Jinjer
Ukrainian metalcore band known for progressive genre experiments.
Jinjer (pronounced "ginger") is a Ukrainian metalcore band that originated in Donetsk and first came together in 2008. Every original member has since left the group; the current lineup treats 2009 as the true starting point, when vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk and guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov joined. Bassist Eugene Abdukhanov and drummer Vladislav Ulasevich later completed the roster. The band has released four studio albums to date: *Cloud Factory*, *King of Everything*, *Macro*, and *Wallflowers*.
The initial incarnation of Jinjer featured singer Maksym Fatullaiev, guitarist Dmitriy Oksen, bassist Oleksiy Svynar, and drummer Vyacheslav Okhrimenko. This group released a four-song EP titled *Objects in Mirror Are Closer than They Appear*. In 2009, Fatullaiev was replaced by Shmayluk, and Ibramkhalilov came on as a second guitarist. Two years later, Svynar gave way to Abdukhanov, and Okhrimenko was succeeded by Yevhen Mantulin. This revised lineup self-released the EP *Inhale, Do Not Breathe* in 2012 and funded their own relentless touring. Leaders Records took notice, and in 2013 the EP was officially reissued in an expanded form that included three live tracks. That same year, Jinjer won the award for Best Ukrainian Metal Act from the InshaMuzyka label, an award they would claim again in 2016.
In 2014, the band self-released their debut full-length, *Cloud Factory*, which featured drummer Yevhen Mantulin. The album was later picked up and re-released by Napalm Records. Jinjer began booking their own international tours. The last founding member, guitarist Oksen, left in 2015 and was not replaced, leaving Ibramkhalilov as the sole guitarist. After several world tours, Jinjer released their second album, *King of Everything*, in 2016, preceded by the single "Pisces." In 2021, *Metal Hammer* ranked "Pisces" at number 74 on its list of "The 100 Greatest Metal Songs of the 21st Century." Shortly after the album's release, drummer Vladislav Ulasevich joined, and the lineup has remained stable since. In 2017, the band completed two European tours supporting Arch Enemy, followed by their first North American tour alongside Cradle of Filth in 2018. That February, Napalm Records reissued *Cloud Factory*.
- formed
- 2008
- origin
- Donetsk, Ukraine
- genre
- Metalcore
- years_active
- 2008–present
- label
- Napalm Records
- notable_album
- King of Everything (2016)
Quick Facts
- Background
- group_or_band
- Landscape
- yes
- Origin
- Donetsk, Ukraine
- Genre
- Metalcore / progressive metal / groove metal / djent
- Years Active
- 2008–present
- Label
- Napalm · The Leaders
- Website
- jinjer-metal.com
- Current Members
- Tatiana Shmayluk / Roman Ibramkhalilov / Eugene Abdukhanov / Vladislav Ulasevich
- Past Members
- Dmitriy Oksen / Maksym Fatullaiev / Vyacheslav Okhrimenko / Oleksandr Koziychuk / Yevhen Mantulin / Dmitriy Kim
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Jinjer was formed in 2008 by singer Maksym Fatullaiev, guitarist Dmitriy Oksen, bassist Oleksiy Svynar, and drummer Vyacheslav Okhrimenko. This lineup released the four-song EP Objects in Mirror Are Closer than They Appear. In 2009, Fatullaiev was replaced by Tatiana Shmayluk, and Roman Ibramkhalilov joined on second guitar. Over the next several years, the band underwent multiple lineup changes, with bassist Eugene Abdukhanov joining in 2011 and drummer Yevhen Mantulin replacing Okhrimenko that same year. Mantulin was later replaced by Vladislav Ulasevich after the release of King of Everything in 2016. The final remaining founding member, Dmitriy Oksen, departed in 2015 and was not replaced, leaving Ibramkhalilov as sole guitarist.
The band self-released their first full-length album, Cloud Factory, in 2014, which was later reissued by Napalm Records. Their second album, King of Everything (2016), included the single 'Pisces,' which Metal Hammer later ranked among the greatest metal songs of the 21st century.
Reader's Guide
Jinjer's significance lies in their rise from a self-funded Ukrainian metalcore band to an internationally recognized act, noted for their progressive genre experiments and stable lineup since 2016. Their music incorporates elements of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, reggae, and groove metal, with bassist Eugene Abdukhanov using a five-string bass to supplement the sound after the band reduced to a single guitarist. The band's lyrics have addressed the war in Donbas and its effects on their home region of Donetsk. Jinjer won the Best Ukrainian Metal Act award in 2013 and again in 2016, and landed on the Billboard Next Big Sound chart in 2018. Their legacy includes multiple world tours, support slots for Arch Enemy and Cradle of Filth, and recognition from major metal publications. The band's ability to maintain a consistent lineup since 2016, despite earlier instability, has been key to their sustained output, including five studio albums and several EPs.
Did You Know?
- Jinjer's name is pronounced 'ginger'.
- None of the founding members remain with the band; the current lineup considers 2009 as the official year of formation.
- Drummer Yevhen Mantulin fell from a third-story window in 2014, severing his spine and rupturing his spleen, and was unable to continue playing.
- In March 2022, Jinjer paused their career to focus on relief efforts in Ukraine after the Russian invasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jinjer?
Jinjer is a Ukrainian metalcore band that first formed in Donetsk in 2008, though the current members regard 2009 as the true starting point when vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk and guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov came aboard.
What genre does Jinjer play?
They are primarily categorized as metalcore, but the group is also widely recognized for layering in progressive and experimental elements throughout their recordings.
Who are the current members of Jinjer?
The active lineup consists of vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk, guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov, bassist Eugene Abdukhanov, and drummer Vladislav Ulasevich. Every person from the original 2008 incarnation has since left the project.
What albums has Jinjer released?
The band has issued four studio records to date: Cloud Factory, King of Everything, Macro, and Wallflowers. King of Everything (2016) is frequently highlighted as their standout release.
Why is Jinjer notable in the metal scene?
Fronted by a female vocalist and signed to Napalm Records, Jinjer has stood out in the metalcore landscape by consistently pushing the genre toward more progressive and experimental territory while remaining active since 2008.
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