Yukina, the band's powerhouse vocalist, burst onto the stage with an American flag in hand, rallying the crowd as if she was about to lead them into battle. And battle it was, but not in the way you'd expect. What followed was a high-octane blend of Japanese pop and brutal, neck-snapping metalcore that caught even seasoned metalheads off guard. The contrast between their colorful stage presence and the guttural screams Yukina unleashed was jarring, in the best possible way.

From the infectious melodies of "We Love Sweets" to the aggressive breakdowns in "NEET GAME", HANABIE. whipped the crowd into a frenzy. The mosh pit was filled with a diverse mix of fans-some decked out in anime gear, others in classic metal tees, all equally captivated by the spectacle on stage. Every song hit harder than the last, with "Metamorphose!" and "Reiwa Matching-Sedai" showing off the band's ability to switch from playful pop hooks to guttural growls in a split second.

But the real magic of HANABIE. lies in their balance of sweetness and savagery. Their aesthetic might be colorful, but their music is pure, unfiltered aggression, tempered by a playful sense of humor and cultural references. By the time they closed with "Osaki niShitsureiShimasu", the entire room was bouncing, fists in the air, and screaming along. I came in expecting a gimmick and left with a new favorite band. If you're a fan of late-night anime binges and metal that doesn't take itself too seriously, HANABIE. is must-see. This band is a colorful reminder that not everything has to be dark to knock you off your feet.

Final Verdict: 5 Horns of 5

Setlist

• "Metamorphose!"
• "We Love Sweets"
• "Reiwa Matching-Sedai"
• "O TA KU Lovely Denestsu"
• "NEET GAME"
• "Kotoshi Koso Gal~GalShoka Ver.~"
• "Tales of Villain"
• "TOUSOU"
• "Osaki niShitsureiShimasu"

The atmosphere was electric as the crowd eagerly waited for the band to take the stage. You could hear the growing chant of "Jinjer! Jinjer!" rippling through the audience like a tidal wave of anticipation. At 9:25, the lights dimmed, and Roman Ibramkhalilov, Eugene Abdukhanov, and Vladislav Ulasevich stepped on stage to the crowd's roar. Eugene's bass rumbled through the room as he launched into the opening riff of "Just Another" and then, like a lightning bolt, Tatiana Shmailyuk appeared, bathed in a golden glow. From that moment on, JINJER had the audience in the palm of their hands.

Tatiana's voice is the very definition of versatility, a whirlwind of melodies and guttural screams that showcases her as one of the most impressive vocalists in modern metal. The band's set was a masterclass in dynamics, starting with a bang as they transitioned from the powerful opener straight into "Sit Stay Roll Over", a track that blends ferocious energy with technical precision.

Roman's guitar work stood out as the band moved through their set, delivering the kind of progressive riffage that has made JINJER a household name in metalcore circles. His interplay with Eugene's thunderous basslines created a rich, layered sound, punctuated by Vladislav's relentless drumming. But it was Tatiana's performance that truly stole the show. Watching her unleash those guttural growls while still delivering pitch-perfect cleans felt like witnessing someone who had spent their entire life mastering her craft which, in her case, she truly has.

One of the highlights of the night came midway through the set when Tatiana took a moment to introduce a new song, "Someone's Daughter". The stage lights turned red, and the mood shifted as the band delivered a haunting, soulful track that showcased not just Tatiana's vocal prowess but also JINJER's ability to write emotionally impactful music. It was a brief, almost tender moment in a sea of chaos, proving that JINJER is as capable of introspection as they are of headbanging fury.

As the band continued to roll through fan favorites like "Pit of Consciousness", "I Speak Astronomy" and "On The Top", the energy in the room never dipped. Even the new tracks like "Fast Draw" were met with enthusiasm from the crowd, eager for a taste of what's to come from their next album.

One minor hiccup on an otherwise flawless night was the overuse of strobe lighting, which at times felt a bit distracting. However, the lighting did little to detract from the sheer power of the performance. JINJER closed out their set with "Vortex", a final burst of energy that left the audience screaming for more.

For anyone lucky enough to catch JINJER on this tour, it's a night filled with passion, power, and unforgettable music. This is a band at the height of their powers, and it's only a matter of time before they become one of metal's true greats.

Final Verdict: 4.5 Horns out of 5

Setlist

• "Just Another"
• "Sit Stay Roll Over"
• "Ape"
• "Retrospection"
• "Someone's Daughter"
• "I Speak Astronomy"
• "Wallflower"
• "Fast Draw" (Unreleased)
• "Pit of Consciousness"
• "Perennial"
• "Rogue"
• "On The Top"
• "Call Me a Symbol"
• "Dead Hands Feel No Pain"
• "Vortex" (Encore)