ALEXI LAIHO WAS A TRUE ONE-OFF

A GUITAR MAVERICK. A wildchild. A beloved brother of the metal scene. We had barely sat at our desks to get back to work after Christmas when we were rocked by the news of his passing. I had, quite literally, only been jamming some Children Of Bodom the day before - marvelling, as ever, at his incredible ability with a guitar in his hand, but also at his amazing talent as a songwriter. Children Of Bodom songs didn’t just get stuck in your brain - they helped to define a whole era of heavy music for millions of metal fans around the world.

It always stings when we lose one of our own, but it’s hard to make sense of Alexi no longer being with us. Forty-one really is no age at all, and it reminds us once again that we can never count our tomorrows, and we must try and make the most of what we have.

It was a no-brainer to dedicate this month’s cover to Alexi, and judging by the tributes and anecdotes you’ll read about in this pages, it’s safe to say his is a legacy that will last for many years yet. Thanks to everyone who contributed, and a particular shout out to Dannii Leivers for her lovingly written, emotional feature.

This ones for you, Alexi. We lost you way too soon, but it was one hell of a ride.

Stay safe, everyone.