[Cover photo credit to Mikael Hulten]

Swedish Hard Rock band The Gems have announced their second album, Year Of The Snake, out March 13, 2026 via Napalm Records. To mark the occasion, the trio has revealed a new single, Blues Rock song “Hot Bait”. The group originates from previous band Thundermother, and formed in 2023.

The band says about “Hot Bait”:

‘Hot Bait’ is a playful shuffle track in a ZZ Top-oozing vibe about our days as single ladies. It’s the excitement of when you finally get what you want, told from a foodie’s perspective. Cause food is always better than sex 😛

On Year Of The Snake, they say:

“Year Of The Snake is about facing previous hardships in your life, letting go and moving forward to a brighter chapter. It’s packed with strong and empowering themes, just like a snake shedding its skin and now standing strong in its own power!

Year Of The Snake is a homage to our fans at our live shows. We wrote the songs envisioning an excited festival crowd; from our loyal diamonds in the front row, knowing all lyrics by heart – to the crazy headbangers in the back. The album is packed with Van Halen and Europe-inspired hard-hitting grooves and riffs that will take you back to the 80s. Yet, the production is modern and fresh. In an increasingly artificial world, we want to stay true to our roots – solid musicianship and songwriting from the heart. Our aim is to always create a great sounding album with the live show in mind.

The future is live and heavy glam rock is here to stay!”

‘Slithering Through Europe’ Spring Tour
w/ Special Guests: King Zebra
21.03.26 DE – Lingen / Alter Schlachthof
22.03.26 DE – Cologne / Helios 37
24.03.26 DE – Hanover / Lux
25.03.26 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal
27.03.26 CH – Oberentfelden / Böröm Pöm Pöm
29.03.26 DE – Munich / Backstage
30.03.26 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch
31.03.26 DE – Dresden / HD – Die Rock & Metal Bar
01.04.26 DE – Berlin / Frannz Club
02.04.26 DE – Hamburg / Knust