Review by Ritchie Birnie for MPM
Sometimes a band just passes you by and when they finally come to your attention, it is a WOW moment and honestly that one of the best feelings you can get from music…discovering a band that you instantly fall in love with.
So, if you have not heard of these three women from Sweden go and check them out now and if you want to know where to start look no further than second album Year of the Snake.
Intro track “Walls” was a bit strange, I was not sure this was going to be my thing. The 70s organ had me thinking of the running scenes in The Warriors and all the synth whooshing was like a pop song from the 80s but this was short and burst into the incredible title track.
“Year of the Snake” will have all Lzzy Hale fans swooning. Vocalist Guernica Mancini knows how to grab your attention and with the incredibly powerful rythm section of Emlee Johansson on drums and Mona Lindgren on Bass and guitar you have one beast of a song.
Next up we go back to the 80s for some hair metal heaven on “Gravity”. The energy of this song is incredible and add in duel vocals with Tommy Johansson you have an out and out banger.
“Diamond in the Rough” comes at you with some John Sykes, Whitesnake era power riffs, what an opening. It then slips and becomes the Guernica show as she weaves through her vocal range. These songs may hark back to different times but this fiery trio bring some power, grace and a whole new swagger that the Rock world has been begging for.
Radio hit is written all over “Live and Let Go”. This is the type of song I tuned into MTV to hear. Back in the day it was the place you went to hear new talent and where I discovered so many bands before the Internet existed. Powerful, fast, catchy and amazing guitar work throughout.
“Clout Chaser” can only be described as an anthem, big, bold and beautiful. It is over almost as soon as it began but it stays with you long after and that solo…chef’s kiss.
As if things could not get better we get the blues infused “Hot Bait”. Even with a female vocalist it had me thinking of Diamond Dave at his playful best. This band know how to write songs and have you enraptured. Every song is packed to bursting in such a short time.
I could have laid a bet after a few songs that there would be a ballad on this album so say hello to “Forgive and Forget”. Every box is ticked and every note is perfection.
On a song like “Go Along to Get Along” you understand why this band are described as the Swedish Fireballs. With the energy coming through my speakers I have to wonder just how crazy a live show must be. That is on my radar and I will be first in line for that show.
The Sykes vibe is back on “Math Ain’t Mathing” and it is where I am getting over how good each and every song is and breaking down why. The vocals are incredible, the guitars are impeccable and the brutal drums are outstanding. Jen Ledger and Josie O’Toole have someone hot on their heels.
“Firebird” keeps the tempo and the quality at optimal levels. There are no weak tracks on this monster. “Stars” starts with acapela vocals before ripping into a brutal build up and funky riff fest.
Time for a new feel on “Buckle Up” which has a 70s swagger that reminded me of a hyped up Black Crowes, another incredible track.
This album has been so good and even with 14 tracks I desperately do not want it to end but “Happy Water” is the final track. They finish with the pace they started which is furious. This is Airbourne with feminine guile. This is metal at its best.
“Year of the Snake” is the album of the year for me and The Gems could be my find of the last five years. I loved every fast paced minute of this album. It ticked all my boxes and I am all on The Gems hype train. These Swedish Kvinnas are set for stardom. The world awaits so why are you sitting there reading this? the album is out now!
Year Of The Snake 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
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) – SOLD OUT!
– 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Deluxe Edition (The Gems store exclusive) (strictly limited to 250)
– 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Black + Signed Card
– 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Black
– 1 CD Digisleeve
– Digital Album
THE GEMS are:
Guernica Mancini – Vocals
Emlee Johansson – Drums
Mona “Demona” Lindgren – Guitar, Bass
THE GEMS online:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
NAPALM RECORDS
