CHILDREN OF BODOM

Finland's CHILDREN OF BODOM are tentatively scheduled to release a new DVD/DVD-Audio EP in May/June.

The set will reportedly include the group's video for “Sixpounder” as well as footage of the band taking the viewers on a tour of Helsinki's “cool and important” places. In addition, two brand-new audio tracks will be included as well as possibly two cover songs, one of which is said to have been originally written and recorded by a “very famous and legendary punk band.”

Current CHILDREN OF BODOM “fill-in” guitarist Roope Latvala (SINERGY, ex-STONE) will remain in the band throughout the spring and summer and possibly beyond as well. At the moment, his last confirmed show with the group is scheduled to take place in late summer at the band's final festival appearance of the touring season.

“We are not really discussing Roope's situation too much at the moment,” keyboardist Janne Wirman told Sonera Plaza Kaista. “He will play all the CHILDREN OF BODOM shows until the end of summer. We'll see what happens after that.”

CHILDREN OF BODOM have also commenced the songwriting process for their next studio album, which they expect to record in November/December. A February/March 2005 release through Spinefarm Records is expected.

In related news, Latvala and CHILDREN OF BODOM guitarist/vocalist Alexi Laiho are tentatively scheduled to enter Wirman's Beyond Abilities studio in March to begin recording the new SINERGY album, due in late 2004 through Nuclear Blast Records. No further information is available at this time.

CHILDREN OF BODOM will embark on a North American tour with ICED EARTH beginning on April 18.

January 31. 2004