Earlier this month, Children of Bodom announced the departure of three original members: drummer Jaska Raatikainen, bassist Henkka T. Blacksmith, and keyboardist Janne Wirman. This left frontman, Alexi Laiho on the search for new members, however a new obstacle has arose.
In a new article by Finnish music magazine Soundi, apparently Raatikainen, Seppälä and Wirman all own the rights to the name “Children of Bodom” under a company called, AA & Sewira Consulting Oy. Back on June 28th, the three members filed an application with the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland, and had their application granted for a five-year period starting on October 1st. Unfortunately for Laiho, this means he cannot perform under the name, “Children of Bodom.”
Laiho admitted to Soundi that “it might not be a good idea” legally to continue with the band name and knew he would lose the rights once he signed out of the company.
“When I signed out of that company, I knew I was going to lose that name. I understand that the other lads are gonna continue making music, so I do not quite understand why they would like to keep the name, but if they want to, they should.”
“It may be that the name of our new lineup needs to be tweaked a bit in some direction. Or maybe it could be just Bodom or the name of one of our songs. But it must be a name that suggests that it is the same.”
The guitarist spoke with Helsingin Sanomat that the band was not getting along for quite some time and almost disbanded during their Russian trek.
“The original decision [to end the band in its current form] came when the other guys said they just couldn’t do it anymore. There were family reasons for it. I respect their decision. I myself have a wife and stepdaughter in Australia, and my wife understands my lifestyle. I’m pretty much gone [most of the time], but always I come back and I give them my all. Nothing is more important to me.”
“We fought a lot within the band, and I can honestly admit that those fights were mainly my fault. They always started with some misunderstanding.”
The legality of the band name has not stopped Laiho from his search for new bandmates, as he already has chosen a bassist and drummer. He plans on having the band together by next spring. Former keyboardist, Janne Wirman would not comment on this matter.
“We will not comment further on this subject at this time. More information will come once the gigs in Finland have been played.”
As for their upcoming shows in Finland, there will be no unnecessary drama and the band will do their best to have fun for one last time.
“You have to be a professional. You can’t show negative personal feelings on stage. As before, we will do our best to have fun and enjoy playing some good music.”
Children of Bodom stopped by New York City back in May and we were able to cover the event. Check it out here.
