Emerging Artist Reviews

Album Review: Atomic Annie "Guilt Trip"

by The Metalverse

Updated December 18, 2025

Tracklist:

I Don’t Pray
Repaint The World
I Am God
20
Degenerated
All These Voices
Make Me Feel
New Day Rising
Dire Wolf
Golden Years

Finnish rock act, Atomic Annie, recently unleashed their latest album, Guilt Trip. The band delves into themes of personal struggle, using music as an outlet to speak about difficulties and to transform negative moments into something positive through music.

The 10-track LP begins with I Don't Pray as it introduces itself with screeching dissonance before a soaring harmonica and fuzzy, doom-metal esque riffs sludge through the mix. Atomic Annie quickly showcases southern rock influences before powerful singing is introduced, adding an element of classic hard rock and alternative grunge. Melodic guitar rhythms are contrasted by bright guitar leads as fierce singing transforms from strong verses into anthemic choruses. A blistering guitar solo leads back into full action before the song fades out.

Next is Repaint the World, which comes to life with alternated dramatic guitar chugs and tremolo picking before slowing things down with gentle singing and ambient, echoing clean guitar. Suddenly, the song bursts into an infectious chorus that showcases my favorite vocal hook of the album so far. Atomic Annie does an incredible job of creating a sound that makes you reminisce upon the hard rock and grunge greats of the 80s and 90s while still having modern production and adding their own souther twist to the mix.

I Am God starts with lofi guitar and drums that gradually increase in volume before launching into full intensity. The song does an excellent job of building up as isolated vocals and drums create an intentional emptiness as guitar melodies are slowly added, creating a growing sense of anticipation that catapults the listener into another one of the most addictive choruses of the album. I Am God is another one of the standout tracks that has a stadium-ready chorus.

20 slows things down as a relaxed tempo with grooving drum beats and guitar leads are met by vocals that remind me of a blues/jazz style of singing. Atomic Annie jumps into a shortened chorus that gives a hint of the hook, leaving the listener ready for more before slowing into the calmer verse once again. 20 uses contrast excellently between the chorus and verses as pacing and energy levels change dynamically, making the song's chorus feel very energetic and dynamic in juxtaposition to the verses.

Degenerated starts with booming drums and high-pitched guitar before bringing gentle singing into the fray. In a sudden energy shift, the band picks up the pace of the guitar, launching into full-intensity rock 'n' roll riffs while the vocals soar above the mix, creating a memorable chorus that is sure to be stuck in your head. The powerful vocal melodies and rock grit remind me of classic acts like Audioslave.

All These Voices begins with dramatic guitar strikes as bending guitar riffs slash through. Eccentric vocals that slide from note to note build towards a massive chorus as matching guitar melodies are met by multiple layered vocal tracks, creating a huge "chant" or "choir-like" vocal sound. At just 3 minutes, All These Voices is the shortest track of the album, and it's upbeat, high-energy pacing keeps it interesting throughout.

Make Me Feel starts with heavy guitar and slamming drums before pulling back as distant vocals fade into a verse with ambient guitar strums and growing singing that suddenly bursts into the song's chorus. Make Me Feel has a fast tempo with calm verses that create excitement for the chorus, which introduces fast, dynamic rising vocal melodies and bright guitar chords. Atomic Annie catapults the listener into an unexpected breakdown with viscerally low guitar chugs and booming drums before leading into a final chorus. The inclusion of a breakdown here was a nice surprise, showcasing the band's metal influences.

New Day Rising wastes no time as bouncing guitar riffs make way for emphasized vocals. The guitar reminded me especially of a southern blues sound, showcasing the band's fusion that goes beyond hard rock. Atomic Annie does a great job of blending upbeat southern influences with a dynamic hard rock sound and anthemic, wildly catchy choruses to create an exciting sound.

Track 9, Dire Wolf starts with lofi vocals with darker melodies that switch between head voice. Atomic Annie showcases a sound that is a little more gentle as the track focuses significantly on vocals and lyric content. Dire Wolf is a great switch of pace that changes things up near the end of the album, making sure things stay feeling fresh and varied.

The final track Golden Years brings back the old-school style rock 'n' roll edge as electrifying guitar riffage brings gritty vocals to the front of the song. The upbeat instrumentals and vocals create a polite contrast with the lyrics "such a waste of golden years". The song's bridge slows things down while a rapid guitar solo creates a vast difference in pacing as softer vocals create an atmospheric vibe that eventually launches into a final chorus to close out the track.

Overall, Atomic Annie delivers an impressive release with Guilt Trip that blends southern fuzz, blues, and classic hard rock. The band's infectious melodies and southern grit create a sound that is both memorable and nostalgic. You can stream Guilt Trip, available on all platforms now.