Jinjer
Duél
Napalm Records
We should all know by now Jinjer’s reputation for technically awe inspiring music and singer Tatiana Shmayluk’s ridiculous vocal ability. So there’s a certain amount of expectation whenever they bring out a new work. Well fear not because this latest offering sees the Ukrainian four piece even more honed, tighter and heavier. Much is still familiar. The jaw dropping time signatures and polyrhythms are even more complex, but at the same time remain, to a degree, accessible. This is mainly due to the innate groove the band are known for. Simply put, their songs rock. What is new is an exploration of pushing that extremeness within an established framework. This is what gives ‘Duél’ it’s own identity and shows the progress of a group of already highly skilled musicians. Shmayluk’s vox follows this pattern by working those unique clean to growl interchanges even further. In fact it’s the clean, fry free high notes that really help to set this album apart. Hitting those higher pitches seemingly so effortlessly, and nuancing the quieter moments so beautifully shows someone at the top of their game just as much as the fierce stuff. Jinjer are looking damn near unstoppable at the moment and this album simply confirms them as one of metal’s finest acts right now.
Review by Gary Trueman