Released in 2001
Children Of Bodem are a fairly recent band composed of a talented group of young individuals playing melodic black/power metal. Follow The Reaper is their third release so far.
I have yet to hear the bands previous work, but I really enjoyed this album. The keyboards are used to create a "black metal" atmosphere, which meshes along with heavy power metal riffs and melodic solos/leads. Each musician gets the oppurtunity to shine.
I'm not usually into Alexi's vocal style (that black metal, high pitched type growl) but his voice works well with the music. You won't understand the lyrics most of the time, but thats why they are in the CD book. The only song where the vocals fail to deliver is on the bonus track Hellion. It sounds like Alexi recorded his parts with a vocal infection. If your not used to this particular vocal style, it may turn you off.
The CD opens with the title track, Follow The Reaper, which is upbeat speed metal, with melodic keyboards and guitars, and a punishing opening riff. Bodom After Midnight and Children Of Decadence follow along the same course and brings us to a slower, groove type track with Everytime I Die. The album tends to lose some of its steam after a few tracks, but corrects itself on the last few songs.
Overall, the album is pretty good, and is filled with loads of talent. I can't compare this to the bands other releases until I get the chance to purchase them. Its a refreshing release, and at least deserves a listen or two.
Final Score: 8/10
Reviewed by: Jerry
