(Rated this album with 8 out of 10) Reviewed by
Jason P Sorens
from New Haven, CT United States
Children of Bodom manage to make baroque music fun and headbang-able. I do not find any particular Iron Maiden influence, actually; I think they differ from other Nordic melodic extreme metal bands (In Flames, Dark Tranquillity) in that respect. This is pure fast, cerebral baroque music set to heavy metal instrumentation and harsh, wild vocals. The music is reasonably complex, but more in the harmonic sense than in the rhythmic department. What can be said is that it has an inimitable sense of melody. You will find yourself involved in this music straightaway, and it is impossible to divert one's attention wholly until the album has run its course. It is "catchy" and "entertaining," yes, but this is intelligent entertainment (whatever the silly title of the CD). Your mind (and body) will respond to its compelling intricacies. The only complaint I have about this CD is that it is too short, clocking in at under 40 minutes. A few more molten tracks of "death classical" (as I like to call it) genius and this could compete with Nevermore's "Dreaming Neon Black" for album of 1999.
