It seems that no big metal band ever breaks up forever, and Children Of Bodom lent credence to that theory last month. Seven years after their split and six after the death of founder/singer/guitarist Alexi Laiho, the Finnish neoclassical death metal heroes returned for two celebratory shows at Helsinki’s Tavastia club: the venue that became their home away from home during their two-decade career. As exciting as the news was, there was obviously a gaping hole at the centre of the lineup, and the duty of filling it was placed on Samy Elbanna, frontman of thrash metal band (and Bodom’s countrymen) Lost Society.
On paper, Samy was the perfect pick, his band having toured with Bodom multiple times since 2013 and both his screaming and shredding skills being undeniable. By all accounts, he proved himself during the performances, which unsurprisingly sold out. Footage has widely circulated online and there’s many impressed comments underneath each clip you’ll see. As Lost Society embarked on their own European tour at the start of March, we caught up with Samy to talk about his journey into the Bodom ranks, his history with the band and what the future of their second stint looks like.
