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troducing the band ’ s trademark techniques by capturing an overall vibe of the band ’ s earlier albums . Even with all the hype about its returning drummer , Parasomnia can be considered a triumphant return to form , as the album is very focused and highly engaging . However , the fans who might have given up on the band several albums ago may need more than one album to be convinced again .
- Kelley Simms
9
JINJER Duél
( Napalm )
Ukrainian progressive groove metal pioneers Jinjer is one of the leading musical acts who are carving out their path within the extreme metal scene . By seamlessly blending musical sub-genres such as progressive metal , funk , jazz , groove metal , death metal , reggae , metalcore , djent , nü metal , and even gothic influences , Jinjer ’ s genre-bending music has garnered a loyal fan base since its 2009 inception . Featuring vocalist Tatiana Shmailyuk , guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov , bassist Eugene Abdukhanov , and drummer Vladislav Ulasevich , the talented quartet has become a well-traveled and well-loved International band . On its fifth full-length album , Duél ( released on February 7 , 2025 , via Napalm Records ), the 11 tracks ebb and flow with colorful textures and technical structures while managing to portray heavier and more progressive elements compared to their 2021 album Wallflowers . Album opener “ Tantrum ” immediately goes for the throat with aggressive , down-tuned guitar riffs , furious blast beats , djent rhythms , and Tatiana ’ s captivating mixed vocals . Tatiana ’ s metaphoric lyrical prose promotes vivid imagery of angst and humility , while her seamless harsh-to-clean vocals are juxtaposed with dynamic versatility . On the menacing “ Rogue ,” Tatiana confronts Russian President Vladimir Putin , while the grooving “ Tumbleweed ” also reflects the ongoing turmoil in her homeland . Without any typical guitar solos in any of their songs , Roman deftly implements dissonance and melody to shape the tracks ’ sound . On Duél , Jinjer continued their longlasting collaboration with accomplished producer Max Morton , who co-produced , mixed , and mastered the album . The guitars are mixed heavily to the forefront while also pushing just the right amount of groove and melody from Eugene ’ s prominent bass lines and Vladislav ’ s versatile drumming skills . Beginning with the pandemic and then the invasion of their country , Jinjer was ignited to create something dark and vicious , and on Duél , the band has come out swinging in every possible way .
— Kelley Simms
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14 illinoisentertainer . com march 2025
RIOT FOR ROMANCE Learning to Unburden Myself
( Steadfast )
With perhaps some intentional irony , Denver-based rock trio Riot for Romance released Learning to Unburden Myself on Valentine ’ s Day . The album is now available for all chaotic and amorous festivities . Based on Jason Hansen ’ s lyrics , however , the material might be best suited for conscious uncoupling .
The band creates a glorious racket of alternative rock formed from a swirling confection of post-punk , emo , and shoegaze roots . The layered guitars of frontman Hansen and multi-instrumentalist Kelly Nunn have been compared to ’ 90s alt-rock heroes The Catherine Wheel . The sound will also appeal to fans of groups like Sonic Youth , Sunny Day Real Estate , Narrow
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