Is Hatebreeder a good place to start with Children of Bodom?

Yes, Hatebreeder is recommended as a starting point for new Children of Bodom listeners. Fierce melodic death metal blends razor-sharp riffs with symphonic elements, creating a sound both aggressive and hauntingly beautiful. Hatebreeder is Children of Bodom's second album, released in 1999 following their debut, Something Wild. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to solidify their unique sound that combines elements of black metal and classical themes, positioning them as key players in the melodic death metal scene.

Who is Hatebreeder for?

Hatebreeder works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, dynamic emotional journeys and immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Hatebreeder?

Hatebreeder has 9 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Hatebreeder

Children of Bodom · 1999

38 min · 9 tracks · melodic death metal

Fierce melodic death metal blends razor-sharp riffs with symphonic elements, creating a sound both aggressive and hauntingly beautiful.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Warheart Start here — Opening with relentless energy, this track showcases the band's signature blend of aggression and melody, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Silent Night, Bodom Night — This song combines a Christmas-themed narrative with brutal instrumentation, exemplifying the band's ability to merge unexpected themes with heavy music.
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Hatebreeder — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its intense riffs and emotive lyrics, reflecting both personal struggles and broader themes of despair.
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Bed of Razors — With its haunting melodies and lyrical depth, this track highlights the band's skill in crafting emotionally resonant songs within a heavy framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and distinctive sound while maintaining cohesion throughout its tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track featuring rapid guitar riffs and aggressive drumming, setting a high-energy tone.
Each song typically features dual guitar harmonies that intertwine with melodic keyboard lines, creating a rich sonic texture.
Several tracks incorporate tempo changes, shifting from intense blast beats to slower, more melodic sections, enhancing emotional impact.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
dynamic emotional journeys
immersive listening sessions
melodic hooks for engagement

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established the band's reputation and showcased their unique sound.
Themes: Christmas horror· personal despair· melodic aggression
Career context: Hatebreeder is Children of Bodom's second album, released in 1999 following their debut, Something Wild. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to solidify their unique sound that combines elements of black metal and classical themes, positioning them as key players in the melodic death metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Insomnium· Dark Tranquillity· Amon Amarth