With their debut single “Like A Phoenix”, Sweden’s The Gems scored their first hit right away: the song immediately reached #2 on the German rock radio charts in the summer of 2023. With their catchy sound and the distinctive voice of singer Guernica Mancini, the trio has a bright future ahead of them. In 2025, The Gems were guests at the Rock Hard Festival in Gelsenkirchen, where Rockpalast recorded their concert and, among other songs, their song “P.S.Y.C.H.O.”:
With “Gravity” the Swedish trio reveals a new single off their sophomore album, Year Of The Snake (out March 13 via Napalm Records).
Electrifying and ambitious, The Gems invite Tommy Johansson (Majestica, ex-Sabaton) onto the 80s-inspired track, adding a new dimension to their ever-so-catchy style with the band’s first feature collaboration. Originally all members of Thundermother, The Gems again prove themselves as important new players in hard rock – nothing can make them come back down.
The Gems on “Gravity”: “’Gravity’ is an 80s-inspired rock anthem about chasing your dreams without compromise – with big hooks, soaring vocals and that timeless rock energy. Featuring Tommy Johansson, two powerful voices unite in defiance and freedom.”
Watch the “Gravity” video:
The Gems return with their second album Year Of The Snake, out on March 13. The Swedish trio solidifies their position as a strong player in modern hard rock. Their very first single, “Like A Phoenix”, instantly hit #2 on the German Rock Radio Airplay Charts and they impressed both fans and critics with their debut record Phoenix (2024). With one album under their belt, and numerous electrifying live shows, The Gems quickly established what Year Of The Snake now effortlessly proves: this is the future of rock!
The Gems on Year Of The Snake: “Year Of The Snake is about facing previous hardships in your life, letting go and moving forward to a brighter chapter. It’s packed with strong and empowering themes, just like a snake shedding its skin and now standing strong in its own power!
Year Of The Snake is a homage to our fans at our live shows. We wrote the songs envisioning an excited festival crowd; from our loyal diamonds in the front row, knowing all lyrics by heart – to the crazy headbangers in the back. The album is packed with Van Halen and Europe-inspired hard-hitting grooves and riffs that will take you back to the 80s. Yet, the production is modern and fresh. In an increasingly artificial world, we want to stay true to our roots – solid musicianship and songwriting from the heart. Our aim is to always create a great sounding album with the live show in mind. The future is live and heavy glam rock is here to stay!”
Shaping the genre with 14 new tracks, The Gems are all about the energy. “The time to change is now!,” proclaims opener “Walls”, before the hard hitting and empowering title track offers the showstopping trifecta of frontwoman Guernica Mancini’s powerful vocals, guitarist Mona Lindgren’s heavy riffs and the heartbeat of the band; Emlee Johansson’s steady drumming. Demonstrating just how much the future is really theirs to take, “Gravity” adds Tommy Johansson’s (Majestica, Ex-Sabaton) powerful voice to an 80’s inspired sound, taking Year Of The Snake up another level. “Diamond In The Rough” is an understatement compared to the blues-y strength this song possesses, while previously released “Live And Let Go” with its catchy rhythm is undeniable radio hit material – a style this band wields extraordinarily well. “Clout Chaser” and “Hot Bait” come in uplifting, before The Gems delve into “Forgive And Forget”, a ballad in which Guernica’s voice comes across especially strong. “Go Along To Get Along” again illustrates the Swedish fireballs breaking the chains of their past and emerging stronger from it – as proven by speedy “Math Ain’t Mathing”, mighty “Firebird”, and “Stars” with its virtuoso guitar solo. Year Of The Snake is wrapped up by the catchy “Buckle Up” and “Happy Water” – with energetic grooves that end this album on a high note!
In less than three years of existence as a band, The Gems have managed to shape modern rock like few other bands. Year Of The Snake is an impressive follow-up to their debut, filled to the brim with catchy anthems and groovy hits. This Swedish trio is on its way to the well-deserved top. Female, fiery, unforgettable: The future of rock is now!
Year Of The Snake will be available in the following formats:
– 1LP Gatefold Vinyl Purple/Black Splatter Deluxe Edition (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive) (strictly limited to 250)
– 1LP Gatefold Vinyl Deluxe Edition (The Gems store exclusive) (strictly limited to 250)
– 1LP Gatefold Vinyl Black
– 1CD Digisleeve
– Digital Album
Pre-order here.
Year Of The Snake tracklisting:
“Walls”
“Year Of The Snake”
“Gravity”
“Diamond In The Rough”
“Live And Let Go”
“Clout Chaser”
“Hot Bait”
“Forgive And Forget”
“Go Along To Get Along”
“Math Ain’t Mathing”
“Firebird”
“Stars”
“Buckle Up”
“Happy Water”
“Firebird”:
“Hot Bait” lyric video:
“Year Of The Snake” video:
The Gems Live 2026:
Following their formation in 2023, The Gems quickly showed the exceptional live energy of the new band, with highlight performances including Sweden Rock Festival 2024. After the release of the upcoming full-length, The Gems will hit the road on their “Slithering Through Europe” tour.
Tour dates:
March
21 – Lingen, Germany – Alter Schlachthof
22 – Cologne, Germany – Helios 37
24 – Hanover, Germany – Lux
25 – Aschaffenburg, Germany – Colos-Saal
27 – Oberentfelden, Switzerland – Böröm Pöm Pöm
29 – Munich, Germany – Backstage
30 – Nuremberg, Germany – Hirsch
31 – Dresden, Germany – HD – Die Rock & Metal Bar
April
1 – Berlin, Germany – Frannz Club
2 – Hamburg, Germany – Knust
The Gems are:
Guernica Mancini – Vocals
Emlee Johansson – Drums
Mona “Demona” Lindgren – Guitar, Bass
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