Plunge into the electrifying and globally resonant sound of Jinjer, the Ukrainian progressive groove metal band that has taken the heavy metal world by storm with their intricate musicianship, genre-bending approach, and the phenomenal vocal range of Tatiana Shmayluk. Formed in Donetsk in 2008, Jinjer has defied geographical limitations and political turmoil to become one of the most exciting and influential bands in modern metal.
While the band initially formed in 2008, the current and most recognized lineup considers 2009 as their official year of formation, which saw the arrival of singer Tatiana Shmayluk and guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov. They were later joined by bassist Eugene Abdukhanov (2011) and drummer Vladislav “Vladi” Ulasevich (2016), solidifying the powerful quartet that Jinjer is known for today. An interesting fact about their early development is that they initially had a male vocalist before Tatiana took over, and their sound evolved significantly from a more metalcore focus to their current progressive and groove-laden style.
Jinjer truly began to capture international attention with their relentless touring ethic and independent releases like the EP Inhale, Do Not Breathe (2012) and their self-released debut full-length, Cloud Factory (2014). Their signing with Napalm Records for their third album, “King of Everything” (2016), marked a pivotal moment. This album featured the viral breakout single “Pisces,” which showcased Tatiana’s extraordinary ability to seamlessly switch between melodic clean vocals and guttural screams and growls, propelling the band into the global spotlight. “Pisces” became a phenomenon, garnering millions of views and streams, and sparking countless YouTube reaction videos – a testament to its impact and uniqueness!
What makes Jinjer truly unique is their masterful fusion of disparate genres. They effortlessly weave elements of progressive metal, metalcore, groove metal, and djent with unexpected influences from R&B, soul, funk, jazz, and reggae. This diverse musical palette, combined with Eugene Abdukhanov’s prominent five-string bass lines and Roman Ibramkhalilov’s intricate guitar work, creates a sound that is both technically impressive and incredibly dynamic. Their songs often feature complex polyrhythms and unconventional song structures that keep listeners engaged.
Beyond their musical prowess, Jinjer has also gained significant attention due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Hailing from Donetsk, a region deeply affected by the war, the band has used their platform to raise awareness and support their home country. In March 2022, they temporarily paused their career to focus on relief efforts and were later granted special permission by the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture to tour as cultural ambassadors for the nation. This commitment to their roots and their people adds a profound layer of depth to their already powerful music.