disappointing Blooddrunk album.

[Upmix]

haters gotta hate, fanboys gotta love, quit the flamewar...
it's a solid album, deal with it...

[Tanaboon]

celticstorm84 wrote:

Actually, I really like the album. It reminds me of some of their older stuff a bit and still has everything that in the "Children of Bodom" sound, no doubt about that. One thing I can say is that in general the songs aren't as memorable. A lot of their other stuff they'd lay a beat/rhythm/riff down and you'd take it to your grave, never forgetting it.

You took the words right out of my mouth. Its that old CoB sound, but nothing stands out. The solo's also seem kinda there. They don't flow as well as in previous albums imo.

[Minivirus2]

Honestly, I listened to this album and as much as I wanted to praise it, the only thought going through my mind was "this just isn't good." Not to say the album is bad and I do like a few songs, but for the most part there's no feel, no melody and just pain wankery. It's as though they playing just for the sake of playing.

Not too impressed, but I can't expect gold from every band every time.

And to the reviewer who wrote that anyone could write a song like pussyfoot, you are aware of Alexi's past right? It kinda hits close to home for him.

[Splinter2101]

CoB is my favorite band and I have really never said a bad word towards them but after listening to RRF, I just thought wait is this a joke or something? this whole album felt like one long, incredibly boring prog album. The vocals were totally monotone through the whole record, the guitar/keyboard solos were predictable. 5/10 even Blooddrunk was WAY better than this.

[guitaristren]

It's a decent album, I think it's better than both AYDY and Blooddrunk. "Was it worth it?" is a terrible song and an unfair representation of the whole album. The solos on the album are nice too but nothing no ones ever heard before. 7/10.

[da.benson8r]

Leather Sleeves wrote:

Listened to Was it Worth it... it wasn't.

+1

As much as I like Alexi Laiho and Children of Bodom, it seems he's gotten simpler and less creative with his riffs since the band started writing in strictly Drop C. Even the album name doesn't sound truly creative...

[COBHC_Erick429]

da.benson8r wrote:

Leather Sleeves wrote:

Listened to Was it Worth it... it wasn't.

+1

As much as I like Alexi Laiho and Children of Bodom, it seems he's gotten simpler and less creative with his riffs since the band started writing in strictly Drop C. Even the album name doesn't sound truly creative...

you do know they arent strictly in drop C right? Blooddrunk and RRF both have drop c and d standard tunings.

[Kreuger]

Only heard it once and didnt get a chance to hear it well but it didnt really stick for me so far. AYDY and Blooddrunk were awesome in my eyes and this seems a bit like a step down. WIWI is an good song to me, as well

[Charlie4]

Have not heard the album yet BUT from what I'm reading here, I'll probably have to wait about another two more years for something worthwhile, like Hate Crew Death Roll.

[NikVenom]

Worst COBHC album yet i used to call myself a fan of their now im embarrassed to even say i like them. if they want to be good again they should go back to what made them famous in the 1st place and that is Neoclassical Death Metal from theHatebreeder and Follow the Reaper albums after that alexi lost everything he had and started rushing every song he writes so they all sound the same. i threw out this album after buying it, it was sooo bad i wrote COB's official page asking for my money back

[simpleben09]

NikVenom wrote:
i threw out this album after buying it,

Wanna send that my way? I don't have a ride to the record store, and I don't wanna keep listening to this on FLAC

[Metallica1554]

The thing with this album is that you appreciate it more the more you listen to it.

[Spartan101400]

The only track I had a problem with was the single "Was it Worth It?" It's easily the weakest track and doesn't do the album justice, otherwise, a great album.

[ryanbu]

LarryLatexx wrote:
bodom's new material is more like black metal mixed with trash metal, not melodic death metal. That melo-death stuff was at time of follow the reaper

I'd say they are all Trash metal and not much of anything else

[TST2469]

I cant wait to hear it!!! deffs gunna go get it soon!!! cant wait!!!!

[ExOblivione]

I'll just put on FTR and enjoy the good ole days before Alexi listened to too much BLS and did coke...

[Pan-Tallica]

Checked.

[lord_nosfuratu]

Worst album yet. A sad day to see that Bodom doesn't have any creativity left.

[MegadethFan18]

Also any Big Lebowski fans notice the reference in the lyrics to track 7?

[Cobguitarman666]

They're ****ing back their previous albums! I mean Follow the reaper, Hate Crew Deathroll and Are you Dead Yet? Fuck haters this album kick ass!

[Thrash.aholic]

Wow COB and Arctic Monkeys both on the front page!

[Chronologo]

This is nothing like the best COB album, this album has it moments but it's dull. Solos getting shorter with every new album, so in a few more we'll see bodom doing no solos at all, they're slowly turning into a core band. Want a true melo-death band, go listen to Kalmah

[Rabje1234]

well i loved the album (:
it's kinda Are You Dead Yet? mixed with Follow the Reaper. It's really thrashy, yet still very powermetal-like melodic

It's great, but definitly not their best... you can't really say which album is THE BEST, cause every album sounds diffrent. You just can't really compare Something Wild with Blooddrunk...
Speaking of that, I wish they'd make an album like Something Wild again, cause that album is SO children of bodom, it's almost scary. It has ALL the Cob-elements even more than the other albums.

Overall: Great, but if you didn't like Are You Dead Yet or Blooddrunk there's a chance you won't like this one either

[sheppo]

not bad waaay beter than blooddrunk thats ofr sure i really like the tracks Roundtrip to hell and Cry of the nihilist but i agree with opening paragraph of the review "there is nothing to suggest an attempt at innovation on this album."

[craig1888]

This seems like the album they should have put out after HCDR. Still in the same kind of direction as their new stuff but by far better than their last two efforts.

I gave up long ago hoping that they wold return to the style of the first three albums but this at least has hints of their earlier stuff.

[diablomastabarb]

I'm surprised no one else has commented upon the incredibly cheesy album title. Seriously, what were they thinking?

[ckragh]

all i have to say is i was a big fan from the start but then it kinda faded a bit with hate crew and dead yet and then i thought blooddrunk just sucked and this is bringing it back. real happy about this album - thought they were gonna fade away from my interest but i really like this album. they finally found a way to bring the good from the old back into the good part of the new.

too boring = listen louder!!

[blackbird51]

people need to stop complaining about this album they have definitely stepped it up especially the solo in Not My Funeral one of their best

[iTzMaTT]

The new album is okay. 6.5/10. It sounds like a mix between Blooddrunk and Are You Dead Yet. Not diggin' the vocals. Solo's are getting bland too. However, it's more "thrashy".

[pack4804]

I own every COB album, and i think this is one of thier best since follow the reaper. To me it sounds like Hate crew death roll but with a mix of are you dead yet and some eary metallica. Song names and lyrics are not that great but in my opinion they never have been. Thats not why i like these guys anyway so it does not bother me.

[AdenZerda]

Band needs to just quit while they're ahead.

And by "ahead" I mean "analogous of Dragonforce when it comes to musical creativity".

[Good_Lord]

This is way better than Blooddrunk ... and hell I really liked Blooddrunk !

But their best albums were Hatebreeder and Hatecrew Deathroll by far.

[HarvesterofPain]

AdenZerda wrote:

Band needs to just quit while they're ahead.

And by "ahead" I mean "analogous of Dragonforce when it comes to musical creativity".

I'm not gonna bash the fact that you don't like the album, that's perfectly fine... But seriously? Quit while they're ahead? The album went gold in Finland its first day of release, and sold 100,000 copies worldwide within a day or two.

... Why the hell would you quit when you're achieving success and still enjoying what you're doing?

That aside, this fit pretty much perfectly with my expectations from Bodom. Not groundbreaking, but good stuff.

[TST2469]

TST2469 wrote:

I cant wait to hear it!!! deffs gunna go get it soon!!! cant wait!!!!

I picked u my copy of this today.... MY GOD I LOVE IT!!! i think its similar to other albums of theirs in some aspects but its something different and im glad they experimenting with different styles of playing and what not.....

all i can say is great album guys keep it up and cant wait for the next installment!!

[Brendan.Clace]

I stopped being a fan of CoB around the time Are You Dead Yet? came out. Bought the album, regretted it, haven't purchased one since (I own all of their old albums)and haven't looked back. Glad to hear they are still producing crap.....

[Intet]

Better than Blooddrunk, and are you dead yet?,- but still not what I hoped for.
Although I feel and hope they'll find the ftr tone again.

[JakeFreeman]

I've liked every Bodom so far, Are You Dead Yet? being my favorite. Blooddrunk did get pretty boring after a while but songs like "Banned From Heaven" and "Smile Pretty For The Devil" made up for it. I've only heard a few of the songs seeing as how I'm just now listening to the album, but "Not My Funeral" is a great way to open the album, and I actually really like "Shovel Knockout." The intro to that song is badass.

[Adamz560]

its not supposed to be ****in poetic its heavy metal! alexi says himself its just venting not mushy bullshit. even though this albums not hatecrew deathroll its still ****in awesome. hatecrew4life

[Sakke]

Upmix wrote:
YES, they're back with an awesome album, and to be honest, i DO like shovel knockout.

This album is horrible compared to Something Wild or Hatebreeder or Follow The Reaper or Hatecrew Deathroll.

Brendan.Clace wrote:

I stopped being a fan of CoB around the time Are You Dead Yet? came out. Bought the album, regretted it, haven't purchased one since (I own all of their old albums)and haven't looked back. Glad to hear they are still producing crap.....

Well, I thought "Are You Dead Yet?" is crap, but compared to this.. it isn't really. It's much more older Children of Bodom than this new one is. Even Blooddrunk reminds more of the older days. Guess they're just going more out of the neo-classical style as some would describe the old Bodom.

[matt360]

this album is awful.

[AdenZerda]

Adamz560 wrote:

its not supposed to be ****in poetic its heavy metal! alexi says himself its just venting not mushy bullshit. even though this albums not hatecrew deathroll its still ****in awesome. hatecrew4life

Gahahahaa
I can mentally replace "alexi" and the album name with terms having to do with Slipknot or ICP and it just fits

[blooddrunk]

bands change. get over it. you werent a fan when those damned albums came out so why are you crying about it now? fake metal wannabe fans

[Mr Winters]

I actually liked this. I wouldn't say it's shit compared to any of their previous albums.

[c0bhc]

you have to be kidding me you stupid purists. if it camoe out after 1999 it must suck right? it has probably the best guitar work and they actually took time to write complex songs. ill have to write a review and give it a 10 to counteract these idiots who anything new

[ReiDSaN]

LarryLatexx wrote:

p.s. pussyfoot miss suicide and ugly are awesome songs ! **** the lyrics, music is about music not some ****in edgar allan poe-type lyrics. Go read poems if you want eyegasms

Hi guys, I just don't feel we've paid enough attention to this dude's spectacular comment. Cheers

[hittingyourbong]

Good album I love it, no comparisons are needed, I still love Bodom whether they went downhill or not.

[metalheadxxx]

Is it me or does the album sound like it was mixed really shitty?

[Metalfan41]

Good album, most of the riffs are soild and catchy. However, they still seem to be lacking the atmosphere and composition they had on Hatebreeder and FTR, whcih were their best works. After Alex left everything started going downhill.

[Lion_Slicer]

Wow it seems like no one can agree on how good the album is, or even which CoB albums are good--for everyone bashing AYDY there's another saying it's the best. Personally I've never really disliked one of their albums, and don't feel the need to have a neatly ordered ranking for them. Even my "least favorite" of theirs is at times exactly what I want to hear.

I know what to expect from Bodom, and I'm sure I'll like this just fine once I can get my hands on it... definitely not impressed with Was It Worth It however.

[Razor Rex]

It's a pretty good album, imo. It's not their best stuff I'll admit, but it's definitely not trash. I feel my money was well spent on this album.

[indyrock91]

idk what everyone else heard I really enjoyed the album

[ciadude2]

Honestly I really liked the album. I'd give it a solid 8 because it was far better than Blooddrunk and Are You Dead Yet? though I do admit it was a bit uninspiring. The solos were good, some of the rhythm riffs were really good, but all in all it just felt dull.

Still, a major step up from Blooddrunk(which honestly I kind of liked a few songs from).

[mtllica]

I'm liking this album quite a bit, sounds just like the CoB I've grown to love. I enjoyed Blooddrunk, and this album seems to be a step up from that. But not to the level of Hatecrew Deathroll (still my favorite). Definitely worth a listen, its a fun album.

[hbkdx1692]

i was expecting this to be a supreme album. As a comeback after the recent debacle in form of bloodrunk.
But initially i was dissappointed. I imagined it to be more melodic, more technical. But as Alexi said, it is a party album. And it is. You can listen to it to brighten your mood, but not as a musical masterpiece.
Some songs are quite enjoyable, like Ugly, Pussyfoot Miss Suicide, Not My funeral, and the title track. But as i said, not so great. but above average. I'll give at a 7.

[shred_wizzard]

there were a few gems, but mostly it was average. then again, I hated blooddrunk at first and recently came to like that album.

[syl-rules04]

this album is perfect, alot of these reviews suck and it should not have an over all rating of 6 or 7. if you only like thier first 3 albums then stop bitching when they come out with a new album. everything theyve made is sick. relentless reckless forever is one of theyre best albums ever

[Deathrow_Saints]

blooddrunk *the song* was amazing and its all i liked of the album....at first then the more i listended to it the more i F***in' loved it. blooddrunk was catchy, metal, chorusy and downrite awesome. i havnt listened to this album alot yet but i know itl grow on me if im not immidietly blown away

[heart0fdarkness]

album was very dull, i understand bands need to evolve, but at least take it in a positive and interesting direction. The effort put into making this album was phenomenal, I will not deny that, however, their creativity is becoming stale and their riffs are, recycled from past albums? Also, Banned from Heaven, Round Trip to Hell and Back and Punch me I bleed sound all the same heavy slow down at the end. Make things more interesting! Thats what this album lacks.

[pat-bolton]

still doesnt compare at all to hatebreeder or something wild, wich in my opinion were beast albums

[maximumrocker]

After listening to it quite a few times
I enjoy this album quite well, personally better than blooddrunk

[bodom alexi]

this album is the worst one nect to hatebreed i still think follow the reaper and bloodrunk are the best i actually struggled to finish listening to the album they sound like a really heavy 80's metal band in relentless reckless forever im truly am not impressed with the new record

[Powerageman]

It's a great album, it's just I think that you have to give it a chance to grow on you.

[Camron62\m/]

AWESOME ALBUM. meant to be played loud. very very creative. some songs are iffy at parts, but the extremity of the first two songs are awesome. Not My Funeral's first solo is absolutely orgasmic. god bless Floyd Rose.

[ruletheneck]

its one of those albums that just grows on you and by the end of the second listen you wonder how you ever got where you are without it ^.^
i reckon it was the right decision to put Northpole Throwdown at the end - it's like a summary of the album 'this is our album and if you dont like it then you can f**k off'