Children Of Bodom [Halo Of Blood] 2013 - Album Review

June 11th was the last official release date of Children Of Bodom's new album Halo of Blood. The album was hyped since the release of the cover art and has pulled through to be one of Children Of Bodom's defining albums. With a band such as COB, having nearly their entire discography regarded as classic Bodom albums, it's always nice to see them take a step in the right direction. Halo of Blood is their 8th studio record and was produced by the band and Mikko Karmila at Johnny Danger Studios in Helsinki. The album, for the most part, has sparked satisfaction amongst fans especially those who were disappointed in the previous; Relentless Reckless Forever. It is important to realize that each Bodom album is a separate record and that the band does not go out of their way to sit down and plan a second Hatebreeder. Instead the band insists on keeping things new and exciting for the fans. The evolution of COB has definitely taken a good turn with the release of this unique and very versatile album while still remaining true to the band's iconic sound and image.

Want to purchase Halo of Blood? You can do so at the COB website.

Now for the album review:

01. Waste of Skin: This track provides a sweet marching introduction to the album leading into a melodic and iconic COB riff. The song demonstrates the amount of speed, melody, and power that will be present throughout the album in other tracks and is also the first view into the mixing of the record. The drums, guitars, vocals and even bass (though it could be a bit louder) are mixed very well on this track and throughout the album. The track is reminiscent of the album Blooddrunk in terms of attitude and harmonies and is overall a great intro. Note that it has a slightly unconventional song structure (which is a nice surprise).

02. Halo of Blood: Being the long-awaited title track, Halo of Blood delivers by being the fastest and most intense song on the album as well as the fastest song that COB have written. It has an eerie and haunting vibe to it created by the black-metal-inspired tremolo picking and blast beats. Alexi's solo really adds to the song not only through melody but also by being reminiscent of the album Are You Dead Yet?. Overall the song would definitely make a concert favorite for the fans and will also remain in COB's legacy as their fastest and most intense track.

03. Scream For Silence: This track starts off with an amazingly classic lead riff that could not be mistaken as another band's. The rhythm of the song makes it an easy headbanging listen for Bodom fans regardless of their album of preference. There is a lot of melody packed into this track to keep it interesting along with the awesome group-chant parts in the vocals. Janne's keyboard solo gives that COB vibe to the song and the melody is an absolute original for the band. While likely making another concert favorite, this song is one of the defining songs and highlights of the album.

04. Transference: Despite being the first single released from the album and being played on COB's album ads, this track has a lot to offer. The dark tone and atmosphere of the song goes hand in hand with the album theme and wintery cover art. The lead melody is surprisingly dark and well-composed for a catchy ad signature single. The harmonies and solo, both on Alexi's and Janne's parts, give that extra kick to the song while making another reference to the tone of the Are You Dead Yet? album. The track is a real pleasing one and, considering that it's the publicity single, that says a lot about the album.

05. Bodom Blue Moon (The Second Coming): Alongside its intimidating complexity and Hate Crew Deathroll feeling, this is another highlight of the album. It gives the feeling that the Bodom-titled tracks do and shows off the band's attitude in their music. Again, with the group-chants and incredibly melodic guitar and keyboard solos, this song is a likely classic that is most deserving of its Bodom title. It gives the album a sense of wholeness as a COB release and is certainly a fan favorite.

06. The Days Are Numbered: This track is another fast one. It contains powerful and heavy riffs, speed, intensity, and more melodic creativity. Another album highlight, this song brings a real treat by being one of the best composed songs on the record. Staying true to death metal and COB's well-known power sound, you couldn't resist headbanging to this one. The ambiance of the keyboards gives it a back-to-the-roots Follow The Reaper feel and would help make it yet another concert and headbanging favorite on the album.

07. Dead Man's Hand On You: Famous for being COB's slowest song (even slower than Angels Don't Kill), the song starts off with an atmospheric acoustic guitar and grand piano. The vocals slowly creep in with the drum kicks and slowly drift into the piercing guitars. This will become that song that will make you pull out a lighter and sway it to the beat at the shows as there seems to be a unifying element in this song that would pull the fans in together. The keyboard solo wonderfully accents the dreary mood of the song and the guitar solo perfectly leads back into the chorus. This has to be one of the best songs on the album and possibly one of the greatest songs COB has written.

08. Damaged Beyond Repair: This track is the perfect headbanging song on the record. The rolling drums, chugging guitar, and Blooddrunk-like melody is a call to mosh and to throw your hair around like mad. Again, a concert favorite and one of the most enjoyable songs on the album. It's quite difficult to not to like this song, even for a die-hard old-school COB enthusiast. It's a wonderfully energetic song that really pumps you up after Dead Man's Hand On You.

09. All Twisted: This track is another power-filled track with a good rhythm. The rhythm is very aggressive and has a slight Hatebreeder keyboard melody. It is a strong track on the album that certainly shows off the band's style, creativity, and performance through their musical elements. The song is well-composed and shows that the album is kick ass into the 9th track.

10. One Bottle And A Knee Deep: This song ends the album on a healthy note by keeping the intensity of the rest of the songs. All instruments are allowed to shine in this compact Bodom song and it reminds the listener of COB's defining traits while finishing off the EP with a blast.

11. Crazy Nights (Loudness Cover): This track works well with COB's sound and becomes a much sharper version of the song. Alexi's vocals as well as the chants are perfect for this song and make it a pretty damn great cover.

12. Sleeping in My Car (Roxette Cover): COB could not have gone wrong with choosing this song. This must be one of the most successful covers COB has done. The vocals are performed perfectly and the guitars complement the melody of the song with that Bodom tone. This cover is likely one of the greatest covers the band has done and certainly would have deserved to be put on the Skeletons in the Closet compilation.

To sum it all up, Halo of Blood  is all its been hyped up to be and even more in a certain sense. Not only is it a demonstration of COB's progressive musical talent but also a step in the band's evolution that somehow makes the album special compared to the last few. A recognition-deserving record that makes evident the work that Bodom has put into its epic composition and production. Eternal Shredder gives this album a 9/10. It deserves 8 points for music and 1 point for being a very pleasant surprise.

Well done Alexi, Jaska, Roope, Janne, and Hennka!

Cheers!