Torture Tunes
Jinjer
King Of Everything
Heavy metal music is a Universal language. Wherever there is angst and anger, there is a drop D power chords and double bass. While The United States of America and the UK produce the largest number of successful metal groups, with Sweden close behind, every Country tends to be known for at least one successful group, per generation.
If you think of Brazil, you think Sepultura and depending on your age, when you think of Germany, you either think of Scorpions or Rammstein. But what group comes to mind when you think of the Ukraine? Now sure, there are probably a few walking encyclopedic metal heads out there that can rattle off a bunch of names that the rest of us have never heard of, but the reality is while heavy metal music exists everywhere, not everywhere is known for it’s heavy metal music.
For those of you, like me, who have been unaware of a metal scene in the Ukraine; need to check out a band called Jinjer, immediately. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Just immediately get your hands on this new band from the Ukraine, who are quickly becoming more than just a local act and are attracting worldwide attention.
Their most recent offering to date is 2016’s King Of Everything, released by Napalm Records this past July.
/But first, let’s look at the band itself. Lead by singer Tatiana Shmailyuk, the four piece group has been crafting their sound for half a decade now. And with a few lineup changes along the way, the band has only gotten better. Bass guitarist Eugene Abdiukhanov and drummer Vlad Ulasevich are as tight as can be. At times, with a shade of a Meshuggah influence to their groove, these two are the glue to their heavy tracks. And this allows their guitarist, Roman Ibramkhalilov, to show off his chops.
Jinjer
King Of Everything
(Napalm Records)
Written by: Ryan M. Andrews
8 out of 10
But back to the vocalist; Tatiana is a force to be reckoned with. At times she has a sweet angelic voice, but within a heartbeat it transforms into a demonic growl with such intimidating force that you have to take a step back and stare in awe. But that’s not it, as Tatiana can also be heard on the album occasionally scatting and offering vocals reminiscent of the early 2000’s metalcore rap/rock style. On paper that could sound like a mess, but Jinjer pulls it off and makes it work for their sound.
Sadly, I think because Jinjer takes chances with their sound and blends together so many different styles and influences, there will be many metal fans out there that won’t dig the album or appreciate what the band is offering in this sea of generic noise. But I for one am an instant fan, appreciating just what they are bringing to the table.
King Of Everything is not just ten songs thrown together on one album. There is thought behind it as it opens with a slightly mellow number called “Prologue” that builds and prepares you for the aggressive insanity of “Captain Clock.” By the end of the album, the music has lightened again and the final track, “Beggars’ Dance”, is a bit of a shock. It’s a swinging, groove, rockabilly kind of mash-up. And you know what, its fun. It’s well done, just like the rest of the album. So pick it up and give it a listen. Jinjer is a great group with the highlight definitely being Tatiana’s voice. You can’t call Tatiana a female singer in a metal band because her voice defies gender. She is simply an amazing metal singer.
Album highlights: “Just Another” “Words of Wisdom” and “I Speak Astronomy.”
Ryan M. Andrews
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