The fourth album now in, Macro expands beyond the realms of what we thought we’ve heard in terms of what Jinjer can offer. From the get-go, Jinjer’s latest offering, Macro, is mind-numbingly earth-shattering.
Ten years into any bands career can easily see them falter somewhat, struggle for inspiration and artistic integrity plus seemingly lose a certain spark that drew fans initially to their flame. Few bands can claim to capture and hold such greatness and creativity in the heavy progressive realm. Periphery, Between The Buried And Me, Gojira and their ilk are the case in point and joining this league of the few, never once in their decade of existence has Jinjer suffered this affliction. Continuing to present listeners with constant growth, maturity plus powerfully brilliant song writing and structures, the quartet have made it their goal to conquer and slay the heavy music world.
In January this year, Jinjer teased us with a five-track EP gift being Micro. This EP was as unrelenting as it was soothing. The highlight of Micro was “Teacher, Teacher”. You need to immerse yourselves in the songs sheer weight of perfect being. What more could a Jinjer fan ask for? Well… the full creative output of these Ukranian progressives almost in your grasp. Where Micro left us hanging, hang no more because, in a few short days, Macro will be yours to consume!
Does Macro stand proudly against Jinjer’s previous outpourings of harmonious anger? Yes, Macro and it all starts with their latest single, the groove-laden beast, “On The Top”.
For the next forty or so minutes we are taken on a journey of musical diversity and exploration finding solace in familiarity but new territory as Jinjer walk a path of many roads of varying textures and elements.
“On The Top” is our familiar Jinjer BFF hooking us in with an addictive rhythm sure to see our heads sliding off our shoulders at their upcoming Australian shows next year. It is so thick with progressive metal brilliance you’ll know immediately from these first few moments that your hard-earned has been well spent.
Leading on is “Pit of Consciousness”. Here is where we can unpack Jinjer’s collective musical inspiration with a neat package in one angry gift. Deep and turbulent riffs with big bottom end, Tatiana’s guttural death vocals drive home the purpose and intent of the band; whilst also the weight and passion she delivers when doing her clean vocals give the band their soothing cathartic moments.
“Judgement (& Punishment)” leads us by the hand of comfortable familiarity we feel within the clutches of Jinjer, heavy groove face-smashing then without warning, a reggae inspiration leading us down a left-hand path, guides the listener off familiar Jinjer territory. Like a sharp pain akin to getting a splinter under a fingernail, you’ll realise your ears were not ready for this sudden jolt. In a strange unorthodox way though this dichotomy presented before us in the guise of “Judgement (& Punishment)” works well in a Mr. Bungle, meets Bob Marley meets Morbid Angel way. A thundering avant-garde mess of organised chaos.
Where “Judgement (& Punishment)” left us in the consciousness of confusion, “Retrospection” lulls us soothingly into a state of bliss for a fleeting moment before catapulting us into foreboding and darkness. This track is jarring and stilted with many changes which may very well leave the listener finding anything firm, hard to truly grasp. It ebbs and flows with purpose and consciousness with Tatiana’s voice perfectly embodying the turmoil within it. So we’re almost halfway through the album and track five “Pausing Death” almost has us back on track within the Jinjer safe zone of familiarity with their prog metal malevolence. The shining light of “Pausing Death” in the use of blast beats during the chorus of the song whilst Tatiana’s clean serene vocals soothe us through the brutality.
Later tracks on the album both “Noah” and anti-war tune “Home Back” are familiar Jinjer, but one of my personal favourite songs on the album is track eight, “The Prophecy”. This is a slamming song guaranteed — a sensory bludgeoning.
To lay Macro to rest is “lainnereP”. Beginning with atmospheric layered electronic synths and keyboards, ghosted along with haunting choral whispers “lainnereP” is the albums triumphant and comforting end.
Rest assured Macro is surely going to leave you breathless and never wanting to stray from the roads of its turbulent, exhilarating anger and beautifully brutal brilliance.
Macro is out via Napalm Records this Friday 25th October
Check out the official video to Macro’s opener “On The Top” and Jinjer’s 2020 Australian Tour Dates below:
JINGER TOUR DATES:
TUES 3 MARCH – ADELAIDE – LION ARTS FACTORY
WED 4 MARCH – CANBERRA – THE BASEMENT
THUR 5 MARCH – MELBOURNE – MAX WATTS
FRI 6 MARCH – SYDNEY – MANNING
SAT 7 MARCH – BRISBANE – THE ZOO
Tickets on sale now: https://hardlinemedia.net/tickets
VIP MEET AND GREET EXPERIENCE available ONLY through www.hardlinemedia.net
