Children of Bodom's first release under their new name was the split single "Children of Bodom", released in January 1997. Their debut album Something Wild followed later the same year. 1999 saw the release of two Children of Bodom albums: their second studio album, Hatebreeder, and their first live album, titled Tokyo Warhearts.
In 2001 they released their third studio album, Follow the Reaper, which included the successful single "Hate Me!". Follow the Reaper was the first Children of Bodom album to go gold in their home country of Finland.
After renewing their contract with Spinefarm Records, thereby gaining the support of the major recording company Universal Music Group, the band recorded their fourth studio album Hate Crew Deathroll, which was released in 2003 to considerable commercial success. Hate Crew Deathroll was the first Children of Bodom album to 'simplify' their heavy metal in order to have a broader appeal: the guitars used more heavy riffs than their earlier releases, it had emphasis on a clear musical structure and the instrumental virtuosity had been significantly reduced.[9]
Rhythm guitarist Alexander Kuoppala left the band during the tours following Hate Crew Deathroll, and was replaced with Roope Latvala of Stone fame. On their fifth studio album, released in 2005 as Are You Dead Yet?, the band continued to explore the traits exhibited on Hate Crew Deathroll. The album received mixed reviews,[10] with some critics praising the new sound, while others criticised it for being too "simple". Blooddrunk, was released in April 2008. The album Relentless Reckless Forever was released in March 2011 while they were on The Ugly World Tour 2011.
As of 2009, Children of Bodom have sold over two million records worldwide, including over 200,000 in Finland[12] and over 500,000 in the United States.[13]
a. ^ Extended version of single under the same title. Despite being released as a CD/DVD, Trashed, Lost & Strungout charted on the Finnish Singles Chart.[41]
c. ^ Released only in the United Kingdom and Finland. Despite being released as an EP, Hellhounds on My Trail charted on the Finnish Singles Chart.[41]
