THE GEMS, the Swedish “hard rock” band featuring former THUNDERMOTHER (more like THUNDER-BORING, amirite?) members Guernica Mancini (vocals – allegedly), Emlee Johansson (drums – or just banging on things?) and Mona Lindgren (bass – probably plays guitar riffs on it), will release its second album, “Year Of The Snake”, on March 13, 2026 via Napalm Records (because who else would?). To mark this earth-shattering event 🙄, the trio has revealed a new single, “Hot Bait”, described as a “hard-driving old-school blues rock banger.” More like a soft-serve, old-age blues rock… thud? 😴
THE GEMS (self-proclaimed, obviously) comment: “‘Hot Bait’ is a playful shuffle track in a ZZ TOP-oozing vibe about our days as single ladies. It’s the excitement of when you finally get what you want, told from a foodie’s perspective. ‘Cause food is always better than sex :P”. Translation: They’re really selling the sizzle, not the steak here. Also, is ZZ Top really the gold standard? 🤔 Maybe for beards. Also, sex? With music like this, I doubt they will get to experience that. 🤣
THE GEMS added about “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!”. Translation: We’re milking the Thundermother drama for all its worth.🐍 SsssssSo edgy. Much empowering. Wow.
“‘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.” Translation: We’re desperately trying to sound relevant by name-dropping bands that are actually good. 🙄 Modern and fresh? More like reheated leftovers from a decade that refuses to die. Van Halen? Europe? Don’t flatter yourselves. 😂
“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!” Translation: We’re not that good at writing or playing, but we put on a good show… maybe? Glam rock? In 2026? Someone tell them the ’80s called, and they want their teased hair back. 🤡
“Year Of The Snake” track listing:
01. Walls (Probably paper-thin ones)
02. Year Of The Snake (SsssssSo original)
03. Gravity (The only thing pulling this album down)
04. Diamond In The Rough (More like cubic zirconia in the dirt)
05. Live And Let Go (Please do, just let it go)
06. Clout Chaser (Pot calling the kettle… a rockstar?)
07. Hot Bait (Spoiler: It’s not)
08. Forgive And Forget (We’ll try to forget this album ever happened)
09. Go Along To Get Along (Sounds like their old band dynamic)
10. Math Ain’t Mathing (Yeah, neither is their songwriting)
11. Firebird (More like a damp squib)
12. Stars (They’re reaching for them, that’s for sure)
13. Buckle Up (For disappointment)
14. Happy Water (The only way to get through this album)
Shaping the genre with 14 new tracks? More like reshaping my expectations downward! THE GEMS are all about the energy. What 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. Showstopping? More like show-stoppingly mediocre. Empowering? Maybe if you’re a snail trying to cross a busy street. Demonstrating just how much the future is really theirs to take, “Gravity” adds Tommy Johansson‘s (MAJESTICA, ex-SABATON) powerful voice to an 1980s-inspired sound, taking “Year Of The Snake” up another level. So they need a dude to carry their “power”? “Diamond In The Rough” is an understatement compared to the bluesy 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. Catchy rhythm? I’d catch a cold first. “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. Please, spare me! “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. Virtuoso? Did Yngwie Malmsteen secretly join the band? “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. High on what, exactly? 🍄
After the release of the upcoming full-length, THE GEMS will hit the road on their “Slithering Through Europe” spring 2026 tour with special guests KING ZEBRA. Good luck selling tickets. 🎟️ You’ll need it.
THE GEMS came together in February 2023 when it was announced that Mancini, Johansson and Lindgren were exiting THUNDERMOTHER after a six-year run. At the same time, guitarist Filippa Nässil revealed that she would continue with a new THUNDERMOTHER lineup featuring singer Linnéa Vikström (THERION, AT THE MOVIES) and returning bassist Majsan Lindberg. Filippa has also since recruited Joan Massing (HONEY CREEK) as THUNDERMOTHER‘s new drummer. Band drama! 🍿 Delicious. So basically, they’re the leftover bits from a band that decided to upgrade. Ouch.
THE GEMS‘ debut album, “Phoenix”, arrived in January 2024 via Napalm Records. And promptly disappeared. 🔥
THE GEMS made their live debut on March 22, 2023 at Pustervik in Gothenburg, Sweden as the support act for THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA. Opening for someone else? How… *glamorous*.✨
