Jinjer – Craufurd arms, Milton Keynes – 21st November 2017

Jinjer

The first band tonight was deathcore band Nycosia. They’re very heavy with growly vocals but sadly their songs just aren’t good enough to impress anyone tonight – they relly did fall flat tonight I’m afraid. a fact clear not just from the lack of cheering or applause between songs but also when the next band, From sorrow to serenity asked the crowd if they’d enjoyed Nycosia, they were met with a deafening silence and had to encourage the crowd to make some noise. A disappointing start to the night.

Happily Glasgow band From Sorrow to Serenity were a distinct step up in quality. Faster, heavier and louder than Nycosia they also had better tunes and as a result went down far better than Nycosia. Unlike Nycosia where he could have been growling his shopping list – you’d never know as they were so unintelligible, From Sorrow to Serenity had vocals that while still heavy were intelligible so you could hear the lyrics better. They put in a great set and got the crowd nicely warmed up for Jinjer.

Finally it was time for Ukrainian band Jinjer, here on their first (long overdue) UK tour. I’ve been wanting to see them for a few years now, and they were definitely well worth the wait. Musically they’re fantastic – progressive metal with some hardcore and groove metal mixed in. It’s the sort of music that should appeal to fans of bands such as Lamb of God or Gojira as well as fans of bands such as Arch Enemy (who they’re due to tour with early next year). Singer Tatiana Shmailyuk is a great frontwoman and when she’s not singing she’s headbanging or moving around the stage. The rest of the band too put in great performances, and the set is fantastic from start to finish. A great set from a band I look forward to seeing again soon.

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About Ant May

I spend half my life at gigs or festivals and the other half writing the reviews and editing photos, and somehow find time for a full time job too. Who needs sleep - I've got coffee.