THE DRIPPERS are a Rock act based in Gothenburg, Sweden. The EPK for their newest album did not contain any bio information, nor did their record label. So, we are going to have to go it alone again. "Scandinavian Thunder" contains eleven tracks. "2 Day Blues (5 Day Boogie) leads off the album. It sounds like a combination of 80's Punk with 80's Hard Rock and has a lot of energy. Think MOTORHEAD meets FASTER PUSSYCAT. The guitar solo is laden with blues riffs and a ton of wah-wah. "Overload" opens with the sounds of a bike starting up and taking off. The blues riff is augmented with raspy, sexy vocals. Try not to headbang along...it's nearly impossible.

"No Stars" begins with another rough and heavy riff and some earnest vocals. This no-nonsense rocking song doesn't spare you the old-school sounds, but they are done with honest energy, and man, oh man, would this song translate well to a live show. "Time for Some Action" is another fast-moving song with no holds barred. The chorus swirls with background harmonies as the track scorches the earth on its way through. "Shine no Light" is an under three-minute burner with a straightforward, unapologetic sound that beckons "take it or leave it" with a "Fuck you" sentiment. "Racing Down a Dead End" is another energetic song with a lot of attitude. Another wah-wah heavy guitar solo caps off the sound.

"Rollin' Aces" is a two-minute song that wastes no time waking up and running full throttle to start the day. Like a good MOTORHEAD song, it's all about driving that riff down your throat. "Dräparshuffle" is the longest song on the album, clocking in at close to four minutes in length. The vocalist pours his soul into this piece as he strains in the upper ranges, but it sounds natural and not forced. "Shit Island Showdown" is exactly how it's billed, with dirty and sleazy riffs in the realm of GREEN DAY. The lead breaks are well-placed and right along the melody line. Bass guitar notes can be heard just a bit more clearly in this song as well. "Deadbeat Groove" reminds me of THE RAMONES. Put a light on the vocals and they will explode. "Feel the Darkness" closes the album, with another speedy rhythm full of hooks and catchy melodies. The fact that the band can keep up this pace is impressive.

The sound does get a little repetitive by the end of the album, but the throw-back to the glory days of the 1980's comes through strong. The combination of neo-Punk influences with Hard Rock sensibilities makes it at least something fairly unique that I haven't heard in a while, so it's refreshing in that sense. The energy that the band plays with cannot be denied either. Grab a brew, and your shoulder pads, and head down to your favorite drinking hole, and be prepared to come back completely zapped, physically beat up, and with your ears ringing.