Not to be confused with the party/cover band of the same name, Atomic Annie are a southern hard rock band that was formed in Turku, Finland. The lineup consists of Benjamin Strömsund on lead vocals and harmonica, Eemeli Tammero on guitars and backing vocals, Robin Lindberg on guitars and backing vocals, Topi Lindqvist on bass guitar, and Santeri Kuokka on drums and backing vocals. They’re very reminiscent of Black Stone Cherry, another contemporary hard rock band with southern influences. Their songs deal with personal struggles, while also emphasizing a light at the end of the tunnel. Atomic Annie have a brand new studio album out now called, Guilt Trip (2025), which was released on streaming services and on vinyl. The album was recorded at Oxroad Studios in Marttila, Finland; and mixed by Tomi Uusitupa.
Guilt Trip is only 36 minutes long, meaning, it’s a very concise and straightforward listen. The album kicks off with “I Don’t Pray,” a swaggering track with a stomping groove. Lyrically, the protagonist is through with believing in a lost cause. The harmonica intro is reminiscent of The Black Crowes, an old-school rock ‘n’ roll band with southern influences. “Repaint the World” gives off modern country vibes, due to Strömsund’s soothing vocals and the song’s blossoming melodies. The chorus is really catchy and the guitar tone is nasty as heck. “20” is a slower, bluesy number with lots of groove and swagger. Picture a cowboy on a horse riding off into the sunset, escaping his former life and everything he’s ever known.
“All These Voices” is a fun rocker, despite the sad and disturbing subject matter, filled with fuzz guitar galore. The melodies are so tasteful and catchy that listeners will be headbanging throughout the whole song. The harmonica solo was also a nice touch and makes the song even more appealing. “Make Me Feel” is another fun rocker with catchy melodies and great lyrics. It’s got an underground feel that would work well live. “New Day Rising” gives off major Black Stone Cherry vibes and it’s awesome. Lyrically, the song is about hope; in the face of difficulty, the protagonist will come out stronger in the end.
The album’s production is incredible. The guitar tones are dirty and nasty, like old-school southern rock, the drums have a raw and unpolished sound that work well for the genre, and the vocals are excellent. Strömsund has a really good, commercial-sounding voice that sounds bizarrely American. That might be a blessing in disguise, given the band’s obvious interest in southern rock. One minor complaint is that some of the lyrics aren’t the greatest, especially the cliché opening line to “Degenerated.” “Dire Wolf” is not terrible, but it’s competing with the three bangers that came before it (“All These Voices,” “Make Me Feel,” and “New Day Rising”). Nonetheless, the good outweighs the bad and the album gets a score of 4 out 5 stars. For those interested in catchy, melodic, and groovy southern hard rock, give Atomic Annie’s Guilt Trip a chance!
Album Tracklist
1. I Don’t Pray
2. Repaint the World
3. I Am God
4. 20
5. Degenerated
6. All These Voices
7. Make Me Feel
8. New Day Rising
9. Dire Wolf
10. Golden Years
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Lana
Lana Teramae | Me, Myself and Time 
I am very impressed with Atomic Annie. Thank you for the introduction.
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Of course! Thanks for reading, Mike!
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