Beginning his formal musical education at the Pop & Jazz Conservatory, Alexi Laiho emerged as a dominant force in Finnish metal. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he established himself as a central figure in melodic death metal, most notably as the founding guitarist and vocalist for the band Children of Bodom.
Early Development and Formation
Born in 1979 in Espoo, Laiho started his musical training with the violin at age seven before transitioning to the guitar at eleven. His early influences included Helloween, Manowar, Judas Priest, and W.A.S.P., alongside guitarists Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen. In 1993, he formed the band IneartheD, which later became Children of Bodom. The group debuted live in Helsinki in 1997, opening for the Norwegian band Dimmu Borgir.
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Laiho participated in numerous musical projects alongside his primary band. He worked with Sinergy, Kylähullut, Thy Serpent, Impaled Nazarene, The Local Band, and Warmen. In 2020, he established Bodom After Midnight with former bandmate Daniel Freyberg, drummer Waltteri Väyrynen, and bassist Mitja Toivonen. Additionally, he contributed as a guest musician to other artists, including a guitar solo on the 2007 Annihilator album, Metal.
Recognition and Legacy
The musician earned several accolades for his technical proficiency and contribution to metal. In 2008, he received the Dimebag Darrell Shredder Award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. Various publications, including Guitar World and Total Guitar, ranked him among the most accomplished and fastest guitarists in the genre. Following his death in Helsinki on 29 December 2020, he was buried at Malmi cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1979, Espoo, Finland
- Died: 29 December 2020, Helsinki, Finland
- Primary Instrument: Guitar
- Key Band: Children of Bodom
- Education: Pop & Jazz Conservatory
- Notable Award: 2008 Dimebag Darrell Shredder Award
- Burial Site: Malmi cemetery
Questions readers ask
What caused the death of Alexi Laiho?
He died due to liver degeneration resulting from years of alcohol abuse.
What happened to his final band, Bodom After Midnight?
Following Laiho's death, the band decided to disband rather than attempt to replace him.
Achievements
- Instruments: guitar and voice
- Genres: melodic death metal
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