Alexi Laiho, former vocalist and guitarist for Children of Bodom, has died. He was 41-years-old.
Although no cause of death has been made public, a press release from Laiho’s label, Napalm Records, says that Alexi “had suffered from long-term health issues during his last years.”
Laiho co-founded Children of Bodom in 1993 with drummer Jaska Raatikainen. That band found tremendous success with albums such as Hatbreeder (1999), Hate Crew Deathroll (2003), and Are You Dead Yet? (2005). Their final album, Hexed, was released on March 8, 2019. The band continued to be immensely popular right up until they played their final show on December 15, 2019.
Laiho was subsequently forced to abandon the Children of Bodom name, which was legally owned by his bandmates, Raatikainen, bassist Henkka T. Blacksmith (né Henri Seppälä), and keyboardist Janne Wirman.
He subsequently launched Bodom After Midnight, which also included former CoB guitarist Daniel Freyberg, Paradise Lost drummer Waltteri Väyrynen, and bassist Mitja Toivonen.
Bodom After Midnight made their live debut on October 23, 2019 at Rytmikorjaamo in Seinäjoki, Finland. The following month, they entered the studio to begin recording their debut album. Whether or not that album was completed before Laiho’s death remains unclear.
In a statement, Laiho’s Bodom After Midnight bandmates said:
“We are crushed by the sudden passing of our dear friend and band member. Words cannot describe this shock and the profound sadness that we feel.”
Adds Laiho’s older sister:
“We are all absolutely shocked and devastated. We ask for privacy and understanding during these hard times. My little brother’s funeral will take place privately.”
Laiho’s widow, Kelli Wright-Laiho, who married Laiho in December of 2017, concludes:
“Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father. Our hearts are eternally broken.”
MetalSucks’ thoughts are with Laiho’s loved ones during this extremely difficult time. Make sure you crank some Bodom today in honor of our fallen hero.
