Translation of the entire interview. Google Translator mostly, but whenever it went too far from the real meaning I edited it to make it understandable. Should be fine/understandable now, except for the occasionally horrible grammar.
Finnish extreme metal band Children of Bodom made a secret gig in Helsinki on 30 May in Nosturi just days after the band announced that Roope Latvala is no longer a part of the band.
Latvala (p. 1970) was replaced in the six-song concert of Children of Bodom by keyboardist Janne Wirman's (p. 1979), little brother Antti Wirman (p. 1982).
"As an experience the secret gig was absolutely great. When it all pro atmosphere (
) [professional] all fumbling and stressing exits and you are able to concentrate on playing perfectly well.", Says Antti Wirman.
Big Brother Janne Wirman revealed to Helsingin Sanomat that the decision to Roope's departure was made as early as March. They did not want to tell the public, so that the new album studio work is not disturbed. Now the disc is finalized except for mastering.
"The album was written for two guitars, and we made a decision that Alexi [Children of Bodom guitarist, songwriter and vocalist Alexi Laiho] plays both guitarists shares in the studio."
In the background was the change in the band's mode of operation.
"We changed the manager and we wanted to do Bodom again at full speed. Others found the enthusiasm of youth on the turn, but felt that Roope was no longer wholly in on it."
Roope Latvala played in Children of Bodom for 12 years. He rose from the public a long time before Bodom in the 1980s, Stone-band. Outright dismissal was not the case according to Janne, but the decision was reached mutually due to time related reasons.
"We're in good relations, but this is the decision we came up with."
Children of Bodom still wants to play gigs with two guitarists.
"We had to think about the guitarists familiar to us and a man who knows how to play those songs. We ended up with my little brother Antti during this summer gigs. Any other is not currently agreed upon."
Antti has played in the past in, for example, Craydawn-, Battagia- and The The Scourger band. He still plays with his brother Warmen-band one project at a time.
"Even as a child I got lessons from Alexi [Alexi Laiholta], and this fit my life situation perfectly. I checked the familiar songs CDs and we went with Allu through the rest on the way he wanted them to be played. Next week will start in Sweden and the last agreed Bodom gig on 1 August in Kuopio "Antti Wirman says.
Antti Wirman is also a new own band No Man's Land, which will make their first gig in August 14 On the Rocks. "It's a more traditional rock," he says.
Does your band prevent joining Bodom, if you receive an invitation to the autumn gigs or even a permanent member?
"My band members have encouraged the summer Bodom gigs. We'll need to figure it out if a question comes."
Alexi Laiho commented as follows Bodom's new disc Helsingin Sanomat this week with enthusiasm just a bit before Latvala's departure was announced.
"It's a hell of a lot darker and better than the previous record."
What with the previous disc (Halo Of Blood 2013) went wrong?
"I was satisfied with it too. This, however, sounds even better."
What is your favorite Bodom-production? The one now under mastering?
"It is about only after mastering. Can't know until mastering's done. It also varies."