Thundermother – ‘Dirty & Divine’

Heavy Rock

AFM Records

Release Date – February 7th 2025

Review By Smudge Smith

You’ve got to give it to the Thundermother herself Filippa Nassil. She formed the band in 2009 and went through a few line-up changes along the way then in 2023 she was left alone – literally – as the other three members decided to leave. Not to be deterred she garnered the services of probably the best gang of thunderous mothers to continue the band and here is the proof. Oh, and congratulations to Filippa because she gave birth during the recording of this album. Making her a real Thundermother!

Opener ‘So Close’ is a perfect way to start. It’s loose and lethal and immediately shows the skills of singer Linnea Vikstrom Egg. Boy, has she got some pipes and a proper attitude too. Nassil grinds out a simple AC/DC like riff as the rhythm section of the returning Majsan Lindberg and new drummer Joan Massing lock into a punchy groove. ‘Can’t Put Out The Fire’ rolls like a stone and has it’s stiletto heels firmly stuck in some sleaze before the raw rock n roll of ‘Speaking Of The Devil’ brings more of that attitude. ‘Feeling Alright’ has shades of other songs and brings a different side to Vikstrom Egg’s voice. It’s melodic pop-metal with a catchy melody and perfect for radio (yeah, a bit like ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar but who cares!) ‘Take The Power’ goes hell for leather thanks to a driving rhythm from Massing and Lindberg.

Vikstrom Egg gives it large too and tells you about yourself make no mistake. ‘I Left My License In The Future’ – if you haven’t heard this number I urge you to because its an absolute banger and destined to be a classic. It’s dumb ass, no holds barred, middle finger in the air rock n roll. Yeah, it’s AC/DC to the core but I guarantee you will nod your head from the start, and you’ll be punching the air and throwing your horns from the first chorus! ‘Dead Or Alive’ eases back on the throttle with a bluesy rocker then we get some Kiss like stomping stadium rock on ‘Can You Feel’ then it’s some glam on ‘Bright Eyes’. Final cut ‘American Adrenaline’ gives us a whole loada Van Halen and is another that’s sure to be well played and a live favourite – hopefully!

I’ll admit when I first listened to this, I’d had a poxy day and wasn’t really in the mood to do anything, but I have a deadline to meet. After spinning this a couple of times, I was a changed man (a couple of beers helped too). There’s nothing like a good dose of heavy rock n roll to raise your spirits. Job done – thank you.