Those arriving fashionably tardy at Club Capitol witnessed a sight not often seen at Perth metal shows of late – even ones featuring international talent: a long line of punters outside the venue, waiting to get in. Inside it was packed, both upstairs and down, and the air hung thick with anticipation, body odour and the odd whiff of wacky tobacco.

Opening band Nothing turned out to be a trio of quite likeable thrashers. Hailing from Melbourne, they shredded their way through the opening set which was an odd mix of super-short but catchy thrash tunes and longer, more progressive ventures, with occasional vocals belted out by both guitarist and drummer. The crowd was feeling receptive and Nothing left a favourable impression, especially after that favourite opening band trick: mention the headliner to get a big cheer from the crowd.

An efficient roadie team set up the stage – how often do you see a crew in a venue as small as the Capitol with walkie-talkies? – for the band of the moment: Finnish metallers Children of Bodom. Touring in support of recently released album Blooddrunk, COB have played sold out venues around the country, with Perth – missed off the previous Australian outing in 2006 – the fifth and final show.

The anticipation that had been building since the doors unbolted exploded into a roar as members of one of the most popular metal bands of the moment ran on stage, opening with Sixpounder. Guitarist and singer Alexi Laiho, rhythm guitarist Roope Latvala, bassist Henkka Seppala, drummer Jaska Raatikainen and keyboardist Janne Wirman owned the small stage, ripping through tracks from Are You Dead Yet? and Hate Crew Deathroll as well as a few older numbers and some newer material, such the new album’s title track. Frontman Laiho proved that his shoulder injury – sustained in what was undoubtedly a very metal bowling alley accident a little over a year ago – had not affected his playing ability, showing off with some insanely fast fretwork – including some involving not only fingers but also his tongue – to much audience approval.

COB pulled out one crowd-pleaser after another, including classics like Silent Night Bodom Night and Follow the Reaper (both references to the infamous Finnish Lake Bodom murders from which the band take their name) and newer favourites like Living Dead Beat and Are You Dead Yet. And of course, shout-along anthem In Your Face was featured – because who can resist screaming out a lyric like “I don’t give a flying fuck, motherfucker”? Certainly no one present on Monday night.

A three song encore capped off the set and then it was time to go home. Many mosh pit participants were noticeably flagging during the last songs – all in all, Children of Bodom did indeed kick Perth’s collective arses.

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