Loud and Alive

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-energy track "Loud and Alive" by Thundermother from their 2020 album Heat Wave, a song that’s perfect for the Zoo Freaks craving some classic rock swagger. This opener sets the tone for the album with its riff-laden, AC/DC-inspired sound and Guernica Mancini’s commanding vocals, urging listeners to "crank up the gain" and join the rock 'n' roll ride. In a 2020 review, Great Music Stories described it as a "high octane-pace" track that hits the ground running in under two minutes, built for live performances where fans can scream along to the "Follow me" chorus. The song’s infectious energy was crafted to capture the band’s live show vibe, with drummer Emlee Johansson laying down a relentless beat that makes it impossible to sit still. It’s no surprise this track was chosen to kick off Heat Wave, as it embodies the band’s mission to deliver unapologetic, fist-raising rock.

One juicy tidbit about "Loud and Alive" comes from the band’s recording process. In an interview with Sleaze Roxx, vocalist Guernica Mancini revealed that the album, including this track, was recorded in just three weeks, a testament to the chemistry of the newly formed lineup. The song’s raw power was enhanced by producer Soren Andersen, whose work with legends like Glenn Hughes brought a polished yet gritty edge. Filippa Nässil, the band’s founder and guitarist, noted in a GRIMM Gent review that the song’s "Follow me" hook was designed to drag listeners into the album’s world, making it a perfect anthem for their live shows. Fans on Thundermother’s Facebook have echoed this, often posting about how the song’s driving rhythm and sing-along chorus got them headbanging during the band’s 2020 Heat Wave Tour, despite pandemic challenges.

Thundermother was born in 2009 in Växjö, Sweden, founded by guitarist Filippa Nässil, who remains the band’s driving force. As detailed on their official website, Nässil started the band with a vision to channel the raw energy of classic rock bands like AC/DC and Motörhead while adding a modern twist. The early years saw the band gigging relentlessly, building a cult following after their debut at Gothenburg Rockfest in 2012. Their first album, Rock ‘N’ Roll Disaster (2014), hit #36 in Sweden, blending psychedelic influences with hard rock grit. A major turning point came in 2017 when Nässil faced a near-total band breakup, with all members except her departing. Undeterred, she rebuilt Thundermother with new members, including powerhouse vocalist Guernica Mancini, whose bluesy growl elevated their sound. This lineup, solidified with bassist Majsan Lindberg and drummer Emlee Johansson, propelled the band to new heights, with Heat Wave charting at #6 in Germany, as noted by AFM Records.

The band’s journey hasn’t been without challenges, but their resilience shines through. A 2018 Great Music Stories interview, conducted on a train in Sweden, captured Nässil’s determination to keep rocking despite lineup changes. Their Instagram posts often highlight their gritty, fun-loving spirit, from tour bus shenanigans to stage dives. Fans can connect with Thundermother on their official social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share tour updates and behind-the-scenes moments. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the Thundermother Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where fans swap concert stories and celebrate the band’s electrifying performances. While no official fan websites stand out, the band’s presence on platforms like Metal Storm offers a space for hard rock enthusiasts to discover their music and join the growing legion of supporters.