CHILDREN OF BODOM

March 21st, 2006

Who:
Children of Bodom
  • Chimaira
  • Through the Eyes of the Dead
What:
Death Metal
Where:
Recher Theater
Towson, Maryland

 Because what comes out first is usually the most honest, I give you the blog I wrote two days after the concert:
"I adore and preach the insanity you gave to me..."

Hidy-ho Neighbors,

It's 1:30am this wintery Wednesday night and I'm about as riled up as intoxicated badger. This is the hour in which I share my experiences with the world. Today's lovin': Children of Bodom concert.... *we'll make this easy on me and pretend I just got back from the show, k.*

Point: I had a lot of fun tonight.
We got to the Recher around 3:30 - 4:00ish pm style. Only three people were outside (though one apparently thought you keep your spot if you go to the bar for hours). The wait wasn't too cold, at least not as cold as the Opeth show. I only lost feeling in my toesies an hour before the doors opened. Sucky thing: no digital cameras allowed. Poop, it's would've been some nice shots.

Through the Eyes of the Dead
Emo lookin' guys playin' death metal music? Yup, it happens. The second the singer opened his mouth, Jess and I couldn't stop laughing. Why? Because it's what we do; he had a funny high-pitched/deathy note. It was the kind of lyrics that you're sure they're just yelling gutteral noises rather than real words. *shrug* Key point of the band - the bassist. He had this one note face on the whoooole set no matter what (note to ladies - not too shabby ) But what really amazed me was the speed at which he strummed the strings. It was crazy fast to the point where his hand was just a blur of fleshtones. Another high point for these guys, the lead guitarist's talent. This is why I love being in the front row for metal concerts: you get to see how the songs are played (you get more of an appreciation/entertainment by seeing that). And this guy did nothing short of amazement. He didn't look too old, though I'm a horrible judge of  age, but he acted like he was ringin' a bell. Kudos, dude. I'd also like to note that I have a deep appreciation for the rhythm guitarists (you're not forgotten). He had a pretty guitar, black with a brown quilt-looking finish pick guard. And he did his part in keeping up with the lead guitarists. The rhythm men don't get enough credit. So here's your moment of glory. Here here to the drummer, too. However... poor people/selling skills. I went to talk to them before Bodom came on, but they blew me off after I told them I didn't have any money on me. Not good PR, guys. Otherwise, I'd give 'em an A+. Emo lookin' or not, they kicked major butt. Check 'em out here on myspace: Through The Eyes of the Dead

Chimaira
Loved 'em. The second they came out, they commanded the stage (although it's tougher for the first openers to get the people hyped). The singer had a great voice and a whole lot of energy... and spit. Ew. The guitarists were amazing with plenty of face-shreading talent. And much kudos to the bassist and drummer. Don't think I forgot the keyboardist! Though it was a little hard to see him (behind the singer and lead guitarist), he looked like he was in the happiest state of mind beating the shindigs out of that keyboard. I enjoyed it. I love it when metal bands have keyboards and the player the rocks the crap out of it; makes me so happy. The bad thing? It was at this point that the crowd surfin' started to really get going. It's all fun to watch it from the stage and encourage it, but to be in the front row sucks. Instead of watching a lot of the band, you have to keep an eye on the bouncers and the crowd to make sure you don't get a kick in the face. So, these guys seemed to have been playin' for a while (which I'll be the first to say was a bundle of fun ) when these two scantily-clad women come out to give the audience a pole-less, on-stage lap dance. *Rant time* Now, I know many a man in the audience enjoyed their show, but I for one absolutely abhore women who flaunt themselves infront of people, especially at a metal concert, and even more so when I'm trying to watch the guys perform. Please excuse me, Chimaira Twins, if you're offended by this. Boys will be boys, and I'll forever be the conservative chick I am. Just as a bit of trivia, all equipment used by Chimaira is Peavey... which until tonight I didn't know made guitars. *That's my noob moment, folks.* After the concert Nick and I waited to see if the guys would come out for a little meet and greet... and they did. Let me tell you, they're some of the nicest guys to talk to after a show. While some bands just sign and shoo, these lads didn't mind talkin' to ya. And thanks to Andols for being patient while my camera played dead. All in all, I loved Chimaira's music and definitely encourage ya'll to listen to them at they're myspace site: Chimaira

CHILDREN OF BODOM
Need I say more? Fine, I will. First, let me say that Nick and I (along with Jess and Nick G) left the front row because the crowd surfer was annoying and really distracting. Plus being smashed against the boob-high gate by large sweaty men and pre-pubesent dorks is not my favorite thing. Even before CoB came on, I was side ways to the stage, pushed up against Nick but on a slant. Really not comfy. I don't think Nick G and Jess could breathe. So we left to the back by the sound boards and behind the mosh pit. That noted, lets talk about the love that is Bodom.
These guys knew what they were doin'. Although I wasn't where I wanted to be, you could definitely feel the energy these guys put out. Being a virgin to their music, I must say I was thoroughly empressed and entertained. The singer/guitarist played a purty little ESP Randy Rhoades style white guitar with two "V" shape designs on it. The band has a really nice melodic tone along with thrashing riffs, death-enducing solos, and deep vocals. *Yay adjectives* For all the hype I've heard about these guys, I'd say they out-do any pre-concieved expectations. Children of Bodom is definitely one of those bands you should see before you die.
Myspace Page: Children of Bodom - Myspace

Over all, this was a great show. I finally got to meet the legendary Nick G (Thor's long-time buddy and fellow metal head) and his girlfriend, Jess. And while the concert was rougher than the Opeth show, the bands made it worthwhile.

Unfortunately, digital cameras were not allowed at this show so I have no pictures. Check out the bands' websites below for fun pictures and music.




Children of Bodom
Myspace: Children of Bodom
Chimaira
Though the Eyes of the Dead
Myspace: Through the Eyes of the Dead



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