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By GREG MAKI
Children of Bodom’s first official live DVD showcases one of the world’s most technically proficient metal bands in their natural environment: on stage in front of legions of hungry fans in the heavy metal hotbed of Stockholm, Sweden.
The 97-minute concert filmed earlier this year is the centerpiece of this two-disc set. The set list features songs from all five of the Finnish band’s full-length studio releases: “Lake Bodom” from their 1998 debut Something Wild; “Silent Night, Bodom Night,” “Hate Me!” and “Downfall” from 1999’s Hatebreeder; “Bodom After Midnight,” “Everytime I Die” and the title track from 2001’s Follow the Reaper; “Sixpounder,” “Angels Don’t Kill,” “Bodom Beach Terror,” “Needled 24/7” and the title track from 2003’s Hate Crew Deathroll; and “Living Dead Beat,” “We’re Not Gonna Fall,” “In Your Face” and the title track from their most recent release, 2005’s Are You Dead Yet?
The trip through the Bodom catalog shows the band’s development into an act impossible to categorize. They are equal parts Cradle of Filth, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater and Ramones. If you doubted the skill of the individual musicians in the band, this performance will change that with solos by drummer Jaska Raatikainen, guitarist Roope Latvala and a showstopping solo battle between guitarist Alexi Laiho and keyboardist Janne Warman. The performance is nearly flawless from beginning to end. Having seen Bodom live earlier this year, I can tell that it does not require any post-production studio magic for them to sound this good.
The concert is equally pleasing visually, shot from a variety of angles that give us good looks at each band member. They all appear to be having a great time, interacting freely with each other and the crowd. The editing is fluid without resorting to the hectic, headache-inducing cutting typical of music videos.
Speaking of videos, you get seven of Bodom’s promotional clips here: “Downfall,” “Deadnight Warrior,” “Everytime I Die,” “Trashed, Lost & Strungout,” “Sixpounder,” “In Your Face” and “Are You Dead Yet?” But wait, there’s more: a documentary chronicling the history of Bodom, deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes feature on the Stockholm concert and a photo gallery. This is an essential package for longtime Bodom followers and new fans alike.
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