Napalm Records
Release: 7 February 2025
Genre: Metal
Links: https://www.facebook.com/JinjerOfficial/
Line Up:
Tatiana Shmayluk – Vocals
Roman Ibramkhalilov – Guitars
Eugene Abdukhanov – Bass
Vlad Ulasevich – Drums
Tracklist:
1. Tantrum
2. Hedonist
3. Rogue
4. Tumbleweed
5. Green Serpent
6. Kafka
7. Dark Bile
8. Fast Draw
9. Someone’s Daughter
10. A Tongue So Sly
11. Duél
Jinjer hits heavy with their latest album Duél. I am a fan of this band because of a few things, but mainly because you know what you’re going to get, but it’s not a “formula” of wash, rinse, repeat, and it’s never bad. I don’t think there is a single bad Jinjer song on this album. I feel the songs are heavier in terms of messages and lyrical content.
They have great production; they know how to make songs sound unique too. It’s not the same addition and subtraction model that some bands have.
There’s highs and lows throughout this 42 minute album, and they’re all good things. It’s a journey, and you’re on it once you hit play.
Tantrum hits right away; there is no waiting period. True to the song, the drums have a “tantrum” to start the song off and then almost immediately Tatiana comes in with her screams. We’re treated to a catchy guitar and bass riff. I like how the chorus interplays with the main riff nicely, different but still similar enough to follow up perfectly with the second verse. We have a cool breakdown in the middle of the song, and I really enjoy the bass riff. I feel like I should mention their bassist has some of the cleanest and yet most metal tones I’ve heard. The song slows but stays heavy nonetheless. I appreciate the second half of this song flowing into the next.
Hedonist
The vocals in this song are nicely done, there’s mostly clean vocals until about the two minute mark. I like the lighter feel (I mean “lighter” relative to their usual intensity) of the song; it gives room for the vocals to shine, and the guitar line time to shine. The lyrics in this song are really good too. I feel the song has a really good mix overall of everything that makes a good metal song.
Rogue
A good headbanger, maybe a wall of death, this song definitely has a sludgy Lamb of God feel. I like the change in tempo throughout the song; it leads to a cohesive feel for the listener.
Tumbleweed
Immediately, I’m digging this song quite a bit. I feel there’s a dynamic between all the instruments that isn’t present in some of the other songs, but also a deeper meaning possibly. Or maybe I am thinking too hard about this song. Definitely a good listen.
Green Serpent
This is by far my favorite track on the album. I find the lyrical content is relatable in my own way: “Please add some sober water into heady wine, don’t turn into a raging storm, this peaceful night,” and “it’s not him who drinks from the bottle, it’s the bottle that drinks from him.” Maybe there’s a different meaning to it all; but the song has a nice feel. I like Tatiana’s clean vocal melodies too, she does something different in this tune. The song has a story feel to it, and then we get into the end where the bass has this nice melody of its own.
Kafka
The guitars in this one are what catch me most; I really like the riff and effects on the guitar. The harmonies are done very nicely too. The bass moves around the neck nicely as well, it’s a nice touch that I haven’t heard all too much so far on this album. Around the middle of the song the song changes tempo, and that’s a nice touch, a good somewhat build up for the heavy part. I like how the song starts a little more softer, but ends nice and heavy, and abrupt. It’s very fitting.
Dark Bile
I think the way they started this song with the arpeggiated guitar mixed with the drums is a killer idea. The overall heaviness of this song is really done well. Man, these lyrics are deeper than I expected in this song. I absolutely love the chorus, or at least what I am considering the chorus parts when she’s singing about the glass of dark bile and dark smile. There’s something very special about this song that keeps me coming back. Definitely second favorite song.
Fast Draw
We’re back to the speed with this one; and that’s a nice change from the past songs. Plus the changes throughout the song really help solidify this tune. This is one of the more prog style tunes on the album, and I like that aspect.
Someone’s Daughter
The immediate interaction of instruments and vocals sets the tone for the rest of the song. It’s a very moving song, lyrically and instrumentally. There’s not a dull moment in the tune and it builds, it breaks, it works really nicely all around. The clean and scream is done really well in this song as I don’t think a scream the whole time would’ve given the same impact. Definitely in my top list of favorite tunes on this album.
A Tongue So Sly
This is a head banger for sure! I am digging the ease of which I can follow along, but it sounds good too, it’s not easy sounding instrumentally. I like the line “Where lions become kind, Jackals grow sly” – definitely a metaphoric song, and I’m all about that. I feel like this could be a political song?
Duel
Saving the longest for last, but it works! This song has a lot of noticeable changes, which admittedly is nice, and it piques the interest of the listener as it goes along. I am enjoying this tune overall.
I thought this album was done on par with their other stuff, but I feel also the album itself has a deeper rooted context.
I’ve listened to this album a few times since it came out, and there’s not a single song I skip. This band writes consistently good music.
Written by: Chris Rugowski
Ratings: 10/10
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