Children of Bodom‘s official, self-titled memoir is out now — telling the story of the iconic Finnish metal band in their own words.

In remembrance of the neoclassical masters, and their late guitar god Alexi Laiho, we’ve crammed the whole Children of Bodom discography to bring you their most under-appreciated tracks.

“Black Widow”

If you’re gonna Zeppelin another artist, at least rip off a legend like Beethoven. Featuring a riff based on Beethoven‘s “Moonlight Sonata,” Children of Bodom‘s “Black Widow” is one of the most satisfying neoclassical pieces from Hatebreeder. Alexi was a master at bringing the old masters back to life, especially in this song’s middle section.

“Touch Like Angel of Death” (Tokyo Warhearts Version)

It’s impossible to listen to the Something Wild version of “Touch Like Angel of Death” after you’ve spun the live version from Tokyo Warhearts. The band brilliantly transposed Hans Zimmer and Nick Glennie-Smith‘s “Hummel Gets the Rockets” (from the 1996 film The Rock) and added it as an intro for Bodom‘s 1999 live album. Chills every time.

“Bodom Beach Terror”

Children of Bodom‘s humor resulted in multiple songs that are titled like Goosebumps books… and “Bodom Beach Terror” is their “Say Cheese and Die!” After a simple and devastating intro, Alexi throws one of his most satisfying licks into this song’s chorus, coming right after “Wash your hands in the lake of your blood / Just before you die.”

“Next in Line”

A lot of OG Bodom fans hated Are You Dead Yet?, as Alexi pivoted away from his trademark neoclassical style. Like it or not, AYDY (and the often overlooked “Next in Line”) is filled with giant riffs and some of Alexi’s best screams. The solo battle between Alexi and keyboardist Janne Wirman in this track’s bridge is one for the ages as well. 

“We’re Not Gonna Fall”

We’ll say it again… Are You Dead Yet? was over-hated. The album’s closing track packs an all-time great lead riff from Bodom, plus one of the band’s best beatdown sections and a phenomenal guitar/keyboard solo battle. It’s only weakness? “We’re Not Gonna Fall” could’ve been way longer than 3:18.

“Banned From Heaven”

Those mid-tempo Bodom tracks hit in such a blissful way. For fans who never quit spinning “Every Time I Die” and “Angels Don’t Kill” on repeat, Blooddrunk‘s “Banned From Heaven” has long been a favorite. The late 2000s and early 2010s wasn’t Bodom‘s strongest period, but this ballad-esque cut is a high point.

“Northpole Throwdown”

Relentless Reckless Forever was Alexi Laiho‘s least favorite Bodom album, but “Northpole Throwdown” was proof that the Finns could still deliver a goofball ripper. Even if you hated this album, the lyrics, “This is the way we roll / At the fucking Northpole,” were guaranteed to leave you with a grin. 

“One Bottle and a Knee Deep”

Halo of Blood was a massive return to form for Children of Bodom — a re-iginition of neoclassical shredding and infectious leads from a somewhat rejuvenated Alexi. The Bodom leader was beginning a period of sobriety as Halo of Blood took shape, leading to much darker and more pointed lyrical content. “One Bottle and a Knee Deep” is a perfect amalgamation of this period of Bodom. 

“All For Nothing”

How beautiful is the instrumental section of “All for Nothing”? As one of the softest pieces of Bodom‘s discography, it’s absolutely unapologetic in its approach. It’s got a true swansong vibe from beginning to end, and probably should’ve been considered as the finale to I Worship Chaos. It’s not Bodom‘s darkest song, but it may be the band’s saddest.

“Knuckleduster” (Hexed Version)

The original, half-baked version of “Knuckleduster” lives on Bodom‘s excellent Trashed, Lost & Strungout EP, but the best version was recorded for 2019’s Hexed. It’s the reimagining that a banger like “Knuckleduster” always deserved, with its ferocious and beautiful solos. Gotta love the fake-out at the end, too.