Born as Markku Uula Aleksi Laiho on April 8th, 1979 in Espoo, Finland, Alexi “WildChild” Laiho started Children of Bodom in 1993 with drummer and childhood friend Jaska Raatikainen under the name IneartheD, gaining influence from bands such as Entombed and Obituary. After four years, 3 demos, a self-financed album, and various lineup changes (including the introduction of keyboardist Janne Wirman and bassist Henkka Seppälä), IneartheD signed to Finnish record label Spinefarm Records. They were required to change their name upon signing, and after searching through a phone book for inspiration, the band settled on the name Children of Bodom, derived from the story of the Lake Bodom murders.
After opening for Dimmu Borgir to promote the re-release of Something Wild, Children of Bodom inked a European-wide distribution deal with well known metal label Nuclear Blast. Since that time, Children of Bodom have released five albums, adding rhythm guitarist Roope Latvala in 2004 and extending their fan base to the U.S. with the 2005 album Are You Dead Yet? and 2008 album Blooddrunk. With these releases, Children of Bodom ventured on major tours such as Slayer’s 2006 Unholy Alliance Tour, as well as headlining and landing mainstage slots on various large festivals.
Children of Bodom are known for performing a wide array of covers, ranging from traditional metal acts such as Iron Maiden and King Diamond, to punk bands such as The Ramones and Billy Idol, as well as venturing into more obscure territory with their popular cover of Brittany Spears’ Oops…I Did It Again, and classic artists such as Kenny Rogers and Creedence Clearwater Revival (both of which can be attributed to the bands mutual love for the film The Big Lebowski). The vast numbers of covers displays the band’s dedication to their diverse influences, as well as their quirky sense of humor, and were collected together on the 2009 album Skeletons in the Closet.
Alexi Laiho has gained notable recognition in the metal community for his advanced skill as a guitarist, being ranked as one of the 50 fastest guitarists of all time by Guitar World magazine; and gaining praise from legends such as Kirk Hammet of Metallica and John Petrucci of Dream Theater.
Throughout Children of Bodom’s career, Alexi Laiho has maintained a relationship with vocalist and Sinergy band mate Kimberly Goss, whom he previously dated, married, and subsequently split with, although the two are still good friends.
Children of Bodom recently finished a tour with Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society, as well as the recording for their forthcoming album, titled Relentless Reckless Forever, which is set to be released in March of 2011.