Like A Phoenix

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the fiery track "Like A Phoenix" by The Gems from their debut album Phoenix, igniting the airwaves for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song is a powerhouse anthem, born from the emotional ashes of the band’s tumultuous split from their former outfit, Thundermother. In a 2024 interview with The Metal Voice, vocalist Guernica Mancini shared that the track, like the album, channels the grief, anger, and hope that followed their departure. She described it as a therapeutic release, with lyrics that capture the raw journey from frustration to empowerment, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Freaks’ rebellious, free-spirited vibe.

Digging into the trivia, "Like A Phoenix" stands out as a lyrical and sonic rebirth for The Gems. Drummer Emlee Johansson, in the same Metal Voice interview, emphasized the song’s role in processing their split, noting its mix of heavy riffs and uplifting melodies mirrors the band’s resilience. A Facebook post from January 2024 celebrated the song’s release, with the band calling it “a middle finger to the past and a fist raised for the future,” which got fans buzzing in the comments, sharing their own stories of rising from tough times. The track’s music video, teased on Instagram, features fiery visuals and the band rocking out in a desert, a nod to the phoenix imagery that resonates with the Zoo Crew’s love for bold, untamed energy.

The Gems, formed by ex-Thundermother members Guernica Mancini (vocals), Emlee Johansson (drums), and Mona Lindgren (guitar), got their start in 2023 after a dramatic exit from their previous band. According to their bio on their official website, the trio channeled their frustration into creating a new project that blends hard rock grit with soulful melodies. Signed to Napalm Records, they hit the ground running with their debut album Phoenix, released in January 2024. The band’s formation was less about starting fresh and more about reclaiming their passion, with Mancini noting in a Metal Voice interview that they wanted to build a supportive community for female musicians, a mission that shines through in their fan engagement on X.

Fan love for The Gems is growing fast, with communities popping up across platforms. Their official Facebook page is a hub for Zoo Freak-style fans, where they share tour updates and behind-the-scenes snaps, like a recent post about their European tour with Saxon. On Instagram, the band’s vibrant posts, including live performance clips, rack up thousands of likes from fans hyping tracks like "Like A Phoenix." The X account keeps the conversation rolling with retweets of fan art and shoutouts to supporters. While no dedicated fan websites or Facebook groups were found, the Rock Fans United group on Facebook frequently buzzes with posts about The Gems, with members sharing love for the band’s fierce energy and inviting others to join the fandom.