The Gems – MetAle, Liseberg

The Gems at MetAle, Liseberg in 2025. Photo: Jonas Gustafsson/CrowdSnapper

Few Swedish rock bands have made as much noise in such a short time as The Gems. Since breaking away from Thundermother in 2023, the trio has blazed their own trail with a sound that’s both classic and current. At this year’s MetAle event at Liseberg, Gothenburg, they proved once again why they’re one of the country’s most exciting live acts.

The Gems Ignite MetAle at Liseberg – A Fiery Night of Modern Classic Rock

With the new wave of classic-inspired hard rock sweeping across the globe, bands like Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, The Warning, Dorothy, and Plush are showing just how strong the genre still stands.

One of Sweden's most promising prospects in this realm of neo-classic hard rock is The Gems. Born from the high-octane legacy of Thundermother, the trio has been carving out a name of their own since their 2023 split from the band — a move that, in hindsight, seems like a masterstroke.

Comprised of powerhouse vocalist Guernica Mancini, guitarist Mona “Demona” Lindgren, and drummer Emlee Johansson, The Gems bring a raw mix of melody, attitude, and grit to the stage — a chemistry forged in years of playing together and now fully unshackled. Their 2024 debut, Phoenix, was a confident statement — a record that both honours their roots and asserts their future.

Mona “Demona” Lindgren churning out some juicy riffs.

International Success

Since the release of their album debut, The Gems have been busy taking their music far beyond Sweden. Their growing international fanbase has seen them touring across Europe, the UK, and even the US, where they’ve played festivals and club shows alike. In fact, just days after their MetAle performance, they were already back on the road — this time heading straight to Germany.

Their ability to connect with audiences outside Scandinavia is a testament to both their experience and universal appeal — tight musicianship, big hooks, and an old-school rock ‘n’ roll spirit that translates in any language.

Rule number one in rock: you can always use more cowbell.

Rotating Bassists

As I arrived about 15-20 minutes before showtime, guitarist Mona “Demona” Lindgren was on stage, tuning her guitar. No roadies in sight — The Gems handled both load-in and setup themselves. It’s a refreshingly hands-on approach that speaks volumes about the band’s work ethic and DIY spirit.

Then there was one lingering question going into the night: Who would be handling the bass duties?

While Mona plays bass in the studio, the band has adopted a rotating cast for their live shows. Many — myself included — assumed it would be Mia Karlsson (of Crucified Barbara fame), who’s previously toured with The Gems and pulled double duty on bass. With both acts on the MetAle bill, the timing seemed perfect. But the trio had other plans.

Instead, they brought in none other than their producer Johan Randén to handle the low end. A solid choice musically, even if he showed up without the signature one-piece stagewear — missed opportunity, if you ask me! The band cheekily addressed the curveball in the lineup from stage: “We continue using rotating bassists,” they said, fully owning the chaos with a wink.

Producer Johan Randén taking on the bass duties. It’s a shame the band didn’t have a spare, matching jumpsuit for him to loan. Maybe next time – we’ll keep our fingers crossed!

No-Nonsense Rock Set, Packed with Positive Energy

What I like about The Gems is their strong positive vibe and upbeat songs. This naturally permeates their live shows as well. From the opening riff, their set was a surge of feel-good energy and the perfect way to kick things off at MetAle.

Clocking in at around 50 minutes, the set was packed with highlights from the debut effort Phoenix, including the anthemic debut single Like a Phoenix. Guernica commanded the stage with effortless charisma, and Mona’s guitar tone was razor-sharp, with Emlee anchoring it all with fierce precision.

The band also treated the crowd to their latest single, Live and Let Go, from an upcoming album slated for release in November. It’s a killer track — catchy, heavy, and full of swagger, with a guitar line that brings Van Halen to mind. If it's a taste of what’s to come, fans have every reason to be excited.

Emlee Johansson having a good time behind the kit.

What’s Next for The Gems

In a festival built around beer, metal, and good vibes, The Gems delivered one of the weekend’s standout sets — a perfect blend of professionalism and wild energy. They're not just surviving post-Thundermother; they’re thriving, evolving, and proving that sometimes, breaking away is the best thing a band can do.

If their latest track Live and Let Go is any sign of what’s coming, the next chapter for The Gems could be their most exciting yet. Check out the video for the track below!