THE GEMS
“Like A Phoenix”
Single Review by Iron Mathew

10/10

The Gems are a hard rock band from Sweden formed in 2023 by three ex-members of fellow Swedish rockers Thundermother – singer Guernica Mancini, drummer Emlee Johansson and guitarist/bassist Mona Lindgren.

The bands debut single ‘Like A Phoenix’ was released in 2023 – and as the band comment “the song is all about getting up when you’ve been pushed down, not letting the negative words of others define you. The video is about the ‘rebirth’ of us as a band and how we have become stronger and fearless”. Determined words when you consider the aura surrounding their departure from Thundermother!

And as for ‘Like A Phoenix’ – simply sensational! Guernica is one of the best hard rock singers around at the moment, and her vocal performance here is better than I have ever heard before. It’s like she’s broken free from the shackles of what her former band was expecting (or demanding) of her – now belting out a sound that is bigger, better, and more gorgeous than ever! And that goes for Emlee and Mona too – the band hitting hard and kicking harder.

‘Like A Phoenix’ is an absolute corker, raising the bar on everything the three piece achieved with, and while in, Thundermother. And in all honesty, I would rank The Gems higher than Thundermother – their old band having to start all over again. And with an album in the works, The Gems are in the ascendancy, rising like a phoenix from the ashes to soar higher than ever.

And as a final note – I realise the band name “The Gems” has been made from the first initial of each band member, but gems can also be described as “an outstanding person or thing”. Amen to that!

Overall, a jaw dropping and superb heavy hitting slice of hard rock, full of energy, pizzazz and infectious to the max.

TRACKLIST

Like A Phoenix

https://www.facebook.com/thegemsbandswe

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