Scandinavians just “get” metal. I don’t really understand it either, but the fact remains that they out-metal us Americans and always have. Maybe it’s the extreme cold, or perhaps the socialism. Whatever the case, Blooddrunk, by Finland’s Children of Bodom is just another example that proves we have nothing on them.

For longtime Bodom fans, allow me to proudly proclaim that Janne Warman and his phenomenal keyboard playing have returned. Not that he ever left, but every release since 2000’s Follow the Reaper has seen him disappear into the background. The keyboards don’t quite ride shotgun like they did on Bodom’s first two records; instead they act as a backseat driver. It’s a vast improvement over the guitar-guitar-guitar approach the band has used for the last two albums.

That said, lead singer and guitarist Alexi Laiho continues to be the star of the band. Having “plunged into an alcohol stupor that lasted several months” in 2005, as Blabbermouth put it, Alexi wrote songs that he described to Revolver magazine as “thrashier and faster” than the last record.

Certainly this “aggressive mood” that he was in is one reason — if not the reason — as to why Laiho’s voice has returned to its “classic” sound after having tried singing on the last two records. He hasn’t sounded this unintelligible since Reaper, and it’s fantastic. His voice has regained that tearing-paint-off-walls screech that may well be the signature of the band.

As for his guitar playing, his ability to craft memorable solos and creative riffs after five albums is astounding. The title track (and lead single) displays both aspects quite well. The superb riff stumbles around the drums like a drunk trying to dance, and the chorus sees the rest of the band join in on the action with a drunken gang shout of the chorus. The solo isn’t Laiho’s flashiest, but it does show that he can slow it down to fit a mid-tempo thrasher if need be.

While the album is solid and the songwriting as tight as ever, I still hold two grievances. Both are somewhat finicky, but I do believe that if fixed Blooddrunk would be even better. First, there’s the snare drum sound. Ever since Bodom started Americanizing their sound on 2003’s Hate Crew Deathroll, the snare drum pings, and it’s pretty damn irritating. The ping-y sound causes the snare to be drowned out in the mix under two guitars, bass and keyboards. I give drummer Jaska Raatikainen credit, though, because at least the snare isn’t the tin can that he played on Deathroll or 2005’s Are You Dead Yet?

Second, the track order needs to be adjusted slightly. The penultimate track, “Banned From Heaven,” should be moved to the final position. It’s a great way to sum the record up, which is what a final track should do. However, sitting second-to-last, it causes the album to slow down, only to be sped back up with the album’s last and fastest song, “Roadkill Morning.” Had the two been switched, “Banned” would allow the listener to achieve catharsis.

Nit-picking aside, Blooddrunk continues to prove that Children of Bodom is Finland’s best musical export and a ridiculously consistent band.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I believe I’ll pour myself another round.

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4 out of 5 stars