When I reviewed Jinjer’s ‘Wallflowers’ in 2021, I discussed (quite deliriously) how the record did not fall short of delivering sheer, relentless rhythm. I also concluded that review by saying “Until the next record is ready to smack us in our faces, groove baby, groove.”

Nearly four years later, all I can say is – I hope you have health insurance. This record slaps so hard – it might as well be charged with assault and battery.   

‘Duél’ is the band’s fifth full-length record and is already stirring a buzz in the fanbase and gaining attention. Let’s make one thing clear at the beginning here – this record, is not just a testament to exceptional musicianship, but is also shamelessly, provocatively, Jinjer.

Of course, you hear all of the elements that make up this group’s unique sonic palette – Tatiana’s soaring cleans and deafening roars, Eugune’s iconic basslines doubling with Roman’s versatile riffage, and Vlad locking them all together with his chops. But what you also hear is how exceptionally well the four of them have grown together as a musical cohort (that takes stank-face-level chugging very seriously). The record’s production brings clarity to the chaos – guiding the listener’s attention throughout while ensuring the vocals and instruments shine independently, but together. This is no surprise –  Max Morton returns here as well to co-produce, mix, and master the record, marking the longstanding collaboration between him and the band.

Conceptually, we are diving into an abyss of melancholy and rage wrapped carefully in a state of introspection. “Kafka” is a prime example of this, and it is one of the teased tracks of the record (along with “Rogue” and “Someone’s Daughter”). The track (inspired very obviously by a certain Austrian-Czech novelist credited for writing one of the best allegories of modern-day bureaucracy)  explores deep and turbulent frustrations with existence. The composition follows the textbook Jinjer approach of not adhering to textbook arrangement structures – which supports the emotional ebb and flow of the lyrics (much like “Ape” from ‘Micro’. The track builds appropriate tension at the pre-chorus – “Or eventually plague will catch me?” – and releases a flood of emotions in the next sentence – “While others see to the horizon, I can see just beyond”. The track, while unleashing one of the nastiest beatdowns, has Tatiana roaring out the conclusion – “Absurd is my existence! Oh, how absurd!” (Use of the term ‘absurd’ paired with ‘plague’ makes me think that the band was also inspired by another philosopher with a Sisyphean approach to existence, that declared coffee as the optimal alternative to suicide. Anyone else?) 

“Dark Bile” is another track that delivers slam-like riffs (fitting disgustingly appropriately with the title of the track) and communicates the pain of internalized sorrow and anxiety – in an introspective conversational style. “Hedonist” casts a similar spell – instead to address indulgence and instant gratification, and how quickly its walls can close down on an individual. “Fast Draw”, and “Duel” (the title track), although individual tracks are tracks that (to me) are meant to be experienced back-to-back. When heard together – the songs depict the modern individual’s experience of engaging in psychological duels with oneself.  

Thus, Jinjer is clearly self-reflecting on this record, and they have decided to use this sound to communicate the dark depths of this reflection. Reader be warned, that it is a monumental journey that demands attention to detail. Paired with its stank riffage, this record could be the very thing that you keep coming back to, or be a mirror showing you the reflection of yourself that you run away from.

The bottom line is this – ‘Duél’ is another masterpiece in Jinjer’s discography, and for me personally, sits at the top right next to ‘Micro’, ‘Wallflowers’, and ‘King of Everything’. While the record is (obviously) heavy – the emotions it covers are heavier. In a sense, this record is poetry with the distortion dialed in loud (at 11). It is a record that will adequately instigate mosh pits –while also sparking a reflective state of mind in the listener (aged whiskey and cigarettes are optional, despite fitting the mood of this record).

Jinjer is set to shake the earth with this record with a world tour starting on 6 February. They will also have their live debut in India on 8 February at Bangalore Open Air 2025. After listening to this record, I know, for a fact, that the local scene is not ready for the shakedown. But are you?