CHILDREN OF BODOM Bassist Talks About The Rise In Popularity Of Extreme Metal In The U.S.

CHILDREN OF BODOM bassist Henkka Blacksmith spoke with the Dallas Music Guide about the recent developments in the Finnish murder case that inspired the band's name, touring logistics for European bands, and how tricky covering IRON MAIDEN is. Asked about the recent rise in the popularity of extreme and black metal here in the States, with bands such as DIMMU BORGIR and CRADLE OF FILTH landing spots on Ozzfest, Blacksmith replied, "People in Europe have been thinking, 'Why is it so difficult for extreme bands to come overseas to America?' It's been very difficult to for many years now. For example, DIMMU BORGIR and CRADLE OF FILTH have been big in Europe and kind of mainstream — well, not mainstream, but very big — so I think now is just about the time that it’s happening here, too. I don’t know why it's right now, but I think it's eventually going to be like [it is in Europe]."

With regards to some of the more noticeable differences in the ways that audiences react to CHILDREN OF BODOM's music at live concerts, Henkka said, "Usually, the more south you go, the more aggressive and crazy people go. The more north you go, the more people are like [crosses arms and makes a stern face] and are only watching. For example, in Scandinavia, and especially Finland, people are more watchers. Unless they're drunk. And usually people are drunk when they go to concerts in Finland. Then you go to South America, and they’re totally crazy. It's great to play with that kind of crowd, because it gives you a lot of energy onstage as well. In America, there are all kinds of crowds. It depends on the area."

Read Blacksmith's entire interview with the Dallas Music Guide at this location.