Once, there was a co-headlining tour through Europe.
But, then something terrible happened in Paris to someone else, and one of the headliners, Lamb Of God, high-tailed it back to America. Children Of Bodom however, the other headliner, kept moving forward together with the support band Sylosis. They weren’t about to disappoint their waiting fans.

“I gotta fucking say, and I’m gonna be fucking honest here, we’re fucking glad you came out tonight!”
- Alexi ‘Wildchild’ Laiho (vocals/guitar)

Once, there was a huge audience.
Some of it went away with the loss of Lamb Of God, and the show was relocated from Vega to Amager Bio, but even there, there was still a very good turnout for the band. And when they entered the stage, the cheering proved that the Danish fan base was 100% behind the band’s decision to continue with the tour.
A change had occurred since their last visit however – long-time guitar collaborator Roope Latvala had left the outfit, and Children Of Bodom had instead found a temporary replacement in keyboardist Janne ‘Warman’ Wirman’s brother Antti. The brothers also play together in their joint project simply called Warmen, and it was easy for everyone to see that Antti was a good fit for the group. He brought new energy to the show, which has been lacking as of late, and the rest of the guys seemed revitalised as well. I can’t say if it was all up to him, but he was the most visible explanation.

“We have Takamo from Japan with us tonight. Everybody say “konichiwa” to Takamo!”
- Janne ‘Warman’ Wirman (keyboard) (about a toy duck he had)

Once, Amager Bio had great sound.
Tonight was not one of those times however, sadly. Up front, it was very muddy and lacking in detail and finesse. Further back, it got marginally better, but still nothing I’d consider worth putting on a résumé.
This didn’t stop people from going completely bonkers over the concert however. Especially the older material got a lively response from the audience, and when Laiho asked for the “sickest moshpit” for I Worship Chaos, Denmark wasn’t late in responding.
The Danish fans were so appreciative in fact, that one guy even threw his cap up on stage as an offering (possibly thinking about Laiho’s affinity for hats), and when Antti Wirman, who was closest to the landing, noticed the giant penis is had sticking out on the front, it brought a big grin to his face.
The show was quickly run through however, with no encore, and only a very short farewell, where the band hurriedly parted ways with some picks and sticks, for the audience’s enjoyment, before they were out the door.

Once, there was a Finnish band we thought was over.
Children Of Bodom proved this wrong tonight though, showing us that they are still able to deliver powerful and entertaining concerts. Still not quite on level with what has been (yeah, you know the story), but a hell of a lot better than what recent time has given us. Why they don’t take Antti Wirman in permanently, which they still can of course, I cannot say, but from my perspective, he seems like as good a fit as any at this point.
Oh yes, props to them for sticking with the tour as well, well played!

Setlist:

Are You Dead Yet?
In Your Face
Morrigan
Halo Of Blood
Everytime I Die
Bodom Beach Terror
Hate Me!
Lake Bodom
Blooddrunk
I Worship Chaos
Angels Don’t Kill
Hate Crew Deathroll
Bodom After Midnight
Downfall