Taken from The Worst Fanzine



TWF: Firstly could you tell us how C.o.B. formed?

JW: C.o.B. formed when a band with a different name kicked their keyboardist out, and asked me to join the band. First only on SW’s recording session, but later as a permanent member.

TWF: What gave you the idea for your band name?

JW: Someone from our record company (Spinefarm) suggested to do something related to the Bodom- murders.

Now away from the interview for a minute, for those of you not familar with the story of the Bodom-murders. In the 1960’s there was a serial killer in the area of Lake Bodom, a Finnish lake. One day he or she killed 3 kids in a tent, there was a forth who survived and can’t remember anything what happend. Many people have confessed to being the killer, but none are guilty... the killers identity remains a mystery.

Is it still possible to camp at Lake Bodom?

Yes, it is still possible. I personally have done it a couple of times, a couple of years ago.

What’s the music scene like in Finland at the moment?

Well I think metal music is reaching it’s 80’s success here. In the 80’s there were many "famous" metal bands here, but techno music ruled for many years after that. Now Stratovarius were number one in our top 40 album list. Stratovarius’s "head man" Timo Tolkki was recently asked a question about C.o.B. and he said he likes us and that we are fighting together against fucking techno.

What is the story behinf you landing a record deal?

Something Wild was self-financed. Then Spinefarm heard it, and took us.

I recently discovered that you are quite famous in Finland, is it strange being famous in Finland and not known in England?

I have heard that our kind of music doesn’t sell that much in England. It doesn’t feel strange and we aren’t so big in Finland either.

How do you do in the Finnish charts?

Our single "Children of Bodom" sold Gold, and was number one in the Finnish charts for two months (and they’re not famous, oh no). Something Wild has sold 10,000 copies (In Finland 20,000 records need to be sold to get gold)

Quote from Metal Hammer review of Sepultura tribute album: "...deathwitch, Lord Belial, Denial, Slavestate, Children of Bodom. Has anyone ever heard of these clowns..." Does it annoy you that the Brittish media is this ignorant (especially seeing how a couple of issues earlier they gave SW 7/10 in a tiny little review)

It doesn’t annoy me, hey what can I do to British media?

How’s the new album coming?

We just recorded 5 demo versions of the new songs. Studio is booked for 3 weeks in December, mixing in January.

Will they differ musically?

They will differ a bit musically, but I bet the true "murdering" feeling isn’t gone. Songs are in a way, a bit more straightforward.

How long does it take you to complete a song?

It varies from a week to 6 months.

What are your favourite songs?

Of our own songs?

Yes.

Maybe the new ones...

Where is the opening sample from "the Nail" taken from? (As you can see I haven’t recovered from the Pitchshifter special, I had to mention "samples" somewhere)

A Movie, I can’t remember what it’s called.

What are your musical influences?

We all have our own influences. One that connects us is 80’s metal.

Who writes the lyrics?

Alexi.

Why is Alexi called "wildchild"?

Because he is so wild!

OK, so I’m stupid. All your songs contain both angry and relaxing music, was this a concious decision?

No.

Is the anger in the music because you are angry about something?

We are not angry about anything special.

What are your live shows like?

We have a good feeling on stage, that’s the only thing I can tell you.

Have you ever played a gig in the UK?

No.

Have you played any festivals?

Many Summer festivals in Finland, and in Wacken open air.

What has been your best gig?

In Tampere Finland, we were opening for Stratovarius and there was so many fucking people, the place was great.

What about your worst?

In Rauma, Finland. We were playing to 16 people.

Do you get many groupies? Does one particular member seem to get them all?

No comments J

Have you any interesting stories to tell?

There have been so many, from Tour bus accidents to wrecked hotel rooms... But one of the best was when we were coming home from Wacken festival. Some one forgot to book us cabins (and the ship was full) so we slept two nights under a staircase.

Do any of your members play in two bands?

Alexi plays in Synergy. (Kimberly Goss’s band)

Now for another interview break. Kimberly Goss replaced Janne for one of C.o.B.’s tours whilst Janne was at school.

How old is each member of C.o.B.?

We are all 19, except Henkka 18 and Ale is 23.

Anything else to add?

I would like to thank you for making this interview of us and letting England know correct information about us.


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