Mariano Regidor/RedfernsAlexi Laiho, frontman for the influential Finnish metal band Children of Bodom, has died. He was 41.
The news was announced in a statement posted to Laiho’s Instagram Monday morning, which reveals that the musician died last week in his home in Helsinki, Finland. No cause of death was given, but the post notes that Laiho had “suffered from long-term health issues during his last years.”
Laiho co-founded Children of Bodom in 1993 with drummer Jaska Raatikainen. Beloved in their native Finland, the group also made an impact in the U.S., inspiring countless metal bands to come.
Following Children of Bodom’s final concert in 2019, Laiho formed the band Bodom After Midnight. Music from Bodom After Midnight is set to be released posthumously.
In a statement, the remaining members of Bodom After Midnight say, “We are crushed by the sudden passing of our dear friend and band member. Words cannot describe this shock and the profound sadness that we feel.”
“Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father,” adds Laiho’s wife, Kelli Wright-Laiho. “Our hearts are eternally broken.”
According to statement from Laiho’s sister, his funeral will “take place privately.”
Members of the metal community have shared their condolences over Laiho’s passing. Here is a selection of the reactions:
Ex-Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman: “Absolutely gutted about Alexi Laiho`s very untimely passing. He had a lot more to left to say with his music.”
Lamb of God‘s Mark Morton: “Alexi Laiho was a monumental talent & a genuine, caring & thoughtful person. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Alexi.”
Trivium‘s Matt Heafy: “Rest In Peace to another musical hero. Without Children Of Bodom’s Something Wild, Hatebreeder, and Follow The Reaper — Trivium likely wouldn’t be here. You will be missed Alexi.”
By Josh Johnson
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