[EVENT REVIEW] Jinjer (South Africa)

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JINJER LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA

4 MAY 2019

PLATTELAND, CENTURION

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Jinjer delivered a stage-wrecking and energetic performance filled with progressive embellishments and exceptional technical precision that worked South African fans up into a frenzy which never ceased to break momentum.

 

When a show has a line of fans that snakes out from the venue entrance doors, around the corner and into the other side of the parking lot, you know it’s going to be a night to remember. Ukraine’s best kept secret, Jinjer, headlined two exclusive sold-out club shows at Platteland in Centurion on the 4th of May (and at Mercury Live in Cape Town the previous evening). Jinjer, together with special guests progressive UK rock outfit SÜMER, wowed the South African metal community.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”4026″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Local supporting act, Bleeding Spawn, opened the proceedings of the evening and produced a solid brutal performance. They were a good choice to set the tone for the harder elements of the headlining act. Next was another local opening band, Deity’s Muse, who gave a rhythmically sound and ethereal performance which demonstrated their growth as performers (likely due to their international touring exposure). Although vastly different to the previous band, they were appropriately selected to bring out the atmospheric and ambient qualities necessary to create a fitting mood for the special guest band to follow.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”4025″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]SÜMER were obviously chosen as special guests for a reason. There is something about this band that is so captivating and their music has this ability to take you far away into an otherworldly dimension. The moment they took to the stage, their presence exuded an air of anticipation. They have a diverse range of material which is both heavy and calm and includes some attention-grabbing instrumental pieces. Their overall performance was truly mesmerizing and their concise and polished presentation was awe-inspiring.

After the energy during SÜMER was unleashed, momentum was building for the headliner. As Jinjer was set to go on stage, the crowd was overwhelmingly full of spirit with die-hard fans forcing their way into any narrow space they could find to get as close as possible to the stage. When Jinjer appeared, fans were more than ready and willing to give everything they had to create a memorable evening (especially the shirtless super-fan who made it his mission to get on stage and awkwardly side-hug powerhouse vocalist Tatiana Shmailyuk which resulted in him being swiftly ejected by security). Jinjer produced a powerful and dynamic performance with each song and the venue was filled with intense energy from start to finish which gave rise to multiple mosh-pits breaking out.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”4024″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The sound mix was the only downfall of this event. The drums and bass were overpowering and the guitar lines lacked clarity here and there. At the start of Jinjer’s set, the vocals weren’t that clear to begin with but luckily that was soon rectified. The lighting was effectively utilized and it was in sync with the music.

Each member of Jinjer is a master of their musical craft and they evidently relish their time together on stage producing an outstanding performance for their fans. Be sure to catch them at a festival or performance at a city near you – you will not be disappointed!

 

Written by:

Natalie Louise Cowling

Photographs by:

Leigh-Anne Kenny (Killkenny Photography)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]