March 5, 2024
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.
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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.
“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.
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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.
