It is the band’s first run across North America since 2022
Jinjer are back in a big way.
Due to overwhelming demand and new music in their arsenal, Jinjer have returned to North America for their first headlining tour here in two years. The Ukrainian metal upstarts kicked off the trek last night at the legendary Starland Ballroom in New Jersey with a hit-filled set that included some never-before-heard material.
Jinjer stormed the stage, opening with “Just Another.” They immediately launched into the brutal fan favorite, “Sit Stay Roll Over.” The sold-out crowd was floored. It was a moment where one realizes just how underrated Jinjer’s intensity really is.
Fans are extra stoked about this tour, because Jinjer are rolling out some new music. They performed the recently released single, “Someone’s Daughter,” and debuted another new track – “Rogue,” which arrived last week. Both songs are set to be included on the band’s forthcoming studio LP, and garnered a favorable reaction last night from the capacity crowd. Additionally, they performed another new song, reportedly titled “Fast Draw.” Unreleased as of right now, Jinjer premiered the brutal track over the summer at a few festivals. It’s the musical equivalent of being hit in the head with a sledgehammer, and it is certainly getting fans excited for what else is to come on this new record.
Other highlights from he visceral 15-song set included “Ape,” “I Speak Astronomy,” “Fast Draw,” and more.
Much like their last North American run back in 2022, Jinjer are packing club venues and subsequently rocking them to their very foundations. They’ve also been playing arenas and amphitheaters as special guests for juggernauts like Disturbed. With the feedback they’re already receiving on their new material, it’s only a matter of time before this band outgrows the clubs and move on to bigger venues, and higher festival billings.
Jinjer released their debut full-length album, Inhale, Don’t Breathe, in 2013. This independent release quickly garnered attention for its technical musicianship and Shmayluk’s versatile vocal delivery. Tracks like “Scissors” and “Exposed as a Liar” established them as a rising force in the Eastern European metal scene. The album earned them a Best Ukrainian Metal Act award in 2013, solidifying their reputation as innovators.
In 2014, Jinjer signed with Napalm Records, a major step that exposed them to international audiences. Their second album, Cloud Factory (2014), marked a significant improvement in production quality and songwriting. The record featured fan favorites such as “Outlander” and “Who Is Gonna Be the One,” blending elements of groove, progressive metal, and metalcore.
Jinjer’s third album, King of Everything (2016), was a breakthrough both musically and commercially. The album included the track “Pisces,” a song that would become their signature anthem. Accompanied by a viral studio video showcasing Tatiana’s seamless vocal transitions, “Pisces” catapulted Jinjer to global prominence. The album explored themes of self-discovery, existentialism, and resilience, set against a backdrop of complex time signatures and intricate arrangements.
Following the success of King of Everything, the band embarked on extensive international tours, earning a reputation for their high-energy live performances. In 2019, Jinjer released the Micro EP, a five-track project that included the fan-favorite track “Perennial.” The EP showcased their evolving sound, incorporating even more progressive and technical elements.
Later that year, they released the full-length album Macro, a critically acclaimed record that expanded their fan base. Tracks like “Judgement (& Punishment)” and “Pit of Consciousness” reflected their ability to mix aggressive riffs with reggae, jazz, and other unconventional influences.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Jinjer’s touring schedule, but the band remained productive, working on new material during lockdowns. In 2021, they released their fourth studio album, Wallflowers, a deeply introspective and heavy record. The album tackled themes of isolation, personal struggles, and resilience, resonating strongly with fans during a challenging time.
Wallflowers was praised for its tight production and creative risks, with tracks like “Vortex” and “Mediator” showcasing their technical prowess. Despite logistical challenges, Jinjer found ways to connect with fans through live streams and virtual events.
In early 2022, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine profoundly affected the band. Jinjer put their touring on hold temporarily to support humanitarian efforts in their home country. They later resumed touring, using their platform to raise awareness and funds for Ukrainian relief.
Jinjer’s music is known for its genre-defying approach, blending elements of metalcore, progressive metal, groove metal, and even jazz and reggae. Their sound is characterized by complex time signatures, syncopated rhythms, and dynamic shifts between aggression and melody. Tatiana Shmayluk’s vocal range, which effortlessly alternates between clean singing and death growls, is one of the band’s defining features.
The band cites a wide range of influences, including bands like Opeth, Lamb of God, and Gojira, as well as non-metal genres such as jazz, funk, and soul. Their lyrics often explore themes of personal growth, societal critique, and philosophical questions.
Jinjer has become one of the most prominent modern metal bands, known for their innovation, technical skill, and resilience in the face of adversity. They are celebrated for their ability to transcend genre boundaries and connect with fans worldwide through their music and live performances.
As of 2024, Jinjer continues to tour internationally and work on new material, further solidifying their status as leaders in the progressive metal scene. Their journey from a small Ukrainian town to global acclaim is a testament to their passion, creativity, and determination.
