“If I cancel tomorrow the undead will thank me today
Fly in the face of your prophets I mock your morality plays
The moon is red and bleeding
The sun is burned and black
The book of life is silent
No turning back”
(Iron Maiden “Only The Good Die Young”)
Beginning Aleksi Laiho’s orbituary who died last week by quoting Iron Maiden is to acknowledge his unlimited talent and his outstanding career. He set a benchmark as a metal guitarist most others can only watch from far below vaguely visible in the clouds above.
Aleksi lost his fight against his long-term health issues. Suddenly. And long before his time in the age of only 41 years.
He will be unforgotten as founding member and front man of Children Of Bodom (1993-1997 as Inearthed, 1997-2019). Since 2013 he played guitar in The Local Band and kicked of Bodom After Midnight only last year. They recorded three songs and shot a video, both of which Napalm Records will release posthumously.
The list of former band activities and projects he featured is long and not in the least less impressive than the list of achievments of Children Of Bodom.
“We are crushed by the sudden passing of our dear friend and band member. Words cannot describe this shock and the profound sadness that we feel”, Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen from Bodom After Midnight state (as published by Napalm Records, press release today).
“Is death another birthday?
A way to kiss your dreams goodbye?
Do the undead live within us
And look through our eyes?”
(Iron Maiden “Only The Good Die Young”)
Aleksi Laiho will be unforgotten and thus immortal by metal fans and musicians all over the world. His family and friends grief privately the loss of their beloved one.
More photos from Petra’s photos of the Bodom After Midnight show (click here).