Review: JINJER – ‘Micro’ [Video Stream]

Ukrainian prog/metalcore act Jinjer return with ‘Micro,’ the band’s newest offering that essentially packs an entire album’s worth of punch into five devastating tracks. The EP, scheduled to be released on January 11th, 2019 via Napalm Records, combines many of the familiar elements that fans have come to know and love while, at times, diving a bit deeper into the prog realm, primarily in the form of more technical experimentation. ‘Micro’ is a clear indicator of Jinjer’s maturation as musicians and a solid milestone for what appears to be a band entering their sonic prime.

Jinjer’s third and most recent album ‘King of Everything’ (2016) helped springboard the quartet into massive notoriety within the metal world and beyond, in large part due to the popularity of an almost viral-like string of YouTube reactors discovering singer Tatiana Shmayluk’s jaw dropping vocal range on the single “Pisces” for the first time. As equally as impressive as Shmayluk’s sultry cleans to menacing growls are, so are the clockwork-like tightness and intricate instrumentation of Roman Ibramkhalilov (guitars), Eugene Abdiukhanov (bass), and Vladislav Ulasevich (drums) behind her, who continue to find new ways to impress on ‘Micro.’

Production on the EP is crystal clear and punchy with a thick bass sound and a wide sonic presence that nicely complement the multi-layered, complex song structures. Track one, “Ape” that was released in October along with a music video, is a chaotic labyrinth of inventive riffing and multiple time signatures that range everywhere from slow and doomy to blistering blast beats. For those curious about what Jinjer is all about, “Ape” puts the band’s full arsenal on display in one impressively devastating and powerful track while lyrically setting our meager humanity into proper prospective.

Second single, “Dreadful Moments,” released in November, jumps straight into heavy djent grooves and growls with multiple complex transitions and twists including a vocally emotive Alice in Chains-style section that begs “Mother, would you come and save me from this Hell?” The deep, ominous bass lines particularly shine on this track whose powerful lyrical message deals with some intense childhood trauma.

My personal favorite “Teacher, Teacher!” deals bluntly and unapologetically with religious indoctrination in the classroom. Shmayluk, who delivers arguably her strongest and most diverse vocal performance of the EP here, vividly and emotionally paints the picture of a teacher using humiliation tactics on a student in the name of the bible – “Dear Lord, forgive me as I’m slapping, slapping this sinful child.” Sonically, the song is just as powerful as it is lyrically while journeying through a spectrum of moods and tempos that range from melancholically melodic to outright punishing. “Teacher, Teacher!” is truly an example of Jinjer at their best and most lethal.

“Perennial,” in many ways, picks up where the previous track leaves off stylistically but adds another dimension of atmosphere and tension that culminates into a crushingly powerful climax that is sure to give chills during the tragic love story’s final moments. Finally, title track “Micro” is a short and simple instrumental bass and percussion number that offers some nice chilled-out vibes to promptly close things out without overstaying its welcome.

Although often heavy with groove, ‘Micro’ largely focuses on unorthodox, meandering song structures that seldom relies on hooks or catchiness to deliver its potency. It’s this type of refreshing, outside-the-box creativity, along with laser-like focus on concise yet intricate songwriting that makes this EP a successful one that lacks any dull moments or filler. Recommended for new and longtime fans, but best to reserve judgment until after a few listens to let it all sink in.

 

JINJER ON TOUR:

 

w/ Amorphis & Soilwork

11.01.19 DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle 2

12.01.19 NL – Nijmegen / Doornroosje

13.01.19 DE – Hamburg / Markthalle

14.01.19 DK – Copenhagen / Amager Bio

15.01.19 SE – Stockholm / Fryshuset

16.01.19 NO –  Oslo / Rockefeller Music Hall

18.01.19 DE – Hannover / Capitol

19.01.19 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser

20.01.19 PL – Krakow / Klub Kwadrat

23.01.19 BG – Sofia / Universiada Hall

25.01.19 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra Music Club

26.01.19 AT – Vienna / Ottakringer Brauerei

27.01.19 CZ – Zlín / Masters of Rock Café

28.01.19 SK – Bratislava / Majestic Music Club

29.01.19 DE – Berlin / Kesselhaus

30.01.19 DE – Munich / Backstage (Werk)

01.02.19 DE – Geiselwind / MusicHall

02.02.19 DE – Cologne / Essigfabrik

03.02.19 BE – Antwerp / Trix Muziekcentrum

04.02.19 UK – London / Electric Ballroom

06.02.19 FR – Paris / Cabaret Sauvage

07.02.19 FR – Toulouse / Le Bikini

08.02.19 ES – Madrid / Mon

09.02.19 ES – Barcelona / Salamandra

10.02.19 FR – Lyon / Le Transbordeur

12.02.19 IT – Trezzo Sull’Adda / Live Music Club

13.02.19 DE – Wiesbaden / Schlachthof

14.02.19 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage

15.02.19 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn

16.02.19 CH – Pratteln / Z7

 

 

w/ Obscura & Nucleust

04.04.19 JP – Osaka / Fan J Twice

05.04.19 JP – Nagoya / Imaike 3 Star

06.04.19 JP – Tokyo / Cyclone

07.04.19 JP – Tokyo / Cyclone

 

 

JINJER – South Africa Tour 2019

 03.05.19 ZA – Capre Town / Mercury Live

 04.05.19 ZA – Johannesburg / Platteland

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About Steve Savage

Writer and music enthusiast based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, always interested in discovering new and different music no matter what the genre. Hit me up anytime if you know about something I should be listening to or if you just wanna talk music in general. Peace!

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