Slayer’s Kerry King Calls Children of Bodom’s Alexi Laiho “a Guitar God”

Slayer end-of-level boss Kerry King is the latest to join the ever-growing chorus of notable metal musicians to praise the late Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom, Bodom After Midnight).

Laiho’s death was announced on January 4 of this year, although his family revealed he had died the previous week. He had suffered from long-term health issues and was only 41 years old.

Speaking to Metal Hammer for their new Laiho tribute issue, King says:

“Are You Dead Yet? was probably my favorite album by them. Even back then I was like, ‘This is the next dude, this is the next guitar hero.’ He’s one of those effortless guys that you watch and you’re like, ‘Fuck! I’ve been working all day and I can’t do that shit?’”

King also said that Children of Bodom were able to hold their own when opening for Slayer — a notoriously difficult task (Slayer fans are, uh, particular):

“They went down OK; I’ve seen people go out there and just fail miserably. Their setlist was on the heavier side, which is a smart thing to do when you’re opening for us. I was up there almost every night watching them. They’re fun to watch play and Alexi was a guitar god.”

Yesterday (February 4), Laiho’s widow, Kelli Wright-Laiho, shared photos of the private funeral service held in Alexi’s honor on January 28. You can view those here.

Laiho had been in the studio with his new band, Bodom After Midnight, shortly before his death. The results of those sessions are tentatively scheduled for release later this year on Napalm Records.