When I saw Children of Bodom were going to the Chance Theater I was very curious about seeing them.

Though I have found better bands over the years and I very rarely listen to them, Bodom’s first four albums (Something Wild, Hatebreeder, Follow the Reaper and Hate Crew Deathroll) still have a place in my heart due being some of my first tastes of Scandinavian metal. This was also the only metal concert in my area during Spring break so I figured I should go. I drove down to the Chance Theater, met some cool new people as well as ran into my buddies Shadow, Ryan and Birdman (from the one and only RÖÄRGH) and awaited the shows start.

Vision Serpent

First up was the local band Vision Serpent. The band sounded like a fusion of nu-metal, post-grunge and deathcore. I wasn’t a fan of their sound at all as I do not like any of those listed genres. I was just waiting for their set to end and was glad when it did.

Havok

Next on was Bodom’s tour support, Havok. The thrash revival groups can be hit or miss and to me Havok (with the exception of the latest album) was always one of the better acts. I had seen them once five years ago play a show with Malevolent Creation and The Absence (such a good bill that was). Like at that show, Havok killed. They showed tons of energy and sounded awesome when playing tracks like “DOA” and “Covering Fire”.

Children of Bodom

After those thrashers it was time for Bodom. Surprisingly the set started off mediocre with the first few tracks they focused on being from “Are You Dead Yet” and onward. Though once they played “Every Time I Die,” the set became more old-school. “Downfall,” “Hate Me,” “Bodom After Midnight” and many other older songs were played. My old 16-year-old self was proud. The band had incredible energy and guitarist/vocalist Alexi Laiho’s solos were spot on.

After their performance I drove home from another fun show at The Chance though I will hopefully be back soon, when Metal Church plays.