Roope Latvala of Children of Bodom is the First Guitar Hero in Finland

Back in the mid-80’s I used to listen to Stone, one of the very first and very potential thrash metal bands in Finland. Stone was different. They were so unique and pumped with adrenaline. Since the first moment I heard their “Get Stoned“, I was their true fanboy.

Roope Latvala of Children of Bodom used to play guitar in Stone before joining C.O.B. For sure he has had other projects as well, but these two are the flagships in his career. Roope Latvala is called the first guitar hero in Finland, and many guitar players consider him as an idol. No wonder why. Just like Alexi Laiho, Roope is very skillful with his guitar. Roope is a humble man and he doesn’t really care about his guitar hero reputation. According to Roope, the main point is to be able to make living by doing what he loves the most; playing metal music.

I have heard rumours that Stone is making a comeback. People say Roope is waking up the classic line-up of Stone and that they will release a new album soon. Stone toured last time 15 years ago, and guys haven’t been playing much. According to Soundi music magazine, Stone played together pretty well after a couple of rehearsals. Soundi continues by saying that Roope had some problems with solos, but otherwise the band played well together.

Oh boy.. I might see my childhood heroes live this summer because Stone is going to play in Jurassic Rock in August. When Alexander Kuoppala left C.O.B., I remember thinking “oh man, now this band is over“. Once again I was wrong, big time. I was pretty surprised as Roope Latvala joined the band. I realized that Children of Bodom couldn’t be more perfect. Just imagine having two best guitar players and the best keyboard player of my country in the same metal band. C.O.B. today is a perfect metal band with some great punk attitude.

Although Stone is making their comeback, Roope Latvala is still busy with C.O.B. This autumn C.O.B. will tour U.S., and after that they will tour in Europe together with Slipknot. Unfortunately Children of Bodom has no time to tour in their home country. Finland is just too little market for big metal bands like C.O.B.

Children of Bodom is known from their wild touring. Every night is a party night. Guys drink a lot and literately enjoy every minute. Imagine you playing in front of tens of thousands of people and drinking every night. It must be strange to come back home which is quiet and peaceful. What would you do? I would heal myself with a bottle of whiskey.

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