​JINJER Delivers an Unforgettable Performance at The Dome, Wallingford, CT

PHOTOS BY: Holly Roy Photography
REVIEW BY: Joe Perusse 

Walking into The Dome at the Toyota Oakdale Theater, I was a little concerned the bands might be playing to ahalf-empty room. As the night went on, though, those worries disappeared. The crowd steadily grew throughout the evening, and by the time Jinjer hit the stage, the venue was packed with excited metal fans ready to let loose.

Entheos got things started, with guitarists Michael Stancel and Scott Carstairs immediately
setting the tone, headbanging relentlessly during "All for Nothing" "Empty on the Inside"
followed, and vocalist Chaney Crabb introduced the band to the crowd while giving Connecticut
a shoutout.

After "Hell Is a Part of Me," Crabb asked, "Who has heard of us?" and was rewarded with a
surprisingly strong response from the audience. "I Am the Void" kept things rolling before cell
phone lights began swaying back and forth during "Life in Slow Motion"

Crabb called for a circle pit during "A Thousand Days" and the crowd answered with a small but
enthusiastic pit while Carstairs ripped through a guitar solo. "Golden Crown" from the band's
upcoming album due out in October, kept the energy high. Entheos wrapped up their set with
"An End to Everything" and "The Sinking Sun," while Navene Koperweis provided the driving
force behind the kit throughout the performance.

Next up was Japan's Crystal Lake, featuring touring vocalist Myke Terry of Fire From The Gods.
The horns went up immediately as the band launched into "Everblack." Terry checked in with
the crowd early, asking if everyone was having a good time, and judging by the constant
movement during "Bludgod," the answer was a definite yes.

The energy continued with "Neversleep" before Terry encouraged everyone in the pit to have a
"fucking good time" during "Hail to the Fire." "Crossing Nails" followed, while bassist Mitsuru
stood out with strong backing vocals during "AEON." "Dystopia" kept the momentum going, and
Yudai "YD" Miyamoto shined on backing vocals during "The Weight of Sound."
​
Crystal Lake closed their set with "Apollo," leaving the crowd fully warmed up for the night's
headliner. Gaku Taura (Drums) and Hisatsugu "TJ" Taji (Rhythm Guitar) rounded out a band that
delivered one of the night's most energetic performances.

By the time Jinjer took the stage, phones were already in the air recording the opening
moments of "Duel." Bassist Eugene Abdukhanov quickly reminded everyone why he's one of
the most respected players in modern metal, delivering a standout bass solo during "Green
Serpent."

Lead vocalist Tatiana "Tati" Shmayluk greeted the crowd and asked how all her friends were
doing before the band launched into "Fast Draw." "Vortex," "Disclosure!" and "Tantrum" followed in rapid succession.

One thing that stood out all night was Jinjer's outstanding video production. The visuals
perfectly complemented each song, adding another layer to an already impressive performance.
Abdukhanov opened "Teacher, Teacher!" with another bass-driven intro while the crowd clapped
along. Tati demanded movement during "Kafka," and the audience happily complied.

"Judgement (& Punishment)" followed before the first crowd surfer of the night appeared during
"Hedonist." Drummer Vladislav "Vladi" Ulasevich led the way into "I Speak Astronomy," with fans swaying their arms throughout the song. The first truly sizable mosh pit of the evening erupted during "Perennial," while Tati got all the women in attendance screaming during "Someone's Daughter."

Afterward, she thanked all the men in the room for looking out for the women throughout the
night, drawing cheers from the audience. "Rogue" kept the momentum rolling before guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov delivered a ripping intro to "Pisces," one of the songs many fans had been waiting to hear all night. Before leaving the stage, Tati thanked the crowd and gave a shoutout to both opening bands.

Jinjer returned for a one-song encore, closing the night with "Sit Stay Roll Over." It was a
powerful finish to an evening filled with outstanding musicianship, impressive production, and
nonstop energy. Judging by the smiles on the faces heading into the Connecticut night, there
were a lot of happy metalheads leaving The Dome.

CRYSTAL LAKE

ENTHEOS

JINJER