The acclaimed guitarist’s bandmates from his other group, Bodom After Midnight announced the sad news in a statement.

“It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Alexi Laiho,” they said. “We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken for the sudden loss of our dear friend and band member.”

According to a press release, Laiho “suffered from long-term health issues during his last years.” He passed away at his home in Helsinki last week and no cause of death has been confirmed.

“Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father. Our hearts are eternally broken,” his wife Kelli Wright-Laiho said.

“We are crushed by the sudden passing of our dear friend and band member. Words cannot describe this shock and the profound sadness that we feel,” said his Bodom After Midnight bandmates Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen (via Instagram).

Laiho’s sister said the family are “devastated” by the passing.

“We are all absolutely shocked and devastated. We ask for privacy and understanding during these hard times. My little brother’s funeral will take place privately,” she said per the statement.

Children Of Bodom was founded by Laiho in 1993 before they disbanded in 2019.

Tributes have been pouring in for the musician as fellow artists pay their respects to Laiho, his talent and career.

“I’m speechless… R.I.P. Alexi Laiho,” guitarist Michael Arnott of Arch Enemy fame tweeted.

Alex Skolnick of Testament, said Laiho “created new possibilities in extreme metal with technically sophisticated solos that held their own alongside the best in more popularised metal genres.” (per The Guardian.)

Finnish band, Sonata Arctica wrote: “We are sad to hear of Alexi Laiho passing. You were a great musician and a real guitar hero. You will be remembered. Our thoughts are with you and your family.”

Greek heavy metal guitarist, Gus G said that Laiho was one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, tweeting: “R.I.P. Alexi Laiho. It’s devastating to hear the news. One of the greatest guitarists of my generation is gone way too soon. This photo is from the day we met. It was in Tokyo summer 2003, for the cover of Young Guitar magazine. It was my first major cover shoot, so…”

Mark Morton from the band Lamb of God tweeted: “Alexi Laiho was a monumental talent & a genuine, caring & thoughtful person. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Alexi.”

Three songs and a music video recorded by Laiho with Bodom After Midnight are set to be released posthumously.