The Gems are starting the celebrations around International Women's Day early this week by releasing an official video for the track 'Queens', which represents a story of struggle and unity. The trio formed by former Thundermother members Guernica Mancini, Emlee Johansson and Mona "Demona" Lindgren released their debut album, Phoenix, on January 26, 2024, which has already received a lot of praise from fans and the press.
Watch the video for 'Queens' here:
With their previous band, The Gems toured with the Scorpions, performed a virtual reality concert during the Covid pandemic at Berlin's iconic Olympiastadion, as well as performing at various international festivals such as Wacken, Sweden Rock and Alcatraz. Now, reborn as Phoenix, they rise from the ashes and return with even more extraordinary songs.
?Queens is our tribute to all the strong individuals who paved the way for all of us. We want to remind people of the difficult paths they had to travel in order to have the possibilities we have today, as well as recognizing that the work is far from over and that we intend to follow in their footsteps.
The Gems - Queens
The catchy and engaging intro track 'Aurora' allows vocalist Guernica Mancini's distinctive, strong and bluesy voice to shine, and sets the scene before the rousing rock'n'roll anthem 'Queens' roars out as a celebration of female power. Standing up for yourself, fighting back and overcoming are some of Phoenix's main lyrical themes, of which 'Send Me To The Wolves' is a striking example. The song's narrative advocates overcoming and not giving in to oppressors, before 'Domino' elevates the Gems' grooviness to the level of legendary 70s classic rock bands. With exciting tracks like 'Undiscovered Paths' and 'Fruits Of My Labor', the Gems bring significant depth and variety to the album, distancing themselves from their history. The impressive interlude 'Maria's Song', featuring violinist Maria Jern, fades into the moving ballad 'Ease Your Pain' - giving extra space to Mona 'Demona' Lindgren's exceptional guitar work. The next track, 'Running', shines as a guaranteed future hit with more impressive guitar work and Emlee Johansson's impactful drums, before the beautiful, stripped-down acoustic version of 'Like A Phoenix' - backed by producer Johan Randén's acoustic guitar - brings the Gems' debut album to a close. Phoenix was mastered by Plec Johannsons (Soilwork, Hank von Hell, Firewind) and its artwork was created by Giorgia Carteri, a former member of Thundermother (Soilwork, The Nightflight Orchestra).
Phoenix is available in the following formats:
- Die Hard Edition, 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Orange, Red Marbled (includes Slipmat, 16-page booklet, cotton bag (38x42cm)) - exclusive to Napalm Records - strictly limited to 100 copies worldwide
- 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Blue - exclusive to Napalm Records - strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide
- 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Violet - exclusive to Gems Shop - strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide
- 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Black
- 1 CD Digisleeve
- Digital Album
The Gems live in 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.
Gems online:
Phoenix track list:
- Aurora - Interlude
- Queens
- Send Me To The Wolves
- Domino
- Silver Tongue
- Undiscovered Paths
- Maria's Song - Interlude
- Ease Your Pain
- Running
- Renaissance - Interlude
- Like A Phoenix
- P.S.Y.C.H.O
- Kiss it Goodbye
- Force Of Nature
- Fruits Of My Labor
- Like A Phoenix - Acoustic Version
Artists: The Gems
