Children of Bodom Founder Alexi Laiho Dies Aged 41

Laiho had allegedly been suffering from “long-term health issues”.

Former Children of Bodom guitarist and frontman Alexi Laiho has passed away in his home in Helsinki, Finland, at the heartbreakingly young age of 41.

No cause of death has yet been specified, but he had allegedly had a string of “long-term health issues” which played their parts in his death.

A statement from his current bandmates in Bodom After Midnight said “we are absolutely devastated and heartbroken for the sudden loss of our dear friend and band member”, with Laiho’s wife Kelli adding that “Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father. Our hearts are eternally broken.”

Formed in 1993 as Inearthed, Finnish band Children of Bodom were one of the pioneers of melodic death metal. Taking influence from the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Dissection, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath, Children of Bodom combined the aggression of the former two bands with the melody of the latter two bands. Between 1997 and 2019, they released 10 albums, finding particular success with Hatebreeder (1999) and Follow The Reaper (2000).

Children of Bodom split up in 2019 and Laiho formed a new band, Bodom After Midnight. Tragically, his passing has stopped the band in its tracks before it ever truly got going.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP Alexi Laiho.