(Rated this album with 8 out of 10) Reviewed by
sliphsc
from VA USA
Children of Bodom's third release is not quite what it could have been. The band still uses their guitar/keyboard combo, but they allow the keyboards a bit too much reign. Guitar solos are beautiful pieces of music, but keyboard solos are not quite the same. The album still does contain guitar solos, but the problem is that the band decided to include keyboard solos as well. Although they are played very skillfully, they give me the impression that I am listening to a video game. This comparison may seem very cruel, but it could have been avoided if the overboard keyboards were as well. Otherwise, the CD is a keeper. The vocals and guitars are on par with the other two releases. Of course, Children had to follow suit by continuing to deprive the U.S. audiences of extra songs; this time "Don't Stop at the Top" (a Scorpions cover) from the Finnish release and "Shot in the Dark" (an Ozzy Osbourne cover) from the Japanese release.
