Jaska Raatikainen Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Children of Bodom Drummer | MetalForge
Jaska Raatikainen (born July 18, 1979, in Espoo, Finland) was the drummer and co-founder of Finnish melodic death metal band Children of Bodom, formed in 1993 (originally as Inearthed). Alongside the late Alexi Laiho (1979-2020), Raatikainen helped create the band's signature sound that blended neoclassical melodies with aggressive death metal. Children of Bodom became one of Finland's most successful metal exports, selling over 2 million albums worldwide. Raatikainen's drumming combined blast beats, complex double bass patterns, and progressive elements that complemented Laiho's virtuosic guitar work. The band announced their dissolution in 2019 after 26 years together. Following Alexi Laiho's tragic death in December 2020, Children of Bodom's legacy became permanently sealed in metal history.
Complete biography of Jaska Raatikainen, Children of Bodom co-founder and drummer. Explore his 26-year career, neoclassical metal style, and legacy in Finnish metal.
Jaska Raatikainen Biography
Jaska Raatikainen (born July 18, 1979, in Espoo, Finland) was the drummer and co-founder of Finnish melodic death metal band Children of Bodom, formed in 1993 (originally as Inearthed). Alongside the late Alexi Laiho (1979-2020), Raatikainen helped create the band's signature sound that blended neoclassical melodies with aggressive death metal.
Children of Bodom became one of Finland's most successful metal exports, selling over 2 million albums worldwide. Raatikainen's drumming combined blast beats, complex double bass patterns, and progressive elements that complemented Laiho's virtuosic guitar work. The band announced their dissolution in 2019 after 26 years together. Following Alexi Laiho's tragic death in December 2020, Children of Bodom's legacy became permanently sealed in metal history.
Career Highlights
- 1993: Co-founded Inearthed (later Children of Bodom) with Alexi Laiho in Espoo, Finland
- 1997: Band renamed to Children of Bodom; released debut "Something Wild"
- 1999: Released "Hatebreeder," establishing international recognition
- 2000: Released "Follow the Reaper," breakthrough album
- 2003: Released "Hate Crew Deathroll," commercial peak
- 2005: Released "Are You Dead Yet?," mainstream success
- 2008: Released "Blooddrunk," continued evolution
- 2013: Released "Halo of Blood," return to melodic roots
- 2015: Released "I Worship Chaos," continued evolution
- 2019: Released "Hexed," final Children of Bodom album; band dissolution announced
- 2020: December 29: Alexi Laiho passes away; Children of Bodom legacy sealed
Style & Influences
Jaska Raatikainen's drumming style perfectly complemented Children of Bodom's unique blend of neoclassical melodic death metal. His playing featured intricate double bass patterns, precise blast beats, and a musical sensibility that supported Alexi Laiho's guitar virtuosity.
Key Influences:
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal foundation
- Pete Sandoval (Morbid Angel): Death metal intensity
- Vinnie Paul (Pantera): Groove and power
- Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden): Galloping patterns
- Finnish metal scene: Power metal influences
Signature Techniques:
- Melodic death metal precision: Clean execution at high speeds
- Neoclassical-complementary patterns: Drums that enhance keyboard and guitar melodies
- Double bass musicality: Kick patterns that follow melodic contours
- Dynamic control: Ability to shift between intense and atmospheric moments
- Consistent live performance: Reliability across extensive touring
Gear Highlights
Jaska Raatikainen was a Pearl Drums endorser for much of Children of Bodom's career. His setup was built for the demanding requirements of the band's complex, high-energy material.
Setup (Final Children of Bodom Era):
- Drums: Pearl Masters Premium Maple (custom finish)
- Snare: Pearl Masters 14"x5.5" Maple
- Cymbals: Zildjian A Custom & K Custom Series (14" A Custom Hi-Hats, 17"/18" A Custom Crashes, 20" K Custom Ride)
- Hardware: Pearl Eliminator double pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth 5B
- Heads: Remo Emperor/Ambassador
Setup Philosophy:
- Built for endurance during long, technically demanding sets
- Maple shells for warmth and projection
- Consistent configuration for muscle memory
- Reliable hardware for extensive touring