CHILDREN OF BODOM, once Finland’s biggest metal export, went from relentless touring and festival domination to disbanding in 2019. Only a year or so later, the metal world was shaken by the tragic passing of Alexi Laiho, far too young. It was the kind of news that felt impossible to process then—and, in many ways, still does now.
In the years since, the band’s legacy has been honored in different ways: through exhibitions and even the opening of Bodom Bar & Sauna, a place that doubles as both a bar and a small museum filled with memorabilia and atmosphere. Yet something always felt like it was missing. Many expected a grand tribute—something on the scale of The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness. Instead, what came was something far more fitting: understated, intimate, and unmistakably Finnish.
When CHILDREN OF BODOM announced A Celebration of Music, featuring guitarist Alexander Kuoppala and guitarist/vocalist Samy Elbanna, it immediately felt special. The event was set for February 26th, 2026, at Tavastia in Helsinki—a legendary yet intimate venue. Tickets sold out in minutes, prompting the addition of a second night on February 27th, which disappeared just as quickly. It was clear that people had been waiting for this moment.
Experiencing the first night as a fan and the second as press offered a unique perspective, but both evenings carried the same emotional weight. Before the show even began, a large screen displayed a slideshow of photographs from the band’s history, setting the tone for what was to come. This was followed by a video tribute centered largely around Alexi Laiho—a touching and respectful way to honor his legacy.
When the curtain finally came down—somewhat awkwardly on the first night, more smoothly on the second—the stage revealed a deliberately minimal setup: a large band logo, a few risers, and little else. It was clear from the outset that this wasn’t about spectacle. This was about the music.
And the music delivered.
There had been some initial skepticism online—I never had any doubts—surrounding the inclusion of Samy Elbanna, but it quickly proved unfounded. A phenomenal guitarist with a deep understanding of the CHILDREN OF BODOM catalog, he stepped into an incredibly difficult role with both skill and respect. His vocal style may differ from Laiho’s, but his performance won over the crowd almost instantly, earning well-deserved praise.
The setlist spanned the band’s extensive discography, focusing largely on fan favorites. Interestingly, some of the later material—such as songs from “Hexed” or “I Worship Chaos“—was absent, though the selection still felt well-balanced and satisfying.
What truly set these shows apart, however, was the atmosphere. At times, it felt less like a concert and more like a shared emotional experience—a kind of collective catharsis. Many in the crowd were visibly moved, some even in tears, and even in quieter moments there was a palpable energy in the room unlike anything else. It was one of those rare occasions where you simply had to be there to fully understand it.
While the two nights were largely similar, the second show offered one particularly unforgettable moment: Janne Wirman’s father stage-diving into the crowd, greeted with open arms—a spontaneous and heartwarming highlight.
Whether this Celebration of Music remains a one-off or becomes something that returns from time to time remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—hearing these songs live again, in such a setting, was something truly special. Check our out photo gallery here…
Children of Bodom
Text & photos by Laureline Tilkin
