I’ve seen a lot of metal bands come and go. Some have their shtick, some ride a fad until the wheels fall off, but then there are the rare ones who don’t just change the game but bring something so uniquely theirs that comparisons feel cheap. Ukrainian progressive metal juggernauts Jinjer fall firmly in that last category, and their sold-out show at O2 Forum Kentish Town proved they’ve earned every inch of that stage.
This was my fourth time catching them, and the evolution from scrappy opening act to headlining force has been something to witness. No pyro gimmicks, no bloated production. Just four musicians who understand that great songs and crushing heaviness will always win.
There really is no band that sounds like Jinjer right now. Maybe if Mudvayne ever releases new material, there’d be competition. Still, even then, as much as I dig Chad Grey, he can’t touch the effortless vocal shapeshifting Tatiana Shmayluk pulls off.
Speaking of Tatiana, she’s the kind of frontwoman you can’t look away from. Not just because of the voice (though watching her pivot from angelic melody to guttural roar mid-phrase never gets old), but the way she moves. We usually get wild futuristic outfits from her, but tonight she wore this stunning dress with an almost Victorian or Spanish vibe.
Then she’d break into these calypso-inspired dance moves that have absolutely no business working with progressive metal, yet somehow fit perfectly. It’s fascinating. You’re locked in because you genuinely don’t know what’s coming next.
The 16-song set leaned heavily on 2025’s Duel, delivering eight cuts from one of the year’s best metal albums. From the title track opener “Duél” through bruisers like “Kafka” and “Judgement (& Punishment),” the new material crushed. Classic favorites like “Pisces” and “Teacher, Teacher!” reminded everyone why they’re here, while deeper cuts like “Green Serpent” and “Perennial” showcased the band’s range. The encore closer “Sit Stay Roll Over” left the Forum breathless.
Jinjer is doing it right. Consistent, authentic, heavy as fuck. They’re not part of any movement. They ARE the movement.
