THE GEMS Share 'Firebird' Single From Upcoming 'Year Of The Snake' Album

January 14, 2026

THE GEMS, the Swedish hard rock band featuring former THUNDERMOTHER members Guernica Mancini (vocals),Emlee Johansson (drums) and Mona Lindgren (bass),will release its second album, "Year Of The Snake", on March 13, 2026 via Napalm Records. The LP's latest single, "Firebird", can be seen below.

THE GEMS comment: "The tale of the firebird is one of greed. Always wanting more and not appreciating what you have. In many ways, we see the state of the world as very much infected by this virus. This is our way of channeling that frustration into something uplifting yet thoughtful. Musically, we're going back to our roots, giving you a hard-hitting classic rock tune."

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 showstopping 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 1980s-inspired sound, taking "Year Of The Snake" up another level. "Diamond In The Rough" is an understatement compared to the bluesy 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.

THE GEMS stated about "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" track listing:

01. Walls
02. Year Of The Snake
03. Gravity
04. Diamond In The Rough
05. Live And Let Go
06. Clout Chaser
07. Hot Bait
08. Forgive And Forget
09. Go Along To Get Along
10. Math Ain't Mathing
11. Firebird
12. Stars
13. Buckle Up
14. Happy Water

After the release of the upcoming full-length, THE GEMS will hit the road on their "Slithering Through Europe" spring 2026 tour with special guests KING ZEBRA.

THE GEMS came together in February 2023 when it was announced that Mancini, Johansson and Lindgren were exiting THUNDERMOTHER after a six-year run. At the same time, guitarist Filippa Nässil revealed that she would continue with a new THUNDERMOTHER lineup featuring singer Linnéa Vikström (THERION, AT THE MOVIES) and returning bassist Majsan Lindberg. Filippa has also since recruited Joan Massing (HONEY CREEK) as THUNDERMOTHER's new drummer.