JINJER

MACRO

Jinjer is back with a new release: Macro

Jinjer is quickly becoming one of the most en-vogue bands on the scene. Its most recent release, Macro, available via Napalm Records, stays true to its title with a massive sound. This release sums up the ten years and counting of activity for the band, and the unique act they have been able to build over the past few years. Not only has Jinjer release amazing set of albums and songs, but the band has been playing live relentlessly, charming audiences and conquering new fans, one stage at a time.

Compared to some of the band’s previous work, this album has a more focused sound and a modern flair. Influences range from Djent to PostMetal and even modern hardcore and electronic incursions, anything goes. There is so much melody on the songs, and the vocals are on-point as usual. The fronting style of Tatiana definitely represents the band’s X factor, not to take anything away from the other talented musicians in the band! There is just so much excellence on this album, but the song “On the Top” is perhaps a prime example of the and at its absolute best. The guitars are throaty and huge, with a gnarly down-tuned pulse. Tatiana’s vocals are so broad and diverse, and there is something truly special about the
alternating of screamed and sung sections.

Songs such as “Pausing Death” or “The Prophecy” highlight the band’s ability to combine complexity with appeal in equal doeses. There is also room for a mind-boggling diverse array of influences, ranging from reggae to jazz and pretty much everything in between. “Macro” is a strong statement from Jinjer. It affirm’s the band’s willingness to keep embracing new challenges and make music that bridges the gaps
between complex sonic upholstery and intuitive rawness. The balance is not always easy to achieve, let alone on a stage, where the group really shines.

Review by Georgina Strilakos

OZZY OSBOURNE

Patient Number 9

Ozzy Osbourne is not just another heavy metal vocalist. If you ask most metal fans, they’ll tell you that he is a pioneer. In many ways, Black Sabbath is the archetype of what became the metal band, not only in terms of the hard-hitting sound, but also when it comes to the darker aesthetics and imagery around the music. Ozzy and his band took what Led Zeppelin started and took it to the extra mile, laying the foundation of modern metal. Even outside his work with Black Sabbath, Ozzy managed to stay relevant and make music that transcended eras and generations. He even collaborated with contemporary stars like Post Malone, showcasing his ability to have enduring appeal that transcended generation. His most recent studio work “Patient Number 9”, feels like a celebration of many decades of making music. The set-list has a star-studded cast of collaborators, including guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck, as well as heavy metal axemen Zakk Wylde. Black Sabbath fans will recognize a familiar name: Tony Iommi, joining Ozzy on this one for a few numbers. “Patient Number 9” features songs that are pure fun and energetic. The title track has a melody and a vibe that feels like it’s coming straight out of an 80s Bon Jovi record. On the other hand, “Immortal” (with Mike McCready) almost nods at bands such as Rush. One of the most high-profile collaborators on the album is probably Eric Clapton. The iconic British guitar legend appears on “One of The Days,” providing some juicy and highly recognizable blues rock licks. One of the album’s heavy hitters is perhaps “Degradation Rules,” a massive scorcher featuring Tommy Iommi’s fat riffs and droning guitars chords. One of the most unique songs on the record is perhaps “Darkside Blues.” This song has a truly interesting production: it feels like a delta blues record from the 30s being broadcasted from outer space. Ozzy’s cutting vocals are still highly recognizable even under the layers of lo-fi reverb and saturation.

All in all, this is a pure rock album with so many influences. It’s fun and vibrant, and it shows that Ozzy is still eager to make music that genuinely connects with the audience. Although there are many retro vibes and influences from various era of rock, the sound of the production is very modern, making for an excellent progression of the genre and showing that there is still a place for classic rock vibes in modern music. – Georgina Strilakos

Halestorm

Back From The Dead

Ever since the release of Halestorm’s self-titled debut album in 2009, the band managed to soar to the top of the US metal music scene. The band achieved success beyond the confines of the heavy music community, receiving a Grammy Award in 2013, as well as charting on Billboard’s Top 200!

In addition to releasing high-quality music on a regular basis, the group managed to build a strong following on account of their steady touring schedule. They have performed with a huge range of acts, introducing their music to fans of headliners such as Alice Cooper and Evanescence, but also sharing the stage with Disturbed, Papa Roach, and many more. The wide array of artists they toured with highlights Halestorm’s incredible stylistic versatility as a band. With every album, the band set out to expand its broad sonic palette and take its vision to the next level. “Back From The Dead” is the group’s fifth studio work, and it continues to push the boundaries for the band. “Back From The Dead” has had a fairly long creative gestation. The record has been in the cards for quite some time now, but the COVID-19 pandemic followed the band to radically shift their schedule and find new ways to finance the recording, while also keeping their road stuff, crew, and families afloat in an unprecedented time for the music industry. In spite of all the challenges, “Back From The Dead” stands out as one of the most incendiary albums from Halestorm. Perhaps, the difficult period brought out the best in the band, in terms of using music as a way to react with all that’s been happening around them. The album deals with topics such as mental health, isolation and survival – making it extremely relevant to the current era. The songs are angsty and aggressive, but also personal and melodic, showcasing the group’s ever-extending sonic outreach. More importantly, “Back From The Dead” feels very close to that unmistakable energy that makes Halestorm’s live shows so legendary!

The sound of “Back From The Dead” could be described as relentless and uncompromising, but not devoid of nuances. What makes Halestorm stand out among other artists is their incredible ability to create heavy music that still offers a refined set of details, which make their arrangements really intriguing and one-of-a-kind.

Find out more about Halestorm, and listen to “Back From The Dead”.

***Review by Georgina Strilakos***