Running

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Running" by The Gems from their debut album Phoenix, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to its raw energy. This track, nestled in the heart of the album, channels the band’s resilience and emotional depth. In a 2024 interview with The Metal Voice, vocalist Guernica Mancini described "Running" as part of the emotional rollercoaster that shaped Phoenix, reflecting the band’s journey through grief and rebirth after their dramatic exit from Thundermother. The song’s driving rhythm and soaring vocals capture the spirit of pushing forward despite adversity, a theme that resonates throughout the album. Drummer Emlee Johansson shared in a Heavy Music HQ interview that the tight recording schedule for Phoenix pushed the band to their limits, with "Running" emerging as a testament to their collective strength and professional grit. Fans on The Gems’ Facebook page have called it a standout, with one commenter noting it as their go-to track for workouts, highlighting its infectious, high-octane vibe.

The origins of "Running" tie back to the band’s intense songwriting sessions in early 2023. According to Johansson, the trio—completed by guitarist/bassist Mona “Demona” Lindgren—wrote most of Phoenix from scratch, often collaborating in a democratic process where each member brought unique strengths. Mancini’s bluesy, powerful vocals in "Running" were crafted to evoke a sense of urgency and liberation, as noted in a Napalm Records press release. The song’s lyrical themes of standing up and fighting back echo the album’s broader narrative of rising from the ashes, a nod to the band’s phoenix metaphor. A fan on The Gems’ Instagram praised the track’s “bombastic” energy, linking it to the band’s ability to blend classic rock with modern edge, a sentiment echoed in a Bandcamp review that lauded the album’s new wave-inflected style.

The Gems formed in the wake of a tumultuous split from Thundermother, a Swedish hard rock band. Mancini, Johansson, and Lindgren, all former Thundermother members, faced a betrayal when Thundermother’s Filippa unilaterally fired Mancini for personal reasons, as Johansson revealed in a Heavy Music HQ interview. Unwilling to continue under such circumstances, Johansson and Lindgren left to stand by Mancini, forming The Gems in 2023. The trio hit the ground running, channeling their frustration and passion into songwriting. Their debut single, “Like A Phoenix,” released in June 2023, soared to No. 2 on the German Rock Radio Airplay Charts, setting the stage for their album Phoenix, which dropped on January 26, 2024, via Napalm Records. The band’s prior experience touring with giants like Scorpions and playing festivals like Wacken gave them the chops to craft a polished yet gritty sound.

The Gems’ journey began with a shared vision of musical democracy and feminine power, themes that permeate their music and public persona. Mancini, known for her spiritual interests like tarot and astrology, brings a mystical edge to the band’s vibe, while Lindgren’s love for outdoor activities like biking and skiing grounds their dynamic. Johansson, a self-professed movie buff and gamer, took on editing duties for the band’s music videos, showcasing their DIY ethos. Their official website, gems-band.com, serves as a hub for updates, merch, and tour dates, while their Facebook and Instagram accounts buzz with fan engagement and behind-the-scenes glimpses. On X, the band shares real-time updates and interacts with their growing fanbase. While no dedicated fan websites or Facebook groups were found, fans actively support the band through comments on their official pages, with one Bandcamp reviewer calling their work “an exciting return” and eagerly awaiting more.