Swedish hard rock sensation The Gems announce their highly anticipated second studio album, “Year of the Snake”, out on March 13th, 2026, via Napalm Records!
To mark the occasion, the trio has revealed a new single, “Hot Bait”: a hard-driving old-school blues rock banger. Risen from the ashes of Thundermother, the trio has had an exceptional ride since their formation in 2023. The Gems keep gaining momentum, already performing on Europe’s biggest festival stages and rising to the top of the rock airplay charts.
The Gems on “Hot Bait”:
“‘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”!
Watch the lyric video for “Hot Bait” below.
The Gems on “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!
‘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. 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!”
“Year of the Snake” will be available in the following formats:
• 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Purple/Black Splatter Deluxe Edition (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive) (strictly limited to 250)
• 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Deluxe Edition (The Gems store exclusive) (strictly limited to 250)
• 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Black
• 1 CD Digisleeve
• Digital Album
Pre-order & pre-save “Year of the Snake” here.
Tracklist:
1. Walls
2. Year of the Snake
3. Gravity
4. Diamond in the Rough
5. Live and Let Go
6. Clout Chaser
7. Hot Bait
8. Forgive and Forget
9. Go Along to Get Along
10. Math Ain’t Mathing
11. Firebird
12. Stars
13. Buckle Up
14. Happy Water
Shaping the genre with 14 new tracks, The Gems are all about the energy. “The time to change is now!”, proclaims opener “Walls”, before the hard hitting and empowering title track offers the show stopping 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. Demonstrating just how much the future is really theirs to take, “Gravity” adds Tommy Johansson’s (Majestica, ex-Sabaton) powerful voice to an 80’s inspired sound, taking “Year of the Snake” up another level. “Diamond in the Rough” is an understatement compared to the blues-y 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. “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. “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. “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! In less than three years of existence as a band, The Gems have managed to shape modern rock like few other bands. “Year of the Snake” is an impressive follow-up to their debut, filled to the brim with catchy anthems and groovy hits. This Swedish trio is on its way to the well-deserved top. Female, fiery, unforgettable: The future of rock is now!
Following their formation in 2023, The Gems quickly showed the exceptional live energy of the new band, with highlight performances including Sweden Rock Festival 2024. After the release of the upcoming full-length, The Gems will hit the road on their ‘Slithering Through Europe’ tour.
European Tour Dates 2026:
21.03.26 DE – Lingen / Alter Schlachthof
22.03.26 DE – Cologne / Helios 37
24.03.26 DE – Hanover / Lux
25.03.26 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal
27.03.26 CH – Oberentfelden / Böröm Pöm Pöm
29.03.26 DE – Munich / Backstage
30.03.26 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch
31.03.26 DE – Dresden / HD – Die Rock & Metal Bar
01.04.26 DE – Berlin / Frannz Club
02.04.26 DE – Hamburg / Knust
(w/ Special Guests: King Zebra)
Line-up:
Guernica Mancini – Vocals
Emlee Johansson – Drums
Mona “Demona” Lindgren – Guitar, Bass
Weblinks:
www.facebook.com/thegemsbandswe
www.instagram.com/thegems.music
