Jaska Raatikainen

Jaska Raatikainen is a Finnish drummer, best known as the co-founder and drummer of the melodic death metal band Children of Bodom. He played with the band from its inception in 1993 until its dissolution in 2019, and he remains the sole original member in the band's 2026 reunion tribute show. Raatikainen is also involved in the project Mercury Circle, and he is recognized for his neoclassical metal drumming style. [edit]

Jaska W. Raatikainen was born on July 18, 1979, in Lappeenranta, Finland. He started playing drums at the age of twelve, showing an early passion for rhythm and metal music. In 1993, at just 14, he co-founded Children of Bodom with guitarist Alexi Laiho, which would become his musical home for the next 26 years. [edit]

Children of Bodom released their debut album in 1997, and Raatikainen's drumming became a cornerstone of their sound. The band's blend of melodic death metal and neoclassical elements gained international fame. They released ten studio albums, toured worldwide, and headlined major festivals. Raatikainen exclusively used Pearl drums and Meinl cymbals, contributing to his powerful and precise style.

After the band disbanded in 2019, Raatikainen joined the project Mercury Circle. In 2026, he participated in a one-off reunion tribute show for the late Alexi Laiho, making him the only original member on stage. [edit]

Raatikainen is respected in the metal community for his technical skill and consistent drumming. He maintains a modest social media presence, with over 8,000 Instagram followers, where he shares glimpses of his life and activities, like ice skating. His dedication to his craft and his role in Children of Bodom have earned him a loyal fanbase. [edit]

Jaska Raatikainen does not currently hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list within the iFANN rankings. The system has evaluated his standing but found no numeric rank to assign at this time. While he remains the rhythmic anchor of one of Finland's most enduring metal acts, the data reflects that he is not ranked among the world's top-tier celebrities by current global metrics. His fanbase has no formal name; fans operate under the collective identity of Children of Bodom fans, often referred to as "Bodomers" in broader metal communities, rather than a distinct subgroup named after the drummer. There are no documented records of fan campaigns, chart pushes, birthday billboards, or charity drives specifically organized in Jaska's name, nor are there details regarding unique fan rituals centered solely on him. He maintains an open line of communication through social media, notably using his Facebook page to announce personal health updates, such as his full recovery from three prolapsed discs in his lower back during a period when he was unable to perform. His musical contributions include providing backing vocals on tracks like "Warheart," "Black Widow," and the title track "Children of Bodom" from the album Hatebreeder. The band's reunion and tribute efforts have been driven by general fan wishes rather than specific individual projects targeting the drummer. Most recently, it was confirmed that surviving members, including Jaska, will reunite for a tribute concert to Alexi Laiho in February 2026, fulfilling a long-standing wish of the fans.[edit]

Raatikainen started drumming at age 12, inspired by metal and rock music. He is known for his signature Pearl drums and Meinl cymbals, which he has used throughout his career. He also appeared in a few films, including 'Big Bang' (1998) and 'Siamin tytöt' (2001). A recurring point of interest for fans is his classical training; unlike many extreme metal drummers, he began playing piano at a very young age and later studied the French horn before switching to drums. This background is often cited as a factor in his technical precision. In late 2019/early 2020, he suffered from three prolapsed discs in his lower back, which forced him out of touring. He publicly announced his full recovery via Facebook, marking a significant return to form. Jaska was part of the original lineup that disbanded in 2019 following the death of frontman Alexi Laiho. The final show took place on December 15, 2019. Following this, rumors and legal clarifications ensued regarding the band's rights, with former members confirming they owned the rights to the name. Most recently, it was confirmed that surviving members, including Jaska, will reunite for a tribute concert to Alexi Laiho in February 2026, fulfilling a long-standing wish of the fans. Additionally, the band has announced plans to co-headline Finland's Tuska Festival in July 2027.[edit]

Details about Raatikainen's family are not widely public. He keeps his personal life private, and no information about parents, siblings, or children is available in public sources. [edit]

Raatikainen is closely associated with Alexi Laiho, the late frontman of Children of Bodom, and other band members like bassist Samuli Miettinen. He is also linked to the project Mercury Circle. [edit]

Jaska Raatikainen keeps his personal life private, and no public information about his relationships is available. [edit]

iFANN's editorial research traces Jaska Raatikainen's income streams to his decades-long tenure as a drummer, encompassing album sales, touring revenue, and merchandise tied to Children of Bodom. While the band achieved significant commercial success, no public total documents his personal net worth as of 2026. The iFANN Editorial Team notes that his earnings likely reflect the modest but steady trajectory typical for founding members of extreme metal acts who prioritize artistic continuity over mainstream pop exposure.[edit]