Jinjer | From Ukraine With Gusto

What can we say about Jinjer that the band has not already said for themselves?

Have you ever found yourself sucked into reaction videos on YouTube where the person reacting has obviously seen the band before, but they are simply acting up for the camera? You know the ones I am talking about. Well, that was my first step in discovering Jinjer, and also finding that I was extremely late for the party. In fact, I was ten years late!

The band, now signed to Napalm Records, started in 2009. They are originally from Ukraine, and started off as a 5-piece group. Now, after a few line-up changes, the band is a quartet consisting of Tatiana Shmailyuk, Roman Ibramkhalilov, Eugene Abdiukhanov, and Vladislav Ulasevich on vocals, guitar, bass, and drums respectively. As of this writing, the band has now embarked on their first ever headlining United States tour, with a new record forthcoming entitled Macro, which is a link to their EP from earlier this year, Micro.

Musically, some of you might not be able to handle it. That’s okay. Heavy music is not for everyone. That said, at least give it one earnest listen. What you will find is that Shmailyuk is capable of carrying melodies, while also unleashing guttural growls that make even the most intense dudes squelch. Of course, it is not just her vocal delivery that makes this band work. Ibramkhalilov’s riff work is fantastic. In fact, there is a riff off their track “Pisces” caught my ear even before Shmailyuk’s vocal delivery. These two, paired with founding member Abdiukhanov, and the newest addition to the group, Ulsaevich, Jinjer might just be the leaders in heavy music this year.

Above, we have featured the band’s newest single “Judgement (& Punishment)” that carries and infectious groove reminiscent of a reggae track mixed with the attack of an all out assault on the auditory senses. This track, along with the other eight tracks slated for Macro very likely will make this record a fan favorite for heavy metal record of the year. Calling it now. All that said, the band will be touring the United States during the front half of fall, with a lot of the shows already sold out. If you have a chance, and they are in your area do yourself a favor and GO!