Jaska Raatikainen

Double bass pedals became a possession of Jaska Raatikainen years before he actually owned a complete drum kit. Born in 1979 in Lappeenranta, Finland, he emerged as a foundational force in melodic death metal, most notably as the co-founder and long-time drummer for the group Children of Bodom from 1993 until its dissolution in 2019.

Early Musical Development

Before focusing on percussion at age 12, Raatikainen studied piano and played the French horn in a big band. This orchestral background influenced his early career trajectory, eventually leading him to meet Alexander Kuoppala. By 1993, he crossed paths with Alexi Laiho at school, forming a creative partnership that would evolve from their initial project, Inearthed, into Children of Bodom. Throughout his time with the band, he was responsible for recruiting key members including Janne Wirman and Kuoppala.

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Career and Collaborations

Beyond his primary band, Raatikainen provided percussion for artists including Virtuocity and Evemaster. In 2000, he filled in for an injured Tommi Lillman during a Sinergy European tour, learning ten songs in three days. He also explored side projects such as Gashouse Garden with guitarist Kristian Ranta. His reach extended briefly into acting, where he played a character named Rauli in the Finnish television soap opera Siamin Tyttö for three episodes.

Departure and Reunion

Raatikainen, alongside bandmates Henkka Seppälä and Janne Wirman, departed Children of Bodom in 2019 citing issues related to Alexi Laiho’s struggles with alcohol. Following Laiho's death a year later, the band reconciled in 2025. Raatikainen returned for the A Celebration of Music reunion concerts in February 2026 at the Tavastia Club in Helsinki. Plans for 2027 include a series of performances commemorating the 30th anniversary of the group’s debut studio album, Something Wild.

Technical Style and Setup

Raatikainen identifies musicians such as Mikkey Dee of Motörhead and Scott Travis of Judas Priest as core influences on his playing. His technical requirements evolved over the decades; after initially using Sonor drums and Sabian cymbals, he transitioned to a Pearl Reference Redline kit in 2003. His specific hardware preferences include the Pearl Demon Drive double pedal and custom Promark Millennium II sticks.