Alexi Laiho, the founding vocalist of the influential Finnish metal band Children of Bodom, died at the age of 41.
His passing was confirmed with “great sadness” by the supergroup Bodom After Midnight, which Laiho formed with his former bandmate Daniel Freyberg last year after Children of Bodom announced its dissolution in 2019.
Bodom After Midnight statement:
It is with a heavy heart and a lot of sadness that we must announce the death of Alexi Laiho. We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the sudden loss of our dear friend and band member.
Daniel, Mitja and Waltteri pic.twitter.com/AohWJpfnFg
– Napalm Records (@NapalmRecords) January 4, 2021
“It is with a heavy heart and a lot of sadness that we must announce the death of Alexi Laiho”, confirms the statement.
“We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the sudden loss of our dear friend and member of the band. Daniel, Mitja & Waltteri. “
A subsequent statement from his former bandmates said that Laiho suffered from “long-term health problems” during his later years.
“Laiho suffered from long-term health problems during his later years. More than 25 years of friendship. We lost a brother, ”said the statement.
“The world has lost a phenomenal composer and one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Alexi’s memories and music will live forever.
“Our thoughts are with Alexi’s family during this difficult time. -Henkka, Janne and Jaska. “
Kelli Laiho-Wright, Laiho’s wife, said: “Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father. Our hearts are forever broken. “
We are shocked and saddened by the news that Children of Bodom guitarist Alexi Laiho has passed away. #Rest in peace #alexilaiho #ripalexilaiho # Bodom children pic.twitter.com/FOAYwkFnFF
– Monsters Of Rock® (@MonstersOfRock) January 4, 2021
“We are all absolutely shocked and devastated,” added Laiho’s sister. “We ask for privacy and understanding in these difficult times. My younger brother’s funeral will be private. “
His cause of death has not yet been announced.
Laiho was born in the Finnish city of Espoo in 1979 and formed Children of Bodom with drummer Jaska Raatikainen in 1993 under the name Inearthed.
The band released their acclaimed debut album ‘Something Wild’ in 1997 and garnered much praise for their unique brand of melodic death metal. It was followed by ‘Hatebreeder’ from 1999, before their third album, ‘Follow The Reaper’, saw the group score their first record with a gold certificate in Finland.
His next four albums topped the charts in Finland, helping to secure his status as one of the country’s best-selling musical acts of all time.
Laiho was also considered one of the most acclaimed guitarists in metal, with a 2016 public vote by Total Guitar declaring him as the greatest player of its kind ever.
I’m speechless … RIP Alexi Laiho. #ripalexilaiho #alexilaiho pic.twitter.com/GhtRDguGJH
– 𝕸𝖎𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖊𝖑 𝕬𝖒𝖔𝖙𝖙 (@Michael_Amott) January 4, 2021
Children of Bodom’s last album came in 2019 with ‘Hexed’, before the band announced their separation and played their last show in December of that year.
Main tributes, Swedish metal guitarist Michael Amott shared a photo of him and Laiho together, writing: “I’m speechless”.