BY PAM WHISENHUNT | Go Venue Magazine
Four shows into their US tour, Ukrainian progressive metal band Jinjer made a stop at the Fillmore in Minneapolis, Minnesota, November 5, 2022.
Kicking off the all-ages night was fellow metal core Ukrainians, Space of Variations. Space of Variations has an extensive discography. Unfortunately, it’s relatively unknown in the United States. It could be seen as a good thing. Their set brought a fresh collection of music. By the end of the set, yellow and blue lights dawned the stage and lead singer Dmytro Kozhukhar brought out a Ukrainian flag. Kozhukhar talked about Ukraine and wants to bring awareness to the war in their country.
The second band up was Vended out of Des Moines, Iowa. This young band is earning their place in the heavy metal big leagues. They check all the blocks; style, intense energy, speed and a heavy sound. Even though there’re only have a few original singles in their discography, they delivered a well-rounded, heavy hitting set.
Special guests of the night were veteran rockers P.O.D. P.O.D. didn’t seem to fit the bill, but was a welcome add. P.O.D.’s set list was the perfect mix of old hits, deep cuts and a new release. Their nu-metal, hip hop sound always brings the party and fills the soul.
Jinjer wrapped up the night. Female lead Tatiana Shmayluk bled confidence. Her dynamic stage presence really made it hard to watch anyone else. Shmayluk worked the whole stage and played to the crowd. Jinjer’s song selection showcased the band’s diversity. All heavy, but included a range of death metal screams and melodic runs.
Jinjer took time to spread the word, the war is still going on. Shmayluk screamed, “we want our home back”! Jinjer considers themselves ambassadors to the country and supports Ukrainians in a number of ways, including donating a portion of ticket and merch sales to relief projects.
Although the show was a short 3-1/2 hours, it packed a punch. All bands provided high-powered energy start to finish.
Jinger
P.O.D.
Vended
Space of Variations
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