Baltimore, MD – It was epic!! On September 27, 2024, metal ambassadors from 3 continents took to the Baltimore Soundstage to bring peace and face melting music to the masses. With Ukrainian progressive metal, Jinjer leading the way, diplomats from Japan and the United States converged to make Baltimore the Mecca of Metal for the night.
The summit started with a dark tone. Hailing from Chicago, Born Of Osiris delivered a powerful performance while choosing to stay in the shadows. Members Cameron Losch (drums), Ronnie Canizaro (lead vocals), Lee McKinney (guitar), and Nick Rossi (bass) brought their songs such as “Open Arms to Damnation,” “Angel or Alien“, to the table, concluding their set with a powerful “Machine“. The metal negotiations had begun.
A key to bringing an audience together is having them all eating out of the palm of the band’s hands. Making their second journey to the US this year, from Japan, Ha-Na-Bie was the perfect second act. From the start, the 4 members, Chika (drums), Yukina (vocals), Matsuri (guitar, vocals), and Hettsu (bass, backing vocals) were in total command. They all took the stage to the roar of the sold out crowd, flanked by Yunkina waving a US flag. They were in total control.
Throughout their set that included, “Metamorphose!“, “O•TA•KU Lovely Densetsu“, “TOUSOU“, hands were in the air, horns a-waving. Crowd surfing was rampant and I was taken out by an overzealous tamer of the metal waves. After being brought back to my feet, Yunkina showed diplomatic compassion… and welcomed me back to my feet. I can say this was a first for me!
They finished off their set with their signature song, “Osaki ni Shitsurei Shimasu” to the delight of the crowd. The audience was having a blast and was amped for Jinjer.
Born of Osiris / Hanabie Gallery
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The lead negotiator for the night was, of course, Jinjer, representing the powerful European nation of Ukraine. The first 2 bands had rolled out the red carpet and Tatiana “Tati” Shmayluk (Vocals / growls, and all in between), Roman Ibramkhalilov (guitar), Eugene Abdukhanov (bass), and Vladislav “Vladi” Ulasevich (drums) walked to the negotiating table taking total control of the situation. Opening with “Just Another“, there was no looking back.
For those not familiar with Tati, listening to her vocals the first thought that comes to mind may be, ‘How the F does that come out of her?” Pure vocal growl magic!!
After a little “Ape“, and a little “Restrospection“, we were treated to one of their new singles, “Someone’s Daughter“. Heads were banging, and Jinjer was in total control of the talks.
The crowd surfing again crazy for Jinjer’s set. Surfers of all ages made the elevated journey from back of the house to the pit over and over. One young fan in particular made his presence known several times. Surfing is a talent developed from a young age! I escaped their set unscathed by stray surfers.
After a very intense tale of paining and wolves, “Wallflower“, they played a song that has yet to be released but has been a staple of the tour, “Fast Draw“.
The negotiations took a “Perennial” turn before cranking up the volume on their newest single, “Rogue“. Rounding out the talks Tati and company delivered a cold, “Call Me a Symbol” before reminding us that “Dead Hands Feel No Pain” at end the set. Of course, before going into Dead Hands, Tati reminded us that we had best be prepared for more than one more song.
The final song of the night was “Vortex“. With that, the night was over!! What an intercontinental night it was! In a matter of a few short hours, we were treated to dark metal from North America (U.S.), fun metal from Asia (Japan), and power progressive metal from Europe. After some serious negotiations, all were in agreement, this was one of the best and most fun metal lineups of 2024!
Jinjer Gallery
Jinjer Setlist
Just Another
Sit Stay Roll Over
Ape
Retrospection
Someone’s Daughter
I Speak Astronomy
Wallflower
Fast Draw
Pit of Consciousness
Perennial
Rogue
On the Top
Call Me a Symbol
Dead Hands Feel No Pain
Encore:
Vortex
