There are so many highlights on this album that it’s stupid to reduce them to a review, especially one coming from a writer such as myself (read: a shitty one). For once this isn’t about me, but the new album from The Ukraine’s Jinjer, called Duél. I’m this close (damn, look at how close my fingers are) to calling their new album “war metal.”

Hear me out, though. It’s not your typical furious blasts of battle hymns, but it’s no secret their home has been under attack for what seems an eternity to this observer, so I’m sure it’s far worse for them. The songs reflect it, as “Someone’s Daughter” shows. While it’s certainly not ridden with blast beats, the lyrics of “I have to swing my sword alone” lend to this notion. The music never lacks in the “heaviness” department, which is of course my favorite of the departments, the vocals are melodic until there are two minutes left. At that point, the breakdown beckons the use of Tatiana’s gutturals, but only for a short time.

Adding more to my evidence of this being a war metal album is “Rogue.” This is one of the heaviest tracks, made more impactful by its length (maturing as a writer is not making the obvious joke, but I probably ruined that with the acknowledgment). It’s a beatdown from start to finish, illuminating the prevalence of the bass.

The album flows well, and an example of that is how “Rogue” flows into “Tumbleweed” with its vocal tradeoffs. Since it’s a shorter one, it’s another example of why this could arguably be called war metal. Although I can’t relate to the soulful and tragic words regarding one’s homeland being taken, the juxtaposition between the gorgeous vocals and tortured words paints quite a picture.

I only wanted to spotlight some of the heavier tracks, but that’s easy as the album is filled with them. “Fast Draw” could very well be the heaviest. Gutturals and an overall furious pace grab you by the butthole immediately. There are several instances of smooth, clean double bass, as well as blast beats. With around 30 seconds left, the heavy breakdown finishes the track with some impressive deeeeep vocals.

I know no one’s going to buy what I’m selling to call this a war metal album. Most of those fans won’t accept it unless the music sounds like Bolt Thrower or Kanonenfieber. I want to assure you I hold those bands in high regard. I hold Jinjer in high regard as well but in a different way. They are somehow underrated despite the coverage they receive. Oddly, I haven’t seen much this time around. Maybe it’s because I don’t frequent the same spaces of the internet metal circles anymore. While that’s irrelevant, Jinjer is not. Duél is potentially their best, heaviest, and brimming with an unspoken, yet potent charisma. I can’t recommend it enough.

[Visit the band's website]

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