The Mother of Thunder… If there’s one thing you definitely can’t accuse these Swedish women of, it’s not writing music or being inactive. Despite setbacks, a full reset with the departure of three members, and of course, the joyful moments—pregnancy and bringing a child into the world—the electrifying Filippa Nässil releases yet another album with the band she started in 2009.
One thing is certain: when it comes to choosing a singer, she hit the jackpot with the multi-talented Linnea Vikström Egg, whose resume reads like a phone directory (Kamelot, Therion, Dynazty) and whose experience is rarely found in the European rock scene. With “wildcat” Maisan Lindberg on bass and the powerhouse Joan Massing on drums—but most importantly, armed with solid compositions—“Dirty & Divine” adds the best yet to Thundermother’s discography, at least until the next album.
Once again, I have to mention Linnea, because her voice and delivery can support every style dictated by Filippa’s golden Gibson Explorer. If I were to compare her to her two predecessors, Guernica Mancini and Clare Cunningham, I’d say she resembles the latter more. She has the grit and attitude, but also the warmth needed for melody and emotional expression in a song. Because in music—and especially in rock ‘n’ roll—emotion is king. It’s not something you learn; it comes straight from the heart and soul.
Absolute highlight: “Speaking of the Devil”…
