The reason some bands choose to use growls is because music needs to traverse the full range of emotions. Metal, in particular deals with anger, angst, frustration, death, and the darker side of life. To reach that depth of expression, they growl in a cathartic expression of those emotions.
I agree...Metal is able to cover all of human emotion in a more purposeful way...It truly is complete in it's texture in representing humanity as a whole..I think that is why so many tend to demean its value...It is a mirror they refuse to look at for fear of truth....
@@randominc.2251 Yup! This was me. I thought it was just a preference/taste thing that I didn't like metal but it was me resisting and refusing to look at my shadow and my own darkness.
Really? The growl isnt artistic in any way compared to building music composition to reach those conclusions and emotions. It's a shock effect that makes it totally or at best nearly impossible to hear what the hell she sings, whats the point of that? Sounding like the devil, who many of us can realate to feeling as the devil? An unempathetic creature with powerful hate, thats the emotion I get out of it, very unrelatable. Do you really relate to it as part of your emotional spectrum? I might be wrong but I'd suggest you're quite unusual then, and probably need to work on it instead of relating to it. Generally people who listen to growl music where I come from arent emotionally developed people who listen to relate in a productive and artistic way, it's much more the identity group they want to belong to than something personal.
@@tomastorasen9164 You are entitled to your opinion but we as humans are complex beings that have a wide variety of emotions. Some, due to traumas and tragedies develop differently and have feelings of rage, anger, frustration, etc that needs to be channeled and released in a productive manner. This style allows for a healthy release. There have been psychological studies that have shown that metal music fans tend to be happier and more balanced psychologically because the music they enjoy helps them explore the wide range of emotions in a safer context. So maybe it is you who needs to do some reevaluation of your preconceived notions and your prejudice against those who are different.
This is the BEST review I've ever seen. It's so awesome to see great classical musicians analyse and admire bands like Jinjer. This just made me realize the fact that I really do want to learn music. Thanks a lot for this.
its so clear the you FEEL music, instant sub from me :D btw, its super cool that you said it sounded like Opeth when she starts growling, because she said she started growling because she heard and Opeth song :D
Tatiana's (vocals) friend Lena is from Moldova and her band's name is Infected Rain. If you check them out I would suggest Infected Rain - "Orphan Soul" or "Dancing Alone". For Jinjer I would say check out "Perennial" next.
1st of your vids I ever watched... Teacher Teacher is a good one as well... My fav band ATM, all the band is terribly talented, making a real masterpiece... Have fun with Teacher, Teacher if you havey seen it already :)
think you nailed the dichotomy head on...I'd 'guess' that emeralds refer to the fish scales - ie. the armor of the fish, or, self defenses of the person?
I believe you’ll really like Avenged Sevenfold! Especially “Save Me” personally I believe it’s one of their best composed song. I believe you’ll also like their later work
Warning, don't try this at home! You can easily fry your vocal chords! There is a technique you have to learn to let the air flow around the chords. Tatiana masters the switching over into normal mode and growling, you can't just go and do this. It takes training and time, be patient and you'll get there, don't force it!
Classical composer huh? You need to start doing some reacts for Fleshgod Apocalypse (Italian extreme metal). The song "Epilogue" would be a great place to start. :3
but he totally missed appreciating the techneque. I get it that he's not into that style of music, but to dismiss it with "they could have done something else better" (or words to that effect) shows a lac of respect for the genre. he could have redeemed himself by explaining that he did some research into how to growl safely and which parts of your vocal tract this sound comes from.
"Why does she growl when she could hit all these clear high notes?" Why use electric guitar and bass when you could play the song with acoustic and stand up? I understand your question, but you might as well ask why a famous artist used yellow instead of red. Because she wanted to.
@@LeonBlackbird I have no illusions, but I have had a few fantasies about her using that growl when we were horizontally tangoing. Just saying, it's sexy.
Part of the idea of the song is the duality of her personality, the sign consists of two fish swimming in opposite directions, hence the vocals matching this duality. Emeralds probably refers to the fish scales i would imagine. It took me several years before I started to enjoy the growling in metal, but when you start to get into it you realize that there is enormous variation in terms of technique and sound both between singers and withing one singers range. Tatiana from Jinjer for example can vary her growling a lot in whatever to equivalent to pitch is, this song isn't the greatest in terms of showing of that part. It's mostly popular for the shock value :) I'm really enjoying your channel, even though I have no theoretical knowledge of music! I guess it's just pleasing th listen to someone who knows what their talking about!
I feel the same as you when it comes to harsh vocals in metal. It took me a while as well to appreciate it. I first really came to appreciate the use of harsh vocals when I heard it used in Epica's music. The contrasts immediately clicked with me!
There has to be treatment on her growl vocals - I’ll have to do some research but there surely running them through some compression to get them that low, I’ve got to believe. Personally it’s not my thing. Do they do this growling in all their songs?
"Now she sounds like she's from Opeth!" Best response EVAR! Seriously though, this might be the best and most informative reaction analysis to Pisces in the last 100 that I've watched, no hyperbole.
Emeralds= Fish Scales. Pisces= two fish= Neptune's children= yin/yang. Tatiana is the song writer and a Pisces, who never thought this song about the duality of her life would become so popular. It was a filler song made from a poem she wrote when she was bored, she has stated in interviews.
Black Sabbath's Paranoid was also a filler song. It was written in about 3 minutes just to fill out the album. It's their most popular and recognized song. Funny that. 🤔
@@morlokkurak4763 I guess not trying to do and just doing it sometimes leads to some pretty impressive bursts of creativity in a short amount of time hehe :)
"Emeralds are ripped away" - I interpret this as being de-scaled. It goes with being caught, and butchered; but also fits with having what's valuable taken away by abusers.
I agree! I think a singer should use harsh vocals when the Erlkönig reveals his true intentions in Schubert's song! I would've done it myself when I performed it if I knew how to safely use growls/screams.
Tatiana has amazing control of her vocal fry and growls, this technique does not come easy to very many vocalists. Classically trained vocalists shy away from this stuff to avoid damage to their instrument.
I dunno he kinda has a point, it's ultimately somewhat of a compositionally boring choice for a chorus when taken on its own once you get over the initial reaction, especially given how much focus is put on it in the mix compared to the rest of the instrumentation, which is a lot more interesting. I think it still works really well within the context of the song because of the contrast to the verses and because it makes the climax where she actually moves in and out of clean high belts and growls more impactful, but I can also see where he is coming from.
So Vlad thé drummer is a classically trained musician. There’s a video of him playing Rachmaninov somewhere. Eugene, the bass player, is entirely self-taught. I think the rhythm section of this band is amazing - I’ve seen them live in 2020 in Sydney - absolutely incredible. Not a beat missed. The Melbourne concert has been released by Napalm - any of those songs would do as a follow up. Or, you could treat the well-trodden route: Perennial love from Wacken, Who is gonna be the One from the same concert and their latest release, a music video Home Back.
There is no doubt that the band themselves are tight as a drum. I appreciate Tatiana, but actually would listen to the band more just as pure instrumental. I still can't really get on board with growling of any kind... even if it's impressive.
Opeth was a big influence on Jinjer. Not sure who started this trend of angelic cleans and demonic growls by the same singer, but Mikael Akerfeldt has to be among the pioneers.
Perennial (Live At Wacken) - that’s where you want to go next. Then hit “ I Speak Astronomy.” I credit Jinjer and Avatar for opening my ears up to “growling” - and now, I am a fan of the genre. This band is the real deal. They are amazing, and I cannot wait for COVID to be over so that I can finally see them!
I think that Judgement and Punishment one-take would be a better next step as it's got more musical choices made in it that Doug might get his teeth in to and then Perrenial or Who's Gonna Be the One for hearing them in a live setting to see how good they all are and it's not just a studio band
Ooohhh.. Avatar. Don't think I've seen reactions to them yet, but they're SOOOOO fun on stage. Not always my taste in terms of music, but so incredibly entertaining and awesome stage presence.
@@Shoikan There's a few reax out there from different channels. Got to see them before the 'rona, and they did a series of streaming concerts in January that were absolutely incredible.
Jinjer: Retrospection, is a good one. Talks about them missing their families on tour and she sings in native tongue as well as english. It's a great blend. I find it a little personal because they show behind the scenes of the 2019 tour of which I was at 2 of the shows. Home back as well. Hell, anything by them is awesome and different.
If you are interested in a an epic prog rock / metal piece with 11 very different guest singers, various instruments and a very communicative composer/musician (Arjen)? "Ayreon" with "The Day the World Breaks Down".
She sounds exactly like that live too. An incredible talent & instrument. The rest of the band are also amazing musicians in their own right. Vlad (drums) is classically trained formally, which is worth noting. And there are no solos in their work, doesn't need to -- it's sprinkled throughout their music.
Think it’s more like a fish (Pisces’s symbol twin fishes) thinking if they just find a hook they’ll be pulled up out of their difficult life in the water into the sun and be happy, but the fisherman butchers them and removes their scales (emeralds). I think.
Now this is gonna be the weirdesr interpretation ever but I think the part "emeralds are ripped away" always reminds me of r*pe for some reason, so it's like some was r*ped from her, either her virginity if we're talking literally or her innocence or something of sort if we're talking figuratively.
Everyone is always shocked by Tatiana's vocals, and rightfully so, but the musicians are very good. Glad to see someone do more than just react to her and recognize how good the song really is.
Please react to "Unleash the Archers - Awakening (Full Band Playthrough Video)" .. Incredible musicians, a great composition and an outstanding lead vocalist! You´ll gonna enjoy it! :-)
In my interpretation of "emeralds are ripped away", i think it's a reference to the "handsome butchers" removing a fishes scales, and as this song has a duality to its lyrics, the real world meaning would be people(handsome butchers) ripping away your achievements (your emeralds) in an attempt to bring you down
Tati is life-changing. Understanding growls: There are some things, that are emotionally powerful enough to the author, that they need to be yelled. The primal scream is the release of the spiritual burden of the subject. Also, it just sounds cool.
If you need more of a reason to react to this the song was featured as part of the curriculum at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. I recommend the live performance from Denver.
Pisces is one of Jinjer's more "tame" tunes. I've become a fan over the past year. As a musician, I just want to give props to Jinjer's drummer, Vlad Ulasevich. Every member of this band are great musicians, but the truly great bands of *any* genre require a great drummer, and Vlad has the "A" game.
This is fairly mild for Jinjer,you need to see their live on stage performances.Try Who is gonna be the one live Napalm records or Pit of Consciousness live Kiev and there are plenty of others they are excellent live video’s
Tatiana has been singing in 8 different bands since she was 15 years old. She was born in 1987, the year of Cat (or Rabbit) according to Chinese horoscope, and her zodiac sign is PISCES. As a matter of fact the lyrics Tatiana made for this song are describing herself, revealing the traits of character of a Pisces personality. The lyrics are great.
Interesting text analysis, very different what people get out of that text. Most of the reactions I have seen have focused on lead vocals in particular, but also a lot on the drummer. So actually the first time I get a musical reaction to the string instruments, which I myself am extremely impressed with (I myself am a musician with guitar as my main instrument). Nice you are so open minded, that I realy like 😏
The face you make expressing your root emotions is the reason to use growls as a musical expression. They could get into some places that any clean tone can get even close.
Opeth's Mikael Akerfeldt is one of the biggest influences on Tatiana (Lead singer ) and the song itself is highly Opeth influenced. This song is a must for any reaction channels due to the incredible vocal range. But two things which gets overshadowed by the incredible singing is the insane drum work and intricate guitar work. They both have knocked it out of the park in this "live " session. Some songs I am sure you will enjoy reacting to. Rivers of Nihil - Where the owls know my name Ne Obliviscaris - And the plaque flowers the Kaleidoscope Opeth - Blackwater Park Opeth - Ghost of Perdition Opeth - Deliverance Insomnium - While we sleep
Forgot to mention Ne Obliviscaris - And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope. This particular composition is a part of the curriculum in the Syndey Conservatory and it's totally justified.
Scale armor, etc. So like when looking for a partner, they only see the surface, and she starts to let her guard down and that's where she is taken advantage of etc
@@docknives3792 I think as is often the case with metal, its a double meaning. There is the literal meaning of a fish being descaled. Wanting to check out the sunlight and then being caught, tortured and butchered. But also a woman's perspective on abuse and the loss of innocence.
When I was a child, my parents and I played "I see something you don't see" on long car trips. Now, I can play "I hear something you didn't hear" with you :-) In the last verse, the bass scales are the same as guitar scales from the chorus, just backwards (and with one additional note).
Thank you for this amazing reaction! Love Jinjer, I'm also Ukrainian and was born and grew up in the same region as the band members. Jinjer - Perennial (live from Wacken) would be a great choice for next reaction. Also Home Back (official video) is another song I would love to see you reacting. This one is dedicated to the war conflict in our native region. Guys from Jinjer became war refugees in 2014 due to those events and their native town is still remains occupied.. Really emotional and powerful song.
I'd like to once again submit my recommendation for reacting to Nightwish's "Shoemaker," and add that you'll get much more out of the song if you do some research on Eugene Shoemaker, the father of planetary sciences, ahead of time, unless you happen to already know about him and his work! Also, Nightwish's video is a lyric video, and very well done at that. I look forward to that (I think inevitable 🙂) reaction!
Once you are used to hear "extreme vocals" (i. e. screaming/growling) you start to appreciate the nuances, the expressivity, and the purpose of those techniques (IF they are used well). So, you'll see that "why she isn't using her clean voice?" is not a good question, like asking to a painter "why are you not using watercolours?". I guess the answer is: because it's her style, we like it, and she is extremely good.
My take, Doug... Regarding why she growls here: If you were a selfless fish (Pisces) who wanted to see the world but was a bit skittish, and then got into the nets and was hooked by handsome butchers who proceed to rip away your scales and entrails (emeralds)... you'd growl too! Sometimes the lyrics call for extreme vocals in a song. Tatiana (who's not singing as someone possessed, so you can toss the garlic back into the spaghetti sauce) wrote an incredible story and sang about it the way it deserved to be sung... as with most of her songs. Some vocalist just keep singing in their nice and charming voice even when the lyrics call out desperation. Not so with Tati. Her extreme expression - a rare ability - adds so much more to a song... especially if you follow the music with the lyrics and how the beautiful cacophony tells the story.
The song is about how Tati has ended up in abusive relationships and has subsequently come to realise that it's a widespread issue. Others have mentioned the duality of the Pisces star sign being represented as two fish swimming in opposite directions. The duality is purposeful : it reflects the duality of predatory men that Tati has observed. "Pisces swimming through the river, all their lives against the stream, searching for a hook to catch on and see the sun beam" represents those women who fall into abusive relationships (the sunbeam being the initial promises or hopes). "Don't suffocate in painful torture, on cutting tables of callous men, under the knives of handsome butchers, emeralds are ripped away." is saying that you don't have to suffer - in fact you must leave that situation. The callous men and handsome butchers are the two-faced abusers - all goodness and light on the outside, but dark and rotten on the inside. There's that duality again. The emeralds being ripped away could refer to fish scales, but could also refer to the hopes and dreams of the victim of that abuse. The reason for the growl not only highlights the dualities that are the theme of the song, but also illustrates the anger, frustration and / or despair of the victim.
This "live" session was to show off their new drummer Vlad. He's amazing, quite unique too. After a Jinjer experience, you obviously have to listen to Spiritbox too. A relatively new band and Jinjer are big fans ;). I would suggest Rule of Nines as a starter.
@@cooltechnician Blessed Be is also a good option as a first song of course. Personally, I think Rule of Nines gives a more allround show of their capabilities.
The song is all about the duality. Thats why she goes back and forth between the "fry" voice and her singing voice so dramatically multiple times in this song.
It's False Chord vocals, a woman would not be able to produce that kind of sound with a fry scream. You can find the difference between False Chord and Fry vocals easily on youtube, but the main thing is that False Chord has no pitch since you don't use your vocal folds to produce it, while fry is normal singing with distortion added on it.
“Why does she growl instead of singing when she can clearly hit the high notes ?” Simple. It’s an artistic choice. Because it serves the song’s emotional core. This song is about losing your innocence and learning the heart’s filthy lesson. There is a conflict within. (Pisces) There is anger and pain there. The softness of her voice serves the meager, soft and trusting side, and the growling and screaming serves the animosity and a passionate reaction to said emotions as a deliberate reaction to searing disappointment. There are a combination of topics in this songs lyrics, but I’m touching upon the surface. Jinjer knows how to serve their own material better than most I have heard.
Symphony X Sea of Lies please! Love ur videos, as a fellow composer I appreciate your input as well as your flexibility to appreciate different approaches to art song making :)))))
along with that after hearing the song its worth pulling up the instructional video by guitarist michael romeo where he shows how a particular part of the song is played. When you hear the song you will probably be able to guess the part. th-cam.com/video/PG2804ggsI0/w-d-xo.html
Ah, Pisces... the reactions never get old. As much of a "gotcha" song it is for reaction channels, I think it's truly a great song. Regarding bands using harsh/scream/growl vocals in their songs, when I first started listening to metal, my thoughts regarding using such vocals versus using melodic content were very similar to yours. I tended to stick to power metal (Rhapsody of Fire and Dragonforce were my go-to bands in the beginnings of my metal journey) as a result. I don't think I truly understood the creative function of harsh vocals until I listened to the Dutch symphonic metal band, Epica (the lead singer Simone Simons is very good friends with Floor Jansen!). What really struck me about Epica's music was the use of contrast: the "beauty and the beast;" the sacred and profane; light and dark, etc. I came to realize that the use of harsh vocals is mostly to reinforce intensity, which is usually the intended outcome of most metal subgenres. However, I think harsh vocals are best used when they contrast clean vocals. I find music with both harsh and clean vocals _so_ much more interesting than using clean/harsh vocals alone. I think the intended emotions of some songs can only be achieved through the use of harsh vocals. Having listened to Pisces many, many times now, I can't imagine the song without the screams; I don't think the song would work without them! And, although the use of clean _and_ harsh vocals is a staple of Jinjer's style, the use of such vocals (and clean/distorted guitar tones) is especially poignant in a song with themes of duality. Anyway, just something to think about when it comes to using harsh vocals. I've come to appreciate harsh vocals when reinforcing intensity, but that being said sometimes I want breaks from the intensity. But consider, also, how effective it might be if a singer were to use growls/screams in Schubert's immortal "Erlkönig" when the titular character reveals his true intentions to the son! I would've done it during my senior recital if I knew then how to growl safely. In fact, there's a metal cover of Erlkönig on TH-cam, and the singer uses metal screams when when he vocalizes the text "And if you're not willing, then I will take you by force!" It's a great moment in the cover!
Great reaction, Doug, you got a lot right and, gained another subscriber. The 'Emeralds' reference are the fish scales, in some lights they can look emerald in colour, it's about ripping away the armour. Two members of Jinjer are Pieces, Tatiana the vocalist and Eugene the bassist. I think that you started with the right song from them, please check out some others tracks from them, I suggest the next one that you review/react to should be 'Teacher Teacher' official video, then possibly, 'Perennial' live at Wacken, and 'Judgement and Punishment' both the official video (for the story) and then the one-take vocal performance by Tatiana, maybe do a double-header first the one and then the other. They are a great and versatile band, especially Tatiana with her many vocal styles and abilities.
The Pisces sign is two fish swimming in opposing directions. The duality of both unique personalities. A Pisces knows these lyrics are exquisitely intuitive. I will never tire of this song.
When I 1st heard this song a few months back and delved into the lyrics I took it as her struggles as well and the Emerald being ripped away line sounded like the scales being scraped or ripped away by the butcher which to me seemed to indicate her Armor.
This is a ballad! She will melt your face with most of their songs. After listening to Opeth and Jinjer I have realized that "growling" is just as valid as any other vocal technique when done "right". It can add quite a bit of emotional swing to a song and is increadibly effective when trying to convey a dark sound, poweful message, or a character in a story. Opeth, Jinjer, and Amorphis are masters at creating soundscapes with both clean and harsh vocals. There are not many bands that can pull it off.
The shock value is a favourite of the reaction community for sure, but when it comes down to it, this song is just amazing, the band are incredible and Tatiana has a quite unique gift, in both clean singing and her natural ability to hit those crazy growls. Tatiana is the most understandable growler that I've heard. I hate the style, but when used for effect I think it can be amazing.
When I heard Tati growl, that was the difference between “that’s a great growler!” And “that’s a great growler... for a woman!” Tati “That’s a great growler”
Great analysis. You should check out Ne Obliviscaris - And Plague Flowers The Kaleidoscope (Live in Colorado). It is a show of mastery of artistry and composition, so much so that the song is taught at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. From MetalStorm.net: 'Professor Hindson commented: "I will be presenting 'And Plague Flowers The Kaleidoscope' to the composition students at the Conservatorium next semester as an exemplar in structure, mixing timbres, meters, modes, how to approach virtuosity, sound and noise, extended performance and techniques. The students will need to study 2 technical aspects of what Ne Obliviscaris have done in their music, and then use these techniques in their own classical music compositions."'
Tatiana can really growl but this growl is mixed with a lower pitched layer in post processing (pitch effect seemingly variably faded in and out as they see fit) to make it even deeper. I don't mind or care that they do stuff like this in post processing, it's an artistic choice to enhance the song or affect the mood/meaning/feeling. I really like the sound they managed to get from that guitar during the calm parts.. there's something ethereal about it and it's not your ordinary chorus. The arpeggios played with that guitar sound is just great. I also like the time signatures they move through (7, 8 and 6, rinse and repeat, in that order if I remember correctly). ps. I hope to see another reaction to Opeth soon and especially to a song from their "new" style; they left behind the growls and hard metal after 2008. Their latest album from 2019, "In Cauda Venenum", is definitely the best of the four albums released since then. The first proper track named "Dignity" is a great introduction to their "Opethy" prog rock/metal/folk/etc. style that they've teased us with over the years and on In Cauda Venenum it seems Mikael has found his funk again when composing since it's far superior as an album compared to the three previous progressive albums. Opeth - Dignity (official music video): th-cam.com/video/GF5FXYmBrc4/w-d-xo.html Why am I posting this in a Jinjer video? Tatiana and the rest in Jinjer are fans of and inspired by Opeth and Mikaels compositions. They don't sound like Opeth. In fact, I can't think of any band that I'd think "Hey, this band sounds just like Opeth".
People could react to this for the next hundred years and I'll still watch every. Single. One.
Truly, me too
Preach!
it's so fun cause they never expect it! XD
Dude same lol
Someone showed me this song a year or two ago and I loved it. Each of these reactions lately just make me love it more.
The reason some bands choose to use growls is because music needs to traverse the full range of emotions. Metal, in particular deals with anger, angst, frustration, death, and the darker side of life. To reach that depth of expression, they growl in a cathartic expression of those emotions.
I agree...Metal is able to cover all of human emotion in a more purposeful way...It truly is complete in it's texture in representing humanity as a whole..I think that is why so many tend to demean its value...It is a mirror they refuse to look at for fear of truth....
@@randominc.2251 Yup! This was me. I thought it was just a preference/taste thing that I didn't like metal but it was me resisting and refusing to look at my shadow and my own darkness.
Beautifully said 💜
Really? The growl isnt artistic in any way compared to building music composition to reach those conclusions and emotions. It's a shock effect that makes it totally or at best nearly impossible to hear what the hell she sings, whats the point of that? Sounding like the devil, who many of us can realate to feeling as the devil? An unempathetic creature with powerful hate, thats the emotion I get out of it, very unrelatable. Do you really relate to it as part of your emotional spectrum? I might be wrong but I'd suggest you're quite unusual then, and probably need to work on it instead of relating to it.
Generally people who listen to growl music where I come from arent emotionally developed people who listen to relate in a productive and artistic way, it's much more the identity group they want to belong to than something personal.
@@tomastorasen9164 You are entitled to your opinion but we as humans are complex beings that have a wide variety of emotions. Some, due to traumas and tragedies develop differently and have feelings of rage, anger, frustration, etc that needs to be channeled and released in a productive manner. This style allows for a healthy release. There have been psychological studies that have shown that metal music fans tend to be happier and more balanced psychologically because the music they enjoy helps them explore the wide range of emotions in a safer context. So maybe it is you who needs to do some reevaluation of your preconceived notions and your prejudice against those who are different.
One of the best recorded performances ever... in my humble opinion... magic was captured here....I can not see this enough.
I love watching composers and vocal coaches react to this song. Especially when she kicks in the aggressive vocals. Watching their jaws drop.
This is the BEST review I've ever seen. It's so awesome to see great classical musicians analyse and admire bands like Jinjer. This just made me realize the fact that I really do want to learn music. Thanks a lot for this.
I love this guy's analysis, im learning a lot
its so clear the you FEEL music, instant sub from me :D btw, its super cool that you said it sounded like Opeth when she starts growling, because she said she started growling because she heard and Opeth song :D
BTW, that session was the drummer's "tryout" for the position, went into the song cold, listen to the organic flair he added! Nice.
Wintersun - Time
Amazing choice 👌
@@Alexisking222 Thanks :)
I subbed the moment you mentioned Opeth. I liked the Nightwish train you've been on, keep it up!
Jinjer- Perennial live at wacken, the dissection of those lyrics have multiple parallels as well. Good stuff
Please do more Jinjer😁 this band is very talented.
Tatiana's (vocals) friend Lena is from Moldova and her band's name is Infected Rain. If you check them out I would suggest Infected Rain - "Orphan Soul" or "Dancing Alone". For Jinjer I would say check out "Perennial" next.
1st of your vids I ever watched... Teacher Teacher is a good one as well... My fav band ATM, all the band is terribly talented, making a real masterpiece... Have fun with Teacher, Teacher if you havey seen it already :)
I think the growl also reinforces the intended contrast like the sign for pisces, the whole theme bing about comparing opposites
think you nailed the dichotomy head on...I'd 'guess' that emeralds refer to the fish scales - ie. the armor of the fish, or, self defenses of the person?
She is talking about the fishes scales. They are the “emeralds”
By the way. Opeth doesn't growl anymore. Listen to the recent albums.
Yup, good stuff there!
Yep. But they are still awesome.
However: Nothing beats Ghost reveries
Next song... Teacher Teacher!
Or Perennial... live at Wacken
I believe you’ll really like Avenged Sevenfold! Especially “Save Me” personally I believe it’s one of their best composed song. I believe you’ll also like their later work
I ❤ Music theory.
Warning, don't try this at home! You can easily fry your vocal chords! There is a technique you have to learn to let the air flow around the chords. Tatiana masters the switching over into normal mode and growling, you can't just go and do this. It takes training and time, be patient and you'll get there, don't force it!
Classical composer huh? You need to start doing some reacts for Fleshgod Apocalypse (Italian extreme metal). The song "Epilogue" would be a great place to start. :3
Could you please react to Death without judgement it's a great metal composition with classical elements
(emeralds === fish scales) but the metaphor I'm not sure of
Finally someone who didn't get lost in the growl and talks about the music.
yes, this!
yes. this, this!
Yeah, but we all know we watch these reactions in particular to see reactors faces when that voice drops....
th-cam.com/video/aLHVYDyhtpk/w-d-xo.html
but he totally missed appreciating the techneque. I get it that he's not into that style of music, but to dismiss it with "they could have done something else better" (or words to that effect) shows a lac of respect for the genre. he could have redeemed himself by explaining that he did some research into how to growl safely and which parts of your vocal tract this sound comes from.
"Why does she growl when she could hit all these clear high notes?" Why use electric guitar and bass when you could play the song with acoustic and stand up? I understand your question, but you might as well ask why a famous artist used yellow instead of red. Because she wanted to.
And mostly, because she can do it.
@@LeonBlackbird I have no illusions, but I have had a few fantasies about her using that growl when we were horizontally tangoing. Just saying, it's sexy.
True. Artistic choice.
@待つ地獄 I was gonna say Slaughter to Prevail- Demolisher. Just unrelenting Deathcore growl... Then comes the breakdown.
He just goes on and says that it's a part of their particular style.
“This sounds peaceful”
Me knowing what’s to come 😂
The best comments always come seconds before it kicks in.
I love it.
Every time!
"Oh, this is Tasteful"... give it a second lol
It never, ever get's old
😂😂😂
JINJER army is here... so... Jinjer - Teacher Teacher next maybe?
I think Home Back will be more tasty for him.
Perennial!
"I speak Astronoy" perhaps?
But anyway, how have I read that a couple of times: Jinjer is incapable to write a bad song!
I vote to Judgement & Punishment :)
@@bernhardkulzer9125 for a composer? "I speak astronomy" it is :-)
Part of the idea of the song is the duality of her personality, the sign consists of two fish swimming in opposite directions, hence the vocals matching this duality. Emeralds probably refers to the fish scales i would imagine.
It took me several years before I started to enjoy the growling in metal, but when you start to get into it you realize that there is enormous variation in terms of technique and sound both between singers and withing one singers range. Tatiana from Jinjer for example can vary her growling a lot in whatever to equivalent to pitch is, this song isn't the greatest in terms of showing of that part. It's mostly popular for the shock value :)
I'm really enjoying your channel, even though I have no theoretical knowledge of music! I guess it's just pleasing th listen to someone who knows what their talking about!
emeralds are ripped away - Think of the butchers cutting the scales (emeralds) off the fish.
@@deed5811 that’s my take also
I feel the same as you when it comes to harsh vocals in metal. It took me a while as well to appreciate it. I first really came to appreciate the use of harsh vocals when I heard it used in Epica's music. The contrasts immediately clicked with me!
@@deed5811 yep.
There has to be treatment on her growl vocals - I’ll have to do some research but there surely running them through some compression to get them that low, I’ve got to believe. Personally it’s not my thing. Do they do this growling in all their songs?
"Now she sounds like she's from Opeth!" Best response EVAR! Seriously though, this might be the best and most informative reaction analysis to Pisces in the last 100 that I've watched, no hyperbole.
or even Otep
Well, he does have a doctorate in music... ;) On that note - HOW does someone with a doctorate in music manage to have NEVER heard RUSH 2112?
Emeralds= Fish Scales. Pisces= two fish= Neptune's children= yin/yang. Tatiana is the song writer and a Pisces, who never thought this song about the duality of her life would become so popular. It was a filler song made from a poem she wrote when she was bored, she has stated in interviews.
Black Sabbath's Paranoid was also a filler song. It was written in about 3 minutes just to fill out the album. It's their most popular and recognized song. Funny that. 🤔
So was ace of spades by Motörhead
@@bradleypearce285 Smoke on the water, as well!
@@morlokkurak4763 I guess not trying to do and just doing it sometimes leads to some pretty impressive bursts of creativity in a short amount of time hehe :)
@@Zabiru- Very true. Who can say where creativity comes from; the person or some other influence? Interesting.
Doug: "This is tasteful. I like it!"
Tatiana: "BRRRRAAAAAAAARRRGRRRH!"
"Emeralds are ripped away" - I interpret this as being de-scaled.
It goes with being caught, and butchered; but also fits with having what's valuable taken away by abusers.
I think you are right;
Seems like I remember them saying in some interview that emeralds were supposed to be the scales.
Ye that sounds chillingly accurate
I've always kinda thought it meant caviar, but scales does kinda make more sense
thanks Fallout Fan , I like that
A brutal image
Why don't classical singers use their whole vocal ability and use growls?
See how that works?
I agree! I think a singer should use harsh vocals when the Erlkönig reveals his true intentions in Schubert's song! I would've done it myself when I performed it if I knew how to safely use growls/screams.
Tatiana has amazing control of her vocal fry and growls, this technique does not come easy to very many vocalists. Classically trained vocalists shy away from this stuff to avoid damage to their instrument.
@@mattybearvids I was commenting on the reactors comment about why she growls instead of using high notes.....
@@mikemclaughlin3306 mine was directed more towards the other comment
I dunno he kinda has a point, it's ultimately somewhat of a compositionally boring choice for a chorus when taken on its own once you get over the initial reaction, especially given how much focus is put on it in the mix compared to the rest of the instrumentation, which is a lot more interesting. I think it still works really well within the context of the song because of the contrast to the verses and because it makes the climax where she actually moves in and out of clean high belts and growls more impactful, but I can also see where he is coming from.
“Sounds like Opeth”- what a BRILLIANT compliment.
Tati said in an interview that her friend played Opeth for her and she was determined to do that herself.
yes Opeth is one of most Jinjer's influences
@Trevor Harrold Underrated comment!
I've heard many bands this wonderful singer has been compared to, but opeth probably has been the most accurate yet!
3:20 lol Tatianna has said Mikael from Opeth is one of her biggest influences
So Vlad thé drummer is a classically trained musician. There’s a video of him playing Rachmaninov somewhere. Eugene, the bass player, is entirely self-taught. I think the rhythm section of this band is amazing - I’ve seen them live in 2020 in Sydney - absolutely incredible. Not a beat missed. The Melbourne concert has been released by Napalm - any of those songs would do as a follow up. Or, you could treat the well-trodden route: Perennial love from Wacken, Who is gonna be the One from the same concert and their latest release, a music video Home Back.
They CRUSHED Noah on that set
There is no doubt that the band themselves are tight as a drum. I appreciate Tatiana, but actually would listen to the band more just as pure instrumental. I still can't really get on board with growling of any kind... even if it's impressive.
Opeth was a big influence on Jinjer. Not sure who started this trend of angelic cleans and demonic growls by the same singer, but Mikael Akerfeldt has to be among the pioneers.
I would think Burton C. Bell up there as well.
Quake for life !!!!!
Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride is fantastic at mixing these kind of vocals too
Perennial (Live At Wacken) - that’s where you want to go next. Then hit “ I Speak Astronomy.”
I credit Jinjer and Avatar for opening my ears up to “growling” - and now, I am a fan of the genre. This band is the real deal. They are amazing, and I cannot wait for COVID to be over so that I can finally see them!
I think that Judgement and Punishment one-take would be a better next step as it's got more musical choices made in it that Doug might get his teeth in to and then Perrenial or Who's Gonna Be the One for hearing them in a live setting to see how good they all are and it's not just a studio band
Ooohhh.. Avatar. Don't think I've seen reactions to them yet, but they're SOOOOO fun on stage. Not always my taste in terms of music, but so incredibly entertaining and awesome stage presence.
@@Shoikan There's a few reax out there from different channels. Got to see them before the 'rona, and they did a series of streaming concerts in January that were absolutely incredible.
100%
@@knytestorme If he was a vocal coach, I'd agree...I just thought those others would be more interesting for him compositionally. :)
Another good song to apreciate Jinjer is "Teacher, teacher", or "Judgement (& Punishment) - Tatiana Shmayluk - One Take Vocal Performance"
That version of Judgement & Punishment is so well done
@@mattybearvidsI completely and 100% agree with you. I LOVE that performance, it is probably my favorite of hers (studio wise at least).
I love judgement & punishment!
I think "emeralds are ripped away" is referring to a fish's scales being shed as it's "on cutting tables of callous men"
Jinjer: Retrospection, is a good one. Talks about them missing their families on tour and she sings in native tongue as well as english. It's a great blend. I find it a little personal because they show behind the scenes of the 2019 tour of which I was at 2 of the shows. Home back as well. Hell, anything by them is awesome and different.
Dude, I went to 2 of their shows during this tour, just like you... I even find myself in the crowd footage of the video. :-D
I see you a re a man of culture. Retrospection and Home Back are two of my favorite songs from Jinjer.
If you are interested in a an epic prog rock / metal piece with 11 very different guest singers, various instruments and a very communicative composer/musician (Arjen)?
"Ayreon" with "The Day the World Breaks Down".
Hell yeah , awesome piece of music
Ayreon is ‘an universe in itself’ 😉
JINJER army is coming. Should listen to Devin Townsend's Kingdom.
Specifically "live EMGTV" .
I think he’d like Deadhead from Royal Albert Hall.
Yawn, and then he can become like every other "react" channel and do Meshugga, The Hu, blah, blah ;)
@@roblister3729 My thoughts too
both maybe?
Please look this: Epica - Sancta Terra (feat Floor Jansen) Live Retrospect show
Oh yes .. please yes! :-)
Oh yes this would be great :D
Definitely!
Yes!! Please! Oh I would love to see this!!
Highly recommended!!! Real Live Orchestra and choir. Your analysis would be very welcome.
She sounds exactly like that live too. An incredible talent & instrument. The rest of the band are also amazing musicians in their own right. Vlad (drums) is classically trained formally, which is worth noting. And there are no solos in their work, doesn't need to -- it's sprinkled throughout their music.
Think it’s more like a fish (Pisces’s symbol twin fishes) thinking if they just find a hook they’ll be pulled up out of their difficult life in the water into the sun and be happy, but the fisherman butchers them and removes their scales (emeralds). I think.
Good thinking :)
Well put. The best analysis of this may have been by the two women on the channel LeannxAri saying "that sounds like my love life"
Now this is gonna be the weirdesr interpretation ever but I think the part "emeralds are ripped away" always reminds me of r*pe for some reason, so it's like some was r*ped from her, either her virginity if we're talking literally or her innocence or something of sort if we're talking figuratively.
Given the band's origin, I've been wondering if there's maybe a green(ish)-scaled fish commonly found in Ukraine that this is referencing.
this is the meaning the emeralds are the scales of the fish ...
Doug please do 'Ne Obliviscaris' next. "And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope". An amazing prog metal band.
And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope is their masterpiece! Watch the live clip from Colorado.
This one
m.th-cam.com/video/rNuVdsx7qJY/w-d-xo.html
Guess there will be some interesting background to research for that one, too!
Not every band can say one of its songs is studied at a music school 🔥🔥
Live one!
Everyone is always shocked by Tatiana's vocals, and rightfully so, but the musicians are very good. Glad to see someone do more than just react to her and recognize how good the song really is.
Please react to "Unleash the Archers - Awakening (Full Band Playthrough Video)" .. Incredible musicians, a great composition and an outstanding lead vocalist! You´ll gonna enjoy it! :-)
Gotta second this. UtA is a FANTASTIC band all around.
The Archers should definitely be unleashed! Would be interested in Doug's take.
Absolutely
Tonight We Ride!!
I will 'third' it @tarin indell ;) The whole 'technical musicianship' is awesome! Link th-cam.com/video/gqUPGa15Oto/w-d-xo.html
In my interpretation of "emeralds are ripped away", i think it's a reference to the "handsome butchers" removing a fishes scales, and as this song has a duality to its lyrics, the real world meaning would be people(handsome butchers) ripping away your achievements (your emeralds) in an attempt to bring you down
Tati is life-changing. Understanding growls: There are some things, that are emotionally powerful enough to the author, that they need to be yelled. The primal scream is the release of the spiritual burden of the subject. Also, it just sounds cool.
"This is tasteful...." Famous last words right before the boom drops! X-D
*beep boop* Wintersun - Time (Live at Sonic Pump Studios) Remaster *beep boop*
And "Sons of Winter and Stars!"
You have to do Ne Obliviscaris: And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope .
If you need more of a reason to react to this the song was featured as part of the curriculum at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. I recommend the live performance from Denver.
Someone should make a montage of all the faces people on YT make when this chorus hits :)
There's a few already
I alone made 3 videos. : )
Or rather feces
Jesus Christ, this very video (Doug's reaction) was my first time listening to her...
BRB, gonna call an exorcist.
@@jasondoe2596 there’s about 50 reactions to this song on TH-cam.
It’s fun every time. Enjoy!
Pisces is one of Jinjer's more "tame" tunes. I've become a fan over the past year. As a musician, I just want to give props to Jinjer's drummer, Vlad Ulasevich. Every member of this band are great musicians, but the truly great bands of *any* genre require a great drummer, and Vlad has the "A" game.
Vlad is crazy good and basses is a game changer as well
This is fairly mild for Jinjer,you need to see their live on stage performances.Try Who is gonna be the one live Napalm records or Pit of Consciousness live Kiev and there are plenty of others they are excellent live video’s
Tatiana has been singing in 8 different bands since she was 15 years old. She was born in 1987, the year of Cat (or Rabbit) according to Chinese horoscope, and her zodiac sign is PISCES. As a matter of fact the lyrics Tatiana made for this song are describing herself, revealing the traits of character of a Pisces personality. The lyrics are great.
Interesting text analysis, very different what people get out of that text. Most of the reactions I have seen have focused on lead vocals in particular, but also a lot on the drummer. So actually the first time I get a musical reaction to the string instruments, which I myself am extremely impressed with (I myself am a musician with guitar as my main instrument). Nice you are so open minded, that I realy like 😏
Symphony X - The Odyssey
He’s done a reaction to it, at least now.
The face you make expressing your root emotions is the reason to use growls as a musical expression. They could get into some places that any clean tone can get even close.
Opeth's Mikael Akerfeldt is one of the biggest influences on Tatiana (Lead singer ) and the song itself is highly Opeth influenced. This song is a must for any reaction channels due to the incredible vocal range. But two things which gets overshadowed by the incredible singing is the insane drum work and intricate guitar work. They both have knocked it out of the park in this "live " session.
Some songs I am sure you will enjoy reacting to.
Rivers of Nihil - Where the owls know my name
Ne Obliviscaris - And the plaque flowers the Kaleidoscope
Opeth - Blackwater Park
Opeth - Ghost of Perdition
Opeth - Deliverance
Insomnium - While we sleep
I agree. The guitar and drumming performance was top notch in this video.
Forgot to mention Ne Obliviscaris - And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope. This particular composition is a part of the curriculum in the Syndey Conservatory and it's totally justified.
"Emeralds are ripped away" refers to the scales being scraped off by a butcher.
Oh wow, I’d never have thought that
Scale armor, etc. So like when looking for a partner, they only see the surface, and she starts to let her guard down and that's where she is taken advantage of etc
@@docknives3792 I think as is often the case with metal, its a double meaning. There is the literal meaning of a fish being descaled. Wanting to check out the sunlight and then being caught, tortured and butchered. But also a woman's perspective on abuse and the loss of innocence.
@@khellendross3573 well...yeah that's literally what a metaphor is...
When I was a child, my parents and I played "I see something you don't see" on long car trips.
Now, I can play "I hear something you didn't hear" with you :-)
In the last verse, the bass scales are the same as guitar scales from the chorus, just backwards (and with one additional note).
Thank you for this amazing reaction! Love Jinjer, I'm also Ukrainian and was born and grew up in the same region as the band members. Jinjer - Perennial (live from Wacken) would be a great choice for next reaction. Also Home Back (official video) is another song I would love to see you reacting. This one is dedicated to the war conflict in our native region. Guys from Jinjer became war refugees in 2014 due to those events and their native town is still remains occupied.. Really emotional and powerful song.
I'd like to once again submit my recommendation for reacting to Nightwish's "Shoemaker," and add that you'll get much more out of the song if you do some research on Eugene Shoemaker, the father of planetary sciences, ahead of time, unless you happen to already know about him and his work! Also, Nightwish's video is a lyric video, and very well done at that. I look forward to that (I think inevitable 🙂) reaction!
Yay you did it!!!! This video is going to make your channel BLOW UP!!
1k views in 45 minutes
Once you are used to hear "extreme vocals" (i. e. screaming/growling) you start to appreciate the nuances, the expressivity, and the purpose of those techniques (IF they are used well). So, you'll see that "why she isn't using her clean voice?" is not a good question, like asking to a painter "why are you not using watercolours?". I guess the answer is: because it's her style, we like it, and she is extremely good.
They do list Opeth as one of their musical influences!
Thank you for actually appreciating this music instead of writing it off as “satanic nonsense” like everybody else. This is an amazing analysis!
My take, Doug... Regarding why she growls here: If you were a selfless fish (Pisces) who wanted to see the world but was a bit skittish, and then got into the nets and was hooked by handsome butchers who proceed to rip away your scales and entrails (emeralds)... you'd growl too! Sometimes the lyrics call for extreme vocals in a song. Tatiana (who's not singing as someone possessed, so you can toss the garlic back into the spaghetti sauce) wrote an incredible story and sang about it the way it deserved to be sung... as with most of her songs. Some vocalist just keep singing in their nice and charming voice even when the lyrics call out desperation. Not so with Tati. Her extreme expression - a rare ability - adds so much more to a song... especially if you follow the music with the lyrics and how the beautiful cacophony tells the story.
The song is about how Tati has ended up in abusive relationships and has subsequently come to realise that it's a widespread issue.
Others have mentioned the duality of the Pisces star sign being represented as two fish swimming in opposite directions. The duality is purposeful : it reflects the duality of predatory men that Tati has observed.
"Pisces swimming through the river, all their lives against the stream, searching for a hook to catch on and see the sun beam" represents those women who fall into abusive relationships (the sunbeam being the initial promises or hopes).
"Don't suffocate in painful torture, on cutting tables of callous men, under the knives of handsome butchers, emeralds are ripped away." is saying that you don't have to suffer - in fact you must leave that situation. The callous men and handsome butchers are the two-faced abusers - all goodness and light on the outside, but dark and rotten on the inside. There's that duality again.
The emeralds being ripped away could refer to fish scales, but could also refer to the hopes and dreams of the victim of that abuse.
The reason for the growl not only highlights the dualities that are the theme of the song, but also illustrates the anger, frustration and / or despair of the victim.
This is exactly how I felt but I didn't have the words! I'm so glad to hear it from someone who could fully articulate it :)
This "live" session was to show off their new drummer Vlad. He's amazing, quite unique too.
After a Jinjer experience, you obviously have to listen to Spiritbox too. A relatively new band and Jinjer are big fans ;). I would suggest Rule of Nines as a starter.
I usually suggest Blessed be.. excellent production musically and visually and then the surprise factor at the breakdown.
Yes Rule of Nines or Blessed Be to start. Def not Holy Roller first haha!
Yes! Spiritbox being mentioned way too less over here!
@@cooltechnician Blessed Be is also a good option as a first song of course. Personally, I think Rule of Nines gives a more allround show of their capabilities.
The song is all about the duality. Thats why she goes back and forth between the "fry" voice and her singing voice so dramatically multiple times in this song.
It's False Chord vocals, a woman would not be able to produce that kind of sound with a fry scream. You can find the difference between False Chord and Fry vocals easily on youtube, but the main thing is that False Chord has no pitch since you don't use your vocal folds to produce it, while fry is normal singing with distortion added on it.
"Now she sounds like she's from Opeth" :D. Jokes aside, I'd take as a very high praise if were a musician.
One for you to check out is Rivers Of Nihil: 'Where Owls Know My Name'. Quite a dynamic tune, plus the official video is entertaining.
“Why does she growl instead of singing when she can clearly hit the high notes ?”
Simple. It’s an artistic choice.
Because it serves the song’s emotional core.
This song is about losing your innocence and learning the heart’s filthy lesson.
There is a conflict within. (Pisces) There is anger and pain there.
The softness of her voice serves the meager, soft and trusting side, and the growling and screaming serves the animosity and a passionate reaction to said emotions as a deliberate reaction to searing disappointment.
There are a combination of topics in this songs lyrics, but I’m touching upon the surface.
Jinjer knows how to serve their own material better than most I have heard.
Symphony X Sea of Lies please! Love ur videos, as a fellow composer I appreciate your input as well as your flexibility to appreciate different approaches to art song making :)))))
I'll check it out, Cory! Several have requested Symphony X. Good luck with your composing.
along with that after hearing the song its worth pulling up the instructional video by guitarist michael romeo where he shows how a particular part of the song is played. When you hear the song you will probably be able to guess the part. th-cam.com/video/PG2804ggsI0/w-d-xo.html
Ah, Pisces... the reactions never get old. As much of a "gotcha" song it is for reaction channels, I think it's truly a great song. Regarding bands using harsh/scream/growl vocals in their songs, when I first started listening to metal, my thoughts regarding using such vocals versus using melodic content were very similar to yours. I tended to stick to power metal (Rhapsody of Fire and Dragonforce were my go-to bands in the beginnings of my metal journey) as a result. I don't think I truly understood the creative function of harsh vocals until I listened to the Dutch symphonic metal band,
Epica (the lead singer Simone Simons is very good friends with Floor Jansen!). What really struck me about Epica's music was the use of contrast: the "beauty and the beast;" the sacred and profane; light and dark, etc. I came to realize that the use of harsh vocals is mostly to reinforce intensity, which is usually the intended outcome of most metal subgenres. However, I think harsh vocals are best used when they contrast clean vocals. I find music with both harsh and clean vocals _so_ much more interesting than using clean/harsh vocals alone. I think the intended emotions of some songs can only be achieved through the use of harsh vocals. Having listened to Pisces many, many times now, I can't imagine the song without the screams; I don't think the song would work without them! And, although the use of clean _and_ harsh vocals is a staple of Jinjer's style, the use of such vocals (and clean/distorted guitar tones) is especially poignant in a song with themes of duality.
Anyway, just something to think about when it comes to using harsh vocals. I've come to appreciate harsh vocals when reinforcing intensity, but that being said sometimes I want breaks from the intensity. But consider, also, how effective it might be if a singer were to use growls/screams in Schubert's immortal "Erlkönig" when the titular character reveals his true intentions to the son! I would've done it during my senior recital if I knew then how to growl safely. In fact, there's a metal cover of Erlkönig on TH-cam, and the singer uses metal screams when when he vocalizes the text "And if you're not willing, then I will take you by force!" It's a great moment in the cover!
Tatiana used harsh vocals on the chorus instead of clean singing for the same reason the drummer used a non-pitched drum kit instead of a xylophone.
Great reaction, Doug, you got a lot right and, gained another subscriber. The 'Emeralds' reference are the fish scales, in some lights they can look emerald in colour, it's about ripping away the armour. Two members of Jinjer are Pieces, Tatiana the vocalist and Eugene the bassist. I think that you started with the right song from them, please check out some others tracks from them, I suggest the next one that you review/react to should be 'Teacher Teacher' official video, then possibly, 'Perennial' live at Wacken, and 'Judgement and Punishment' both the official video (for the story) and then the one-take vocal performance by Tatiana, maybe do a double-header first the one and then the other. They are a great and versatile band, especially Tatiana with her many vocal styles and abilities.
Her growl is amazing. So full and fleshy. Love it.
The Pisces sign is two fish swimming in opposing directions. The duality of both unique personalities. A Pisces knows these lyrics are exquisitely intuitive. I will never tire of this song.
I love watching reactions to this song, it’s always hilarious XD
I would LOVE to see what you think of Epica - Unleashed live retrospect,they are even better than Nightwish
3:00 Doug "this is tasteful"
It's about to kick, hold on to your butts.
When I 1st heard this song a few months back and delved into the lyrics I took it as her struggles as well and the Emerald being ripped away line sounded like the scales being scraped or ripped away by the butcher which to me seemed to indicate her Armor.
"This is tasteful, I like it!" .....and then....😂😂😂😂😂
The song is more or less about a duality of nature, hence the large difference between the verses and chorus.
This is a ballad! She will melt your face with most of their songs. After listening to Opeth and Jinjer I have realized that "growling" is just as valid as any other vocal technique when done "right". It can add quite a bit of emotional swing to a song and is increadibly effective when trying to convey a dark sound, poweful message, or a character in a story. Opeth, Jinjer, and Amorphis are masters at creating soundscapes with both clean and harsh vocals. There are not many bands that can pull it off.
The shock value is a favourite of the reaction community for sure, but when it comes down to it, this song is just amazing, the band are incredible and Tatiana has a quite unique gift, in both clean singing and her natural ability to hit those crazy growls. Tatiana is the most understandable growler that I've heard. I hate the style, but when used for effect I think it can be amazing.
When I heard Tati growl, that was the difference between “that’s a great growler!” And “that’s a great growler... for a woman!”
Tati “That’s a great growler”
Tatiana is absolutely amazing. Some parts almost remind me of Metallica-One. And her soft voice sounds vaguely like Brittany Spears.
I have seen them live. Amazing musicians and her vocal control is astounding even live.
Great analysis. You should check out Ne Obliviscaris - And Plague Flowers The Kaleidoscope (Live in Colorado). It is a show of mastery of artistry and composition, so much so that the song is taught at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. From MetalStorm.net: 'Professor Hindson commented: "I will be presenting 'And Plague Flowers The Kaleidoscope' to the composition students at the Conservatorium next semester as an exemplar in structure, mixing timbres, meters, modes, how to approach virtuosity, sound and noise, extended performance and techniques. The students will need to study 2 technical aspects of what Ne Obliviscaris have done in their music, and then use these techniques in their own classical music compositions."'
The next jinjer step is teacher teacher and perennial :)
Tatiana can really growl but this growl is mixed with a lower pitched layer in post processing (pitch effect seemingly variably faded in and out as they see fit) to make it even deeper. I don't mind or care that they do stuff like this in post processing, it's an artistic choice to enhance the song or affect the mood/meaning/feeling. I really like the sound they managed to get from that guitar during the calm parts.. there's something ethereal about it and it's not your ordinary chorus. The arpeggios played with that guitar sound is just great. I also like the time signatures they move through (7, 8 and 6, rinse and repeat, in that order if I remember correctly).
ps. I hope to see another reaction to Opeth soon and especially to a song from their "new" style; they left behind the growls and hard metal after 2008. Their latest album from 2019, "In Cauda Venenum", is definitely the best of the four albums released since then. The first proper track named "Dignity" is a great introduction to their "Opethy" prog rock/metal/folk/etc. style that they've teased us with over the years and on In Cauda Venenum it seems Mikael has found his funk again when composing since it's far superior as an album compared to the three previous progressive albums.
Opeth - Dignity (official music video): th-cam.com/video/GF5FXYmBrc4/w-d-xo.html
Why am I posting this in a Jinjer video? Tatiana and the rest in Jinjer are fans of and inspired by Opeth and Mikaels compositions. They don't sound like Opeth. In fact, I can't think of any band that I'd think "Hey, this band sounds just like Opeth".