Rock sensation The Gems return with their second album Year of the Snake. With this 14 track release, the Swedish trio are solidifying their position as a strong player in the modern hard rock scene. “The time to change is now!” proclaims opener Walls, followed by the title track that powers its way out of the speakers in awesome hard rock fashion.
The different colours of Year of The Snake
Gravity adds Tommy Johansson’s (Majestica, Ex-Sabaton) onto the menu, whilst this is one of those anthems that bangs around in your head long after it has finished, and there are others similar on this record too. Diamond In The Rough has a hard rock bluesy feel, which is followed by the catchy Live And Let Go, another unforgetful tune. Clout Chaser and Hot Bait kinda take me back to the 80s with a near glam rock feel, particularly regards the former.
Forgive and Forget is the awesome ballad with the powerful vocals of Guernica Mancini really shining, while Go Along To Get Along is a catchy mid paced hard rock thumper. Math Ain’t Mathing, Firebird and Stars keep the momentum going, catchy and melodic with a rough edge. And the closing catchy duo of Buckle Up and Happy Water show no signs of letting up, bringing this awesome record to a close.
Year of the Snake is an impressive follow-up to their debut
Year of the Snake is an impressive follow-up to their debut, filled to the brim with catchy anthems and groovy hits, coupled with the awesome powerful vocals of Guernica Mancini. To close, the band’s Slithering Through Europe Spring Tour with special guests King Zebra, kicked off 23rd March 2026 in Germany. Time for the band to really earn their stripes! (King Zebra – oh well never mind LOL).
Track List
- Walls
- Year of the Snake
- Gravity
- Diamond in the Rough
- Live and Let Go
- Clout Chaser
- Hot Bait
- Forgive and Forget
- 9 Go Along to Get Along
- Math Ain’t Mathing
- Firebird
- Stars
- 13 Buckle Up
- 14 Happy Water
Line Up
- Guernica Mancini – Vocals
- Emlee Johansson – Drums
- Mona “Demona” Lindgren – Guitar, Bass