Alexi Laiho, a former singer and guitarist for the Finnish metal group Children of Bodom, died of complications from unspecified “long-term health problems”, according to statements by his label. Napalm Records, and the most recent band. He was 41 years old.
Laiho has been the lead singer of the band Bodom After Midnight since his former group split in 2019.
“It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we must announce the death of Alexi Laiho,” says a statement from Bodom After Midnight. “We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the sudden loss of our dear friend and member of the band.”
The Children of Bodom website also posted a statement in honor of Laiho, which said: “One of the most renowned guitarists in the world, Alexi Laiho, passed away. The musician, better known as the leader of Children of Bodom, died in his in Helsinki. , Finland, last week. Laiho suffered from long-term health problems in recent years. More than 25 years of friendship. We lost a brother. The world lost a phenomenal composer and one of the greatest guitarists of all Time. Memories and music of Alexi will live forever. Our thoughts are with Alexi’s family during this difficult time. “
Children of Bodom was formed by Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen in 1993 under the band IneartheD, eventually changing its name to a derivative of an unsolved Finnish murder case in which two teenagers were killed in 1960 at Lake Bodom. Over the years, the group has released 10 classic Scandinavian metal studio albums, combining elements of thrash and classical metal with touches of classical music. After the band split in 2019, Laiho and rhythmic guitarist Daniel Freyberg founded Bodom After Midnight.
“We are devastated by the sudden death of our dear friend and band member. Words cannot describe this shock and the deep sadness we feel,” said bandmates Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Vayrynen of Bodom After Midnight in a communicated.
“Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father. Our hearts are forever broken,” said his wife, Kelli Wright-Laiho.