Jinjer’s fifth studio album, Duél, is a testament to the Ukrainian metal quartet’s refusal to rest on their laurels. Building on the foundation of their genre-defying 2021 release, Wallflowers, Duél pushes the boundaries of modern progressive groove metal with an unparalleled blend of ferocity and finesse. Co-produced, mixed, and mastered by longtime collaborator Max Morton, this record is a sonic battlefield where technical prowess and raw emotion collide.
The album kicks off with “Tantrum,” a thunderous opener that sets the tone with chugging riffs and a dynamic interplay between Tatiana Shmayluk’s guttural growls and soaring cleans. The energy carries into “Hedonist,” where intricate drum patterns and Eugene Abdukhanov’s dexterous bass work add a sinister groove to the mix. As the album progresses, Jinjer’s flair for storytelling shines on tracks like “Kafka,” a dissonant ode to existential angst, and “Tumbleweed,” a hauntingly melodic piece highlighting Roman Ibramkhalilov’s guitar versatility.
Thematically, Duél plunges into an abyss of melancholy, rage, and introspection. Tracks like “Kafka” exemplify this exploration with lyrics inspired by existential frustrations and the absurdities of modern existence. Its unorthodox structure mirrors the emotional ebb and flow of its themes, culminating in a gut-wrenching roar of “Absurd is my existence! Oh, how absurd!” The philosophical undertones—hinting at inspirations from Camus and Kafka—add a cerebral layer to the band’s brutal soundscape.
The title track, “Duél,” serves as the album’s dramatic conclusion, encapsulating the essence of the record: a journey through conflict, resilience, and self-discovery. Shmayluk’s vocal performance here is especially remarkable, switching seamlessly between ethereal cleans and visceral growls, layered atop blistering instrumentation.
“Dark Bile” delivers crushing riffs and an introspective take on internalized sorrow, while “Hedonist” critiques indulgence and its inevitable consequences. The title track, “Duél,” and its counterpart, “Fast Draw,” are best experienced together, as they depict a psychological duel, encapsulating the battle between self-doubt and determination. Each track is a heavy-hitting reminder that Jinjer isn’t just here to entertain but to provoke thought and stir emotions.
For all its heaviness, both in sound and subject matter, Duél is also a celebration of Jinjer’s creative evolution. It’s a record that not only invites you to headbang and mosh but also urges introspection. The raw emotions and stank-face-worthy riffage make this album a journey you’ll want to revisit repeatedly, even if it’s to confront parts of yourself you might prefer to avoid.
Duél is not merely an album—it’s an experience. Jinjer’s technical mastery and genre-bending approach ensure that each track feels fresh, defying conventional metal tropes. With its pristine production, intricate arrangements, and emotionally charged performances, this album solidifies Jinjer’s position as a modern metal trailblazer.
For fans of boundary-pushing metal, Duél is an essential listen—a triumphant reminder that Jinjer’s creative well is far from running dry.
Duél tracklisting:
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
Duél will be available in the following formats:
1LP Gatefold LIQUID BLOOD RED Vinyl incl 29x29cm artprint, certificate of authenticity – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive – SOLD OUT!
1LP Gatefold CRISTALLO RED SPLATTER Vinyl – strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive – SOLD OUT!
1LP Gatefold WHITE BLACK MARBLED Vinyl – strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
1LP Gatefold SOLID RED Vinyl – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
1LP Gatefold SOLID RED BLACK SPLATTER Vinyl – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Jinjer Shop exclusive
1LP Gatefold CARTRIDGE GREY Vinyl – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Jinjer Shop exclusive
1LP Gatefold BLACK Vinyl
Music Cassette RED (White Print) – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
1CD Jewel Case
Digital Album
JINJER LIVE 2024/25
LATIN AMERICA TOUR 2024
w/ Heaven Shall Burn
30.11.24 BR – Porto Alegre / Opiniao
01.12.24 BR – Curitiba / Tork And Roll
03.12.24 BR – Belo Horizonte / Mister Rock
05.12.24 BR – Brasilia / Toinha
07.12.24 BR – Rio De Janeiro / Circo Voador
08.12.24 BR – Sao Paulo / Terra SP
10.12.24 AR – Buenos Aires / Teatro Flores
12.12.24 CL – Santiago / Teatro Caupolican
14.12.24 CO – Bogota / Calle 13
15.12.24 CR – San Jose / Pepper’s Club
18.12.24 MX – Guadalajara / C4*
19.12.24 MX – San Luis Potosí / Centro de las Artes*
20.12.24 MX – Mexiko City / Circo Volador*
TOURDATES 2025
19.-25.01.25 US – Miami (FL) / Shiprocked
06.02.25 AE – Dubai / P7 Arena
08.02.25 IN – Bangalore Bangalore Open Air
10.02.25 TH – Bangkok / The Street Hall
12.02.25 JP – Tokyo / ReNY Alpha
13.02.25 JP – Osaka / Meta Valley
14.02.25 JP – Aichi / ReNY Limited
15.02.25 KR – Seoul / Musinsa Garage
16.02.25 TW – Taipei / Legacy
18.02.25 PH – Manila / SM Sky Dome
21.02.25 AU – Brisbane / Fortitude Music Hall **
23.02.25 AU – Sydney / Hordern Pavillon **
25.02.25 AU – Melbourne / Festival Hall **
26.02.25 AU – Adelaide / Hindley St Music Hall **
28.02.25 AU – Fremantle / Metropolis Fremantle **
02.03.25 NZ – Wellington / San Fran
03.03.25 NZ – Auckland / Powerstation
** plus support: KITTIE
FESTIVALS 2025
05.05.25 US – Columbus (OH) / Sonic Temple
16.05.25 US – Daytona (FL) / Welcome To Rockville
06.06.25 PL – Gdansk / Mytic Festival
07.06.25 DE – Nuerburg / Rock Am Ring
08.06.25 DE – Nuremberg / Rock Im Park
12.06.25 AT – Vienna / Nova Rock Festival
13.06.25 FI – Hyvinkaa / Rock Fest
14.06.25 CH – Interlaken / Freenfield Festival
15.06.25 UK – Donington / Download Festival
26.06.25 NL – Ysselstein / Jera On Air
28.06.25 NO – Oslo / Tons Of Rock
… to be continued …
JINJER is:
Tatiana Shmayluk – Vocals
Roman Ibramkhalilov – Guitars
Eugene Abdukhanov – Bass
Vlad Ulasevich – Drums
JINJER online:
FACEBOOK
X
INSTAGRAM
HOMEPAGE
NAPALM RECORDS
Source: www.antiheromagazine.com
