After the initial explosive assault of their first few albums, consistency became a problem for Finland’s Children Of Bodom and a sequence of agreeable but patchy records, brightened only by odd moments of genuine quality, has seen them gradually relinquishing their grip on their status as genuine contenders; still, undoubtedly a hugely popular act with a widespread fanbase, the fact remains that COB really should be sitting among the biggest hitters by now.

However, with every new release comes another chance to prove themselves, and this time the band have grasped the opportunity with both hands and a vice-like grip. Their tenth full-length release, Hexed (Nuclear Blast) is the first album to feature new guitarist Daniel Freyberg after his recruitment from fellow Finnish melodeath merchants Norther, and there can be no doubt that his addition has been a welcome injection of fresh and focused energy into the Bodom camp.

Full of intent, opener ‘This Road’ is driven by strong, insistent groove-filled riffs and some typically enviable guitar work. The first single to be lifted from the album – and assuredly one of its many highlights – ‘Under Grass And Clover’ is upbeat and melodic, and features some classic Bodom duelling keyboards/guitar, while ‘Glass Houses’ is another fast-paced track with an almost neoclassical vibe in places.

The steady, basic beat of ‘Hecate’s Nightmare’ is punctuated by jagged squeals of pinch harmonics and atmospheric keyboards while, as it’s not-entirely-subtle title suggests, ‘Kick In The Spleen’, is, basically, all-out savagery. ‘Platitudes And Barren Words’ may be more on the melodic side than the previous track but its intention doesn’t change, and the title track, augmented by more neoclassical touches, hammers along at an ungodly rate.

Showing no signs of slowing down, the final few tracks maintain the album’s high quality. The eighties vibe of ‘Relapse (The Nature of My Crime)’ is followed by the staccato gruffness of ‘Say Never Look Back’ and the slow groove of ‘Soon Departed’ before pacy finale ‘Knuckleduster’ brings things to a suitably punchy close.

Featuring some of the best and brightest melodies from the band in years, Hexed – contrary to the what the rather subdued artwork would have you believe – is the sound of a band re-energised and brimming with positivity. Keyboard player Janne Wirman is back on top – if sometimes understated – form, and frontman Alexi Laiho‘s voice and fretwork are as impressive as they’ve ever been. A welcome return to form which should give die-hard Bodom fans some real optimism for the future.

8 / 10

GARY ALCOCK