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Ukrainian groove metal quartet Jinjer's name is actually a variation on that "djent" sound.Right off the bat, you'd be tempted to think of Jinjer as a "female-fronted band" - which is true, of course - but, as its members will tell you, that is not what their identity hangs on. This Ukrainian quartet is a groove metal force of nature with influences that surpass the often loosely defined subgenre, ranging from Opeth to Slayer to Cypress Hill. Basically this is a band of talented musicians, with a real love of music in all its forms, that likes to rock the fuck out. And they do that very thing on their third studio album, King Of Everything.
Lead singer Tatiana Shmailyuk, whose non-metal influences show a love for soul, rhythm and blues, funk and jazz, can go from soft serenade to gutteral rumbling on a dime without a hint of gimmickry; this is just straight musicianship, and Tatiana is damn good. Prologue introduces you to her jazzy stylings in fine fashion giving a serpentine energy to the swelling rhythym. And the lads [Roman Ibramkhalilov (guitar), Eugene Kostyuk (bass), and Vladislav Ulasevish (drums)] who lay down said rhythym are no punks - especially when those aforementioned influences contribute to an inspired textural change. Tatiana's favorite tune I Speak Astronomy (dig the killer video when you get he chance) is a great example of how the band weaves different stylistic elements together so seamlessly. Гарна музика!
The Bottom Line: Call them progressive metalcore, R&B Djent, or whatever, but Jinjer has its finger on the pulse of some brutally heavy yet melodic and diverse rhythyms for your thirsty ears. Drink up!
- Genghis laments that he may not get to see this amazing band stateside (but hopes!)...