No, that headline’s not talking about Children of Bodom singer/shredder Alexi Laiho, but the band’s longtime rhythm guitarist Roope Latvala, who has been with them for the past 12 years. The band’s statement reads as follows:
Dear COB Hatecrew, we need to share something with you at this point. Our friend, brother, and a guitar player for 12 years, Roope, is no longer with the band. As we parted ways with no bad blood, we wish him nothing but the best and thank him for allowing us to share the last 12 years of our lives with him. Hope you know that this will not affect the upcoming shows or the new album as we recorded it as a four piece and it is already mixed, mastered, heavy as shit and ready to go! Enough said, See you soon!
The statement doesn’t specify details or reasons for the departure, but we can only assume that Latvala will dedicate his full time to his recently reunited speed/thrash metal band Stone. Meanwhile, Children of Bodom will proceed normally with their scheduled shows including Sweden Rock Festival, Hellfest and Graspop Metal Meeting.
[via Metal Injection]
