Ukranian progressive metal band Jinjer return with “Macro”, the follow up to their “Micro” EP which was released earlier in the year. As impressive as it is to put out a full length so soon after a release, the music and quality on offer surpasses that as we found out ahead of the release this Friday.
Jinjer have had a whirlwind couple of years after exploding in popularity, in part due to their explosive live sound, but to be fair also due to the reactions around the world of vocalist Tatiana Shmaylyuk and the band’s unique sound surrounding the dynamics of it all. To those of us used to such vocal techniques it’s not a huge shock, though certainly still appreciated as Tatiana is one of the best vocalist we have seen for some time, but for those who love the melodic side of music and in Jinjer but who don’t necessarily listen to extreme forms of music, to hear such ferociousness and gutteral noises coming from the vocals after initially only hearing more melodic singing must be a little bewildering.
But Jinjer make it work so seamlessly and so brilliantly that even the most jaded death metal fan has to still be impressed. The progressive nature of the band’s sound is so saturated with contrasting moments that it almost feels like a rollercoaster in the dark, lots of ups and downs without knowing where it will end up. The first track “On The Top” epitomises all of that pretty well as the band launch into a tirade of juxtapose filled signature structures, carefully thought out and making as much sense as possible at the same time.
“Pit of Consciousness” is a little more straight forward with it’s groove oriented tempos and more subtle melodies whereas “Judgement (& Punishment)” does a 180 and turns heavy rock with a bit of reggae thrown in for good measure. It’s these calculated but wild moments that leave you trying to figure out who their real influences are.
Combining a bit of native Ukranian language into the lyrics, “Retrospection” is a fun dynamic track that never settles down, instead showcasing the light and dark sides of Jinjer’s trademark motto. “Pausing Death” is a chaotic frenzy sounding concoction of technical prowess, blast beats, hooks and all leaving you a little out of breathe by the end of it’s almost 5 minute trek. “Noah” continues that forward but with a bit more melodic passages added.
We hit the home stretch with “Home Back” and “The Prophecy“, two more relentlessly diverse songs that further encapsulate all that is Jinjer before rounding things off with an elongated instrumental outro “lainnereP ” that is more electronic in sound than the predecessing guitar oriented music filling the album. “Micro” is a wonderful follow up to the “Macro” EP but even more great given that it’s a full length album giving even more to indulge in. If you love modern progressive metal and Jinjer has passed under your radar thus far, this will be more than enough to convince you Jinjer are the next big thing in the genre.
8/10
Tracklist:
1. On the Top
2. Pit of Consciousness
3. Judgement (& Punishment)
4. Retrospection
5. Pausing Death
6. Noah
7. Home Back
8. The Prophecy
9. lainnereP
