Album Review: Jinjer - Duél
Reviewed by Tim Finch
Over the past few years, Ukrainian metal band Jinjer has navigated a tumultuous landscape, both personally and professionally. In March 2022, they paused their musical endeavours to focus on relief efforts amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. By June of that year, with permission from Ukrainian authorities, they resumed touring as official ambassadors, raising funds and awareness for their homeland.
It's been four years since the bands last album ‘Wallflower’ hit the airwaves and now with the release of their fifth studio album, ‘Duél’ the band continues to push creative boundaries, delivering a collection that reflects their resilience and growth.
Kicking off the new opus with ‘Tantrum’ the metalcore outfit waste no time in battering the listeners senses. A wall of blasting drums and blistering riffs hit you from the off. Tatiana’s vocal range also on show from the haunting growls to the cleaner more melodic all packed into the opening three minutes, fifty nine seconds.
‘Hedonist’ adds more melodic elements to the soundscape which is a theme continued through ‘Tumbleweed’ and its poignant lyrics.
The album demonstrates the bands maturing songwriting abilities, whilst maintaining the unique Jinjer sound the progression stands out, a band who like a fine wine just get better with age.
Given the situation within Ukranian it is no surprise that barbed comments directed at the Russian oppressors can be found at every turn, and rightly so. The situation adds a volatile edge to the bands music as they battle their own personal feelings on the situation whilst continuing their careers at the cutting edge of heavy metal.
As ‘Duél’ progresses the band demonstrate their ability to vary pace, intensity and brutally to aplomb. This not a mere one dimensional metalcore album, instead it encapsulates the work of a band at the top of their game. Possibly the leading album coming from the metalcore genre, certainly Jinjer at their very best!
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