Hate Crew Deathroll - Children Of Bodom

The problem with a band having a sound as uniquely distinctive as Children of Bodom is that there may come a time when the band starts to naturally move away from their established style, but still attempts to shoehorn in those elements that are recognisably theirs. The first disappointment after a trilogy of excellent releases, 'Hate Crew Deathroll' sees Bodom moving more towards thrash and death metal, abandoning their speed metal roots but still retaining the horror keyboards and melodic guitars in a manner that now seems uncomfortably contrived. This is Children of Bodom trying too hard to sound like Children of Bodom. There are still some fine songs, ...  Read the complete review