Today, THE GEMS are giving the celebrations surrounding International Women’s Day later this week an early kickstart by releasing an official music video for their track “Queens”, representing a story of struggle and unity! The trio made up of ex-Thundermother members Guernica Mancini, Emlee Johansson and Mona “Demona” Lindgren released their debut album, Phoenix, on January 26, 2024, which has already won high praise from fans and the press.
With their previous band, THE GEMS toured with Scorpions, played a VR concert during the Covid pandemic in Berlin's iconic Olympiastadion, as well as performed at many huge international festivals such as Wacken, Sweden Rock and Alcatraz. Now, as a Phoenix, they rise from the ashes and return with even more extraordinary songs. Make sure to check out the new video below!
THE GEMS on “Queens”:
“Queens is our tribute to all the strong individuals who have paved the way for us all. We want to remind people about the tough roads they had to walk on, for us to have the possibilities that we have today, as well as acknowledging that the work is far from done and that we aim to carry on in their footsteps.”
Captivating, chanting intro track “Aurora” allows vocalist Guernica Mancini's distinctive, strong and bluesy vocals shine, and sets the scene before the catchy rock’n’roll anthem “Queens” roars as a celebration of feminine power. Standing up for oneself, fighting back and rising above are some of the main lyrical themes of Phoenix, which “Send Me To The Wolves” is an outstanding example of. The song’s storyline champions overcoming and not giving in to oppressors. Songs like “Domino” and “Kiss It Goodbye” take THE GEMS’ grooviness to the level of legendary classic rock bands, while high-energy songs such as “P.S.Y.C.H.O.”, “Silver Tongue” and “Force Of Nature” add a playful, feel-good touch to the album. With emotional tracks like “Undiscovered Paths” and “Fruits Of My Labor”, THE GEMS bring significant depth and variety to the album, distancing themselves from their history.
Stunning interlude “Maria's Song”, featuring violinist Maria Jern, fades into the touching ballad “Ease Your Pain” - giving extra space to the exceptional guitar work of Mona “Demona” Lindgren. Following track “Running” shines as a surefire future hit with more impressive guitar work and Emlee Johansson’s hard-hitting drums, before the beautifully stripped-down acoustic version of “Like A Phoenix” - backed with acoustic guitar by producer Johan Randén - wraps up THE GEMS’ debut album. Phoenix was mastered by Plec Johansson (Soilwork, Hank von Hell, Firewind) and its artwork was created by ex-Thundermother member Giorgia Carteri (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra).
It is clear that the seasoned musicians of THE GEMS won’t settle in the shadows of their prior successes. With their fresh, convincing debut offering, THE GEMS take a stand and leave the past behind. Make no mistake - with Phoenix, THE GEMS will conquer the international rock scene in a heartbeat.
THE GEMS on Phoenix:
“Phoenix marks the beginning, the rise of THE GEMS. This album takes you on a journey through one of our toughest times. Through this creative process we were able to really dig deep and let go of a lot of emotional baggage, and find true happiness in music again. The new found freedom our band has been given us shines through on this album. We couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished, and the true Rock n Roll Sisterhood and community we've built through these few months of our existence. Phoenix is the perfect album for anyone going through a tough time, having the rug pulled out under you and somehow finding the strength to rebuild. You'll get the full range of emotions, masterfully produced by our dear friend Johan Randén, who we also wrote some of the songs with.
We hope people will love Phoenix and really enjoy the epic ride this album will take you on.”
Tracklist Phoenix:
1 Aurora – Interlude
2 Queens
3 Send Me To The Wolves
4 Domino
5 Silver Tongue
6 Undiscovered Paths
7 Maria's Song – Interlude
8 Ease Your Pain
9 Running
10 Renaissance – Interlude
11 Like A Phoenix
12 P.S.Y.C.H.O
13 Kiss it Goodbye
14 Force Of Nature
15 Fruits Of My Labor
16 Like A Phoenix - Acoustic Version
THE GEMS live 2024:
18.05.24 SE – Stockholm / Downtown Riot
06.06.24 SE – Sölvesborg / Sweden Rock Festival
12.-13.07.24 DE – Neukirchen / Dong Open Air 2024
10.08.24 SE – Falköping / Nestorfest
16.-17.08.24 DE – Sulingen / Reload Festival
31.08.24 DE – Wisselsheim / Wisselsheim Rockt 24
More dates to be announced!
THE GEMS are:
Guernica Mancini – Vocals
Emlee Johansson – Drums
Mona “Demona” Lindgren – Guitar, Bass
THE GEMS online:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
NAPALM RECORDS
