Children of Bodom and Swallow The Sun play The Underground

By: Chris “Chaos” Hedden (Photo Gallery & Review) of Jaded Images Photography

Summoner’s Circle – Copyright: Chris Hedden/Jaded Images Photography

Charlotte, NC (April 12th, 2019) – Starting off the night creeping out on stage was Summoner‘s Circle with matching robes and face paint, it was clear these guys carried a united front. They were there to be heard and be recognized.

Wolfheart – Copyright: Chris Hedden/Jaded Images Photography

Following them was Wolfheart. Standing front and center in the deep red stage lighting was front man Tuomas, with his flying V guitar, chain strap, and covered in tattoos. It was clear this band was there to hold their own. Speaking with bass player Lauri Silvonen after the show, I can tell this is a metal band I will be hearing from again soon.

Wolfheart – Copyright: Chris Hedden/Jaded Images Photography

Swallow the Sun – Copyright: Chris Hedden/Jaded Images Photography

All the way from Finland, Swallow the Sun came into Charlotte’s The Underground to make a statement. They were there to be remembered.
Out touring for their new album “When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light“, these guys showed everyone they were a force to be reckoned with. They were keeping the crowd in the palm of their hands with every single note and lyric.
Standing in the shadows of the red stage lights was lead singer Mikko Kotamaki, leading the band with his deep intense voice and earth shaking screams, with keyboard player Jaani Peuhu‘s vocals fitting in perfectly behind him. A hard hitting rhythm section keeping everything in place and perfeclty in time was bass player Matti Honkonem and drummer Juuso Raatikainen, who’s double bass skills was more than anyone could’ve expected. Last but not least, would be the guitar skills of Juha Raivio and Juho Raiha. Their harmonies and solos stole the show.
If death and doom metal is your music, this Finnish band is one to watch and keep an eye on. I’m sure we will be hearing songs like “Upon the Water” and “Firelights” echoing through North Carolina again very soon, with a crowd screaming for more every show.

Children of Bodom – Copyright: Chris Hedden/Jaded Images Photography

Last and far from least was the headliner Children of Bodom, who came out swinging with the mad guitar skill and vocals of Alexi Laiho, who’s hand went furiously down the fretboard all night. Also showing off his guitar abilities was fellow player and band member Daniel Freyberg. Spending his time singing back up and helping hold down the rhythm section on stage was bass player Henkka Blacksmith, who’s stage presence definitely couldn’t go unnoticed. From the back corner of the stage bringing up the rest of the rhythm section with his Pearl kit was drummer Jaska Raatikainen. His drum skills kept the show driving hard, working along with fellow member Jnne Wirman on keyboards and backing vocals right beside him.
If you want in your face metal, you need to find yourself up from at a Children of Bodom show soon. Keeping the crowd on the edge of their seat after everyone had been screaming and waiting for the light to go black and them walk on stage. If it wasn’t for my camera in hand, I’d of been up front moshing with everyone else.

Children of Bodom

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