Holiday at Lake Bodom: 15 Years of Wasted Youth

One of the most refreshing things about Finnish metallers Children of Bodom is that they never cease to provoke their fans by doing exactly what they want to do when they want to do it. They take great pleasure in thwarting expectations at every turn. Ironically, this makes their (many) hardcore fans even more devoted. Holiday at Lake Bodom: 15 Years of Wasted Youth, a CD/DVD compilation that ranges from their debut offering in 1997 straight on through to 2011, contains 20 tracks from virtually every period in their existence. It's sure to piss off almost everyone for what's been excluded, though no one can argue that what's here is essential, with the possible exception of the previously unissued cover version of Rick Springfield's "Jessie's Girl." The set also includes another unreleased cover of the Dropkick Murphys' "I'm Shipping Up to Boston," which one suspects will fare far better. While the content on the CD is somewhat light on early material, it nonetheless contains stellar cuts. Highlights include "Hate Crew Death Roll," "Hate Me," "Warheart," "Needled 24/7," "Dead Night Warrior," "Blooddrunk," "Follow the Reaper," and "Angels Do Not Kill." After seven full-lengths, a somewhat comprehensive single-disc compilation was totally warranted. The DVD in the package contains a scattershot 20-minute documentary on the band's history, complete with live, backstage, and studio footage, plus the music video for "Shovel Knockout." While one can argue this is for fans only, as the early black and thrash metal of the early years has been supplanted by a slicker and altogether more accessible approach, the simple fact that after 15 years, these Finns continue to write and record great songs and retain a massive fan base while growing in reputation and stature -- as well as creativity -- all while keeping the energy maniacal and the humor abundant, extends their reach beyond the confines of the metal ghetto. ~ Thom Jurek