Words and Pics by Ben Hosking – www.hoskingindustries.com.au

It’s a fittingly chilly evening in Sydney for Finnish metallers Children of Bodom. The pale-skinned shred-tastic troupe from the North country probably blew right into town on the cold wind that’s brought with it a motley crew of fans from all over like some kind of Pied Piper.

The lower level of the Hi-Fi isn’t quite full, but those who braved the chill have been rewarded with a set of scorching tracks from across Children of Bodom‘s extensive back catalogue. The mix is crystal clear and ear-drum bruising – just what’s required for the oft-complex and finger-busting technical riffs and licks that come screaming from the Hi-Fi stage.

It never fails to amaze me that frontman Alexi Laiho can at once sing his razor blade lines and continue to cleanly perform his thrashing guitar lines, at times even pulling off tricky licks at the end of verses without even looking down to check where his hands are at. For someone who plays guitar, it’s equal parts awe-inspiring and jealousy-forging.

Just as talented is keyboard player Janne Warman who is such a master of the keys that he’s often seen covering his parts one-handed while leaning back to down a beer with the other! Perhaps the coolest moments of the performance are when Laiho and Warman saddle up next to one another and rip out flawless dual key/guitar shred solos – no doubt wowing every single wannabe muso in the room and a few non-musical fans at the same time.

It’s a thoroughly rousing performance, full of the unashamed metal posturing and posing the Europeans are known for. Together with the chops, the hooks and the flying fingers, we’ve no doubt every fan stumbled out into the cold night chill happy tonight.

Live Review: Children of Bodom @ Hi-Fi Bar, Sydney – May 9, 2014

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Words and Pics: www.hoskingindustries.com.au