Alexi "Wildchild" Laiho (Markku Uula Aleksi Laiho), (Born April 8, 1979) is a composer and lead guitarist for the bands Children of Bodom (where he is also the vocalist), Sinergy and Kylähullut. He has also played with Thy Serpent and Impaled Nazarene on occasion, in addition to Warmen.
Originating from the town of Espoo, in Finland, Alexi began his musical training at an early age by learning the violin. However, influenced by the music his sister listened to (heavy metal music bands such as W.A.S.P., Poison and Stone), he ended up dropping the classical instrument at the age of 11, in favour of guitars. A taped live performace of Steve Vai's song "For the Love of God" (from the Passion and Warfare album) was especially influential in Alexi's decison to become a guitarist. He then began taking lessons at the Finnish Pop & Jazz Conservatorio in order to study the instrument. At the conservatory he also studied the piano. The development of his playing style was heavily influenced by Stone's Roope Latvala (who many years later became his bandmate in Sinergy and then in Children of Bodom). His vocal influences came mostly from Phil Anselmo (from Pantera) and Mille Petrozza (from Kreator).
Myspace Layouts at Pimp-My-Profile.com / Dark Pentagram
