Non-Metalhead Listens to PISCES by Jinjer and Blindly Reviews it - ANALYSIS + REACTION

[@TheMusicKingdom]

Anything I really need to hear? Personalized song & album reviews!👇🏼 ko-fi.com/musickingdom/commissions Agree or disagree? What’s the best Jinjer song ever made? Share your thoughts!

[@rofyle]

Whatever song fans pick, you can be sure it's always going to be "the live version." After all, this band built its bread and butter on their live performances.

[@phillipevans9414]

Generally agree. But just wanted to point out when you were grading the vocals, that just one vocalist is doing all 3 of the vocal styles heard in this song, and I'm not sure you were aware of that at the time (there's no "backup" growler). Really enjoy all your videos, you're hard but fair rating, and insights (thanks to the trained expert too). Cheers!

[@troywill8286]

If you're looking for a song where Tatiana does all clean singing, the song "Bad Water" is excellent. That's an oldie but a goldie in my opinion. I think it's from 2014? I believe so, but not 100%. Other songs worth checking out are "Outlander", "I Speak Astronomy", "Perennial", "Teacher, Teacher", "Judgement (& Punishment", and "Vortex" which is from their latest album, Wallflowers. Overall I think this a fair and honest review. Most of the time, the reactions to this song are focused on the people's reactions to Tatiana's clean and harsh vocals; which I get but after so many times it becomes extremely boring. It is refreshing to finally see someone review this song on its actual merits and not the "shock" moments. I think this is an awesome reaction. Looking forward to the day when you react to the song "Bleed" by Meshuggah😄!

[@Metalweld]

Teacher Teacher is my fav, But I think you'd be better served with Wallflower, Perennial, Judgment and Punishment, or Bad Water first.

[@michaelbarnard3732]

@rofyle Agreed there are some songs where the Live version is, subjectively, better than the Album version.

[@briani4959]

People recommend the live session version for a few reasons. People are usually shocked at the contrast between Tatiana and her vocals, they have a new drummer, and personally I think her belt at the end is better without the scream layered over it. I understand your approach to do album version first but there may be some cases where a different version is better - maybe put it to a Patreon poll in the future?

[@austinwilliams3305]

I agree, the live session is mixed better than studio as well from what I can hear

[@briani4959]

@@austinwilliams3305 I thought I was missing the bass a little in this version.

[@mbochum83]

The live session is only live instruments. It's still her studio vocals in the mix.

[@MotorbreathChannel]

I am kind of neither here nor there on this topic. First of all I absolutely support the idea that this channel should drop the 'always studio first' approach because sometimes live versions are just better - Music Kingdom have even already gotten a chance to see it for themselves with Nightwish and yet we are still here discussing it. On Jinjer... I have to say that I am only aware of them because of my reaction watching - I was skeptical at first but then I have decided to actually watch a couple, I saw that there was a pretty solid material and I like me some prog so it became clear that the hype was there for a good reason. But I haven't gotten to checking out their discography properly as of yet. I know that I should, but there is so much great music and so little time... That being said - the point being that I am no expert on the band - the 'live studio version' seems a little sus to me - I think that the vocals are layered in a couple of places. So if you want to suggest a proper live, I would go with 'JINJER - Perennial (Live at Wacken Open Air 2019) | Napalm Records'. But with this channel's approach we probably can only count on 'Pisces' studio live. Oh well...

[@briani4959]

@@mbochum83 I never claimed otherwise but the live session doesn't have her growling layered over the belt at the end.

[@Robertsmith-dy3sh]

Welcome to Jinjer! I hope you continue with this amazing band! Awesome reaction/breakdown!

[@rageofachilles7400]

i look forward to you doing the live session. Its popular for a reason.

[@rofyle]

Back in around 2011-2012 the band began routinely vlogging their tours here on KZbin. They were still an obscure, unsigned quintet riding around in a minivan, traveling from one eastern European city to another and playing in tiny, one room dives and clubs. They played anywhere they could find a spot, using every opportunity to craft and hone their live performances. Fans can still go back and watch those old vlogs. You can watch them slowly begin to gather notoriety for their live sound. People left comments remarking that they had recently seen the band perform and their sound was unbelievably good. Fans began to upload videos of the shows. Hundreds appeared, then thousands. Now, there are probably ten thousand or more videos on KZbin of them playing live. Seriously, you can find dozens of live, bootleg performances of every song in their catalogue. They continued to vlog well into 2015 even after tragedy struck them. Their original drummer fell from a third story window, breaking his back and becoming paralyzed. Soon after, their founding guitarist announced that he was leaving to pursue acting. Some time later, after recording King of Everything, their replacement drummer discovered that he could not stomach the pressure of touring, so the band was forced yet again to go in search for another drummer. Vlad is who they found. He uploaded the video of his own audition. The band loved it and hired him. Then, as usual, they decided to introduce him with another video. They went into the studio, set up some cameras, then recorded a live performance of Pisces featuring their new drummer. I don't think they intended for it to be their final vlog entry. It's just that the popularity of the video suddenly exploded, and the little quartet from the coal mining region of Ukraine found themselves propelled onto the world stage. Tours throughout Europe, North and South America, and other regions in the world soon followed. They even played in both Moscow and Kiev, and have devoted fans from both countries. When they first landed in South America, they were met at the airport by legions of fans and followed all the way to their hotel. And that's their story in a nutshell. I've never got to watch a real band go from humble beginnings to international acclaim. This one I did. Pretty neat.

[@Robertsmith-dy3sh]

Welcome to Jinjer! I hope you continue with this amazing band. They have a very deep catalog of this awesome songs that are all very different but yet uniquely Jinjer. I would recommend a live in concert video next to truly show how amazing they are, either Perennial (live at Wacken 2019) or Pit of Consciousness (live in Kiev) are great next stops.Great review and breakdown!

[@stangriffinstan_the_alaska9668]

Just so you totally understand that it's all Tatiana singing both harsh and clean vocals and she is absolutely amazing at both and over the last few years she has gotten even better at both.

[@davejohnston2197]

I think you are right on the money overall for this version. There is only one item I maybe would've taken from this to the live studio version, which us Jinjer folks consider the only version to exist, which is the acoustic part. When Vlad, their current drummer joined the group, this was rewritten to showcase him. But it did more. They lost a guitarist since this was made, so the composition was rewritten top down. Eugene's bass becomes more integral, Roman works a new single guitar melody, and Vlad... There's a reason why drummers love to react to him. Great reaction, and I can't wait to see you dive into this incredibly complex little band. Jinjer is referred to as a musician's band for a reason. The nuances can be brutal at times.

[@timhanna256]

I appreciate hearing your perspective and I will look (or shall I say "step") forward to another one. I have about 10-20 favorite songs by Jinjer, out of those there is no "best" in my mind, so I can't give you just one. Although I can still help you feed the YT algorithm with this comment. I'm normally very analytically minded, but I do have trouble thinking of musical artistry in terms of categorized numbered scores. However I'm still intrigued by your format. If I can grasp how you do it then maybe I can learn to stop calling each of their songs my favorite. Please continue to stand out from the crowd.

[@tomislavkosanovic1104]

I have this one on the playlist in my car but it took the headphones listen to realize how much better the "Live" version is, better mix, richer soundscape and, I hate to say better cause I love Dmitriy's drumming, but more intricate and refined work done by Vlad.

[@casandraadugyamfi]

The live session gives a better understanding of the vocalist. Although Perennial live at Wacken shows her talent well. Both voices are her.

[@Starman_67]

Another good analysis. So, I imagine you'll get roasted by some of the more over-zealous fans. 😁 The live version most commonly seen is a studio session. I encourage you to watch it, even if in your own time.Though I'd love to see your face! Even having heard the album version 1st, and knowing what to expect, I think you'll be more impressed by Tatiana than listening to the album version. 🤘😎🤘

[@bernhardkulzer9125]

Yeah, well, as many people surely have mentioned: this was the second-best recording of that song. In the kind-of-live / session version they wanted tp highlight their new drummer... 😁 And - I`m not completely sure if you`ve noticed that there actually is only one singer... Well, take the time to listen to the live session some time and you`ll see.. 🙂🤘

[@viniciusleaoa]

Pernsonaly, I like the first sections of the song: the intro, verse, pre chorus, and don't really care much for the chorus. But from the acoustic guitar break on, it just BLOWS my mind every time! Such a masterpiece! So intense

[@tubelious]

That part is directly out of Opeth's writing book, and I love it.

[@SteveSmith-os5bs]

All the vocals in the studio version of Pisces were Tatiana and that is the big hook of the song. All the growls were Tatiana too.

[@AKJACKAL99709]

Yeah, man... I know your theme and the reason you check out the studio version first. I'd say 98% of the time that is a great formula, and I'm not hating on you for it. HOWEVER, this is that very rare occasion where taking the live version is better (and not just someone's opinion.) Additionally, the "Live" version that everyone will suggest to you is not a concert video, but a "live session" with them all sitting in a studio playing the song together. This makes that video a grey area that is more studio than live, because while they are playing it together versus separate tracking it still has some great (even better) production. Also, as others point out, you are not hearing the current version of the song and you totally miss the reason why the "Pisces" live session video is one of the most reacted-to videos on KZbin. I'd even go so far as to say that what you just heard is equivalent to a demo version. They originally made the live session video as sort of an introduction for their new (and still current) drummer Vlad, who was a classically trained pianist, taught himself drums, and now might be in the top 5 metal drummers worldwide. The drum part is totally different now, and infinitely better than what you just heard. Sadly, some folks totally miss the genius percussion work on display because of the shock factor from Tatiana's vocals (which you would rate higher than you gave in this version.)

[@TheMusicKingdom]

Well said!

[@AKJACKAL99709]

@@TheMusicKingdom Thank you. I play drums and run sound for my little bar band, and occasionally help a local sound engineer. While that doesn't make me an authoritative expert, it does give me a little better perspective than a pure listener at times. One thing I will say about Jinjer is that since Vlad took over on drums they are one of the tightest and most talented bands out there.....even live. I can't wait to see them in September. Suggestion: In cases like this where demand is very high to do a video or live version first, could your composition expert review both versions and give his opinion on whether it is worth skipping the album version? I think he could make that rare call knowing the theme of your channel, and you still can give a raw reaction and honest score on the better representation of the mucic.

[@Pindles.]

fantastic argument @@AKJACKAL99709 honest, neutral, and concise. enthusiastic, yet weak response from the creator is disappointing

[@AKJACKAL99709]

@Pindles. I think most disappointing is that Jinjer fans so look forward to the over-the-top, flabbergasted reactions that anything less feels like a let-down.

[@Pindles.]

couldn't agree more @@AKJACKAL99709 i just want to see a genuine reaction. over the top is instant bad juju for me.

[@mbochum83]

I was blown away when I first heard this song (and about the 50 times after that). But after diving into their catalog deeper I actually consider it one of their weaker songs. I think it has the notoriety that it does because of the "live" version (live instruments, but same studio vocals) and the fact that Tatiana (vocals) is the ONLY vocalist, having the skill set to both sing cleanly and growl at high levels. I hope you'll dive deeper into their catalog as well!

[@hawkins347]

I wouldn't call it a weaker song necessarily, it's just very ballad-y compared to their usual catalogue.

[@gtrsean2429]

Welcome to Jinjer! The correct lyric is Scale Armour Blaze... That's what is printed in my CD booklet. Plus, Tatiana and Euge both confirmed Blaze is correct. She sings it using two syllables "Bah-Laze". If you delve deeper, you're in for a wild ride. 🤘

[@JariJuslin]

You are wrong with the lyrics. All kinda of internet sites claim "blaze" but it does not make sense in the context of the song and it's not what she sings. "Scale armor belies" refers to the duality in the heart of the song, hiding your internal turmoil behind a pretty and calm shell.

[@gtrsean2429]

@@JariJuslin Here is the physical CD booklet lyrics. [img]i.imgur.com/cfZVqce.jpg[/img]

[@BTAColorado]

@@JariJuslin YOU are wrong thinking it is "Belies". As the OP stated Eugene and Tatiana have both confirmed it is BLAZE. The word belies would negate the duality. Scale armor is a facade hiding virgin innocence, which would be all that exists. Scale armor BLAZE (like the knight in shining armor) AND virgin innocence highlights the duality. But mostly I say belies is wrong because i heard it with my own ears and saw it with my own eyes when Tatiana spelled it out in a live stream - "B-L-A-Zed-E" was how she spelled it (most emphatically).

[@coder4liberty]

The drums are done very differently in the live session version but I think both are solid just very different approaches to the same song.

[@camwatson2197]

Top notch honest review as always. If I may make a recommendation based on what you seem to appreciate in your metal so far, it would be "This Godless Endeavor" by Nevermore. Top notch everything. Musicianship, lyrics AND vocals, fun production, and really thought and conversation provoking on all levels.

[@johncornelius9430]

Subbed, i should also mention as much as i love this song its the only one in their entire catalog that I will skip sometimes when listening to the album. I definitely think the deeper in you get we'll be seeing some 9's and even 10's I really hope you dig deeper. Cheers, and have a geat day.

[@HaroldDominguezhn]

The live studio session is far more technical and beautiful. They are more seasoned musicians and they have Vlad, their new drummer, who is amazing and who also is the only member of the band with formal musical training.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

Lol Jinjer's studio versions aren't that bad. I feel like NW treats the studio version as a teaser for the live show. To be fair, I think most metal bands earn most of their money from the live shows so there's that. I'd do Perennial next. Some have done double features with studio and live. The official video is great and while the live at Wacken video shows the stage presence of the band and especially Tatiana. And they just seem to bring everything a bit more intensely on stage.

[@terrydavis7389]

missed seeing them live because of the war in Ukraine, but i have tickets to see them next month finally.. cant wait.

[@tubelious]

yup... the live studio session on this track, especially as a introduction to the band, is definitely the optimal one. When you will get to checking out Wintersun, and I'm pretty sure you will, please do the Live Studio session of "Sons of Winter and Stars - Live at the Sonic Pump Studios"

[@NTXCoog12]

While your philosophy of studio versions may be good, there are times when live versions are the definitive ones: Cheap Trick - I Want You to Want Me (studio version is HORRIBLE) Elvis Presley - American Trilogy in Hawaii Peter Frampton - any single from Comes Alive I'm not saying you should change your philosophy, but you might consider input from the experts and fanatics who know more than you about a subject.

[@Raul-vl7ly]

So it took a buddy of yours to review Jinjer as opposed to subscriber requests. Hey whatever works 🤘🏽

[@bugleaf9603]

come on! you could start doing live recordings and studios in the same videos, because honestly a lot of jinjer’s songs are better live

[@jameswarner5809]

The chord progression your expert referred to is in 6 time, not 7 as he said.

[@hays9008]

Do you realise its all her.....she is on growls as well.

[@jeffwellman2883]

Good analysis for the most part. Unfortunately you missed the vocals. All the vocals are Tatiana, harsh and melodic. You were quite correct about Tatiana's lyrics. She writes some of the best poetic and personal lyrics in metal. She was a literature major in university. Watching the live performances is important for Jinjer. They are excellent live; the band is super tight and Tati can switch between different styles on a dime. "Pisces" (Live Session, Napalm Records) is the preferred introduction because one can see this switching and it features the current drummer who is very skilled musician.

[@jaredmulconry]

I agree with your rating. It's a good starter song. Not overwhelming, as many of their tracks could be. Up until recently, I would recommend Pieces as a first listen of this band. Now, I would recommend their song, Wallflower. For the madness of it all, Ape would be a good choice, imo.

[@johncornelius9430]

I would definitely suggest Teacher Teacher omv, or Vortex to get a better insight into Jinjers intensity.

[@whispermason8052]

#74, is an insult unless several other Jinjer songs are on that list. Given what I heard about what seems to be the song types you might lean towards, I'd try Bad Water, On The Top, you should probably go ahead with I Speak Astronomy, it's going to start out pretty hard but ends epically. Watch a video along with this. Her stage presence and her ability to instantly switch from the singing to the growls and back in the same phrase is high skill.

[@tackle47]

Having watched many of your analyses of sons I think you did a very fair job here. As others have said the studio session just hits different mostly because of Vlad’s drumming. Hell the ghost notes alone really elevate the song. I am going of reservation a little but I think Home Back is a great choice for next Jinjer song. It is about them losing to their homes in Eastern Ukraine in the 2014 Russian invasion. It was done a couple of years before the current war but hits even harder since. The song is also more indicative to Jinjer as to their “style” as Pisces is quite mellow for them. My only long lasting complaint with your reactions is production scores. Some genres have production where sounds, strings etc added is just not relevant. Punk or Metal are just not going to have much in over the top production. I wish your scores would find a way to instead focus on how the song was mixed and quality of the recording and not bells and whistles. As always enjoy your content and keep on Jinjer. They are special and lyrically my favorite in my 5 decades on this rock.

[@JariJuslin]

Home Back, tho, is a very different animal. Some reactors feel it's "hollow", because, well, it's not meant to be an easy song or a comfortable one. The composition can make you uneasy and leave the matter unresolved which is *the very point*. Because it's a story about how it felt to be a kid when Russia invaded their home, Donetsk in Ukraine, in 2014 and the kids in Ukraine still run to basements when air raid sirens blaze. There is no resolve yet to the war, so the song does not provide it either. That said, it *is* a good song and her growls there are some of the deepest I've ever heard from her and even male growlers often struggle to get there. It's just not that typical and definitely it's not easy listening.

[@bryanthompson973]

I love the song but I all the scores were incredibly fair. As others mentioned, a big rub of this song is seeing Tatiana do both vocals usually shocks people. In the last 2 decades, harsh vocals have come a long way. In early 90s, they were raw and dangerous to do... and usually sounded like shit because the technique hadn't been refined. Now, they have become more common and as a result, more tasteful and purposeful. I mention this cuz I feel youd be ready to hear most harsh vocals, so long as it's done by some one who knows what they're doing. So... probably not Meshuggah or Lorna Shore yet... but I'd recommend something out of the metalcore realm. If you really wanna get nuts tho, I'm gonna recommend a melodic death/folk metal band, "Eluveitie", song "Rebirth". Mixes clean/harsh vocals and celtic instruments. You haven't heard true metal until you heard a breakdown with a muthafuckin hurdy gurdy.

[@yuryliv]

You are spoiling about the vocals...

[@slxdragon]

For future reference, maybe it's better to be more flexible. Yes, still do studios first for the majority of your reactions. However, if the fans strongly recommend the live version first, there is a good reason why, and it's better to trust them. Because now you know why, and found out it's Tatiana who does both the singing and growling. The live studio version is so popular for the reason that people are unexpectedly seeing a woman growl for the first time, and their reactions are priceless. So you're ruining yourself of the opportunity to showcase that reaction. Most Jinjer fans watch these reacts just for the pure shock. It's not the same anymore when you're reacting to it as if it were a regular duet. Hope you understand where we are coming from.

[@graciefolden2359]

The "Live Session" with Vlad is the only version of this song I care for.

[@JariJuslin]

One reason this track has so simple vocals is the subject - Pisces. Duality is the main theme in both the astrological sign Pisces and this song, so instead of the usual multitude of styles here were have only two, to support the story. It's of course also what makes it kind of a filler song. Tati's vocals don't really get to shine with basically just one type of harsh vocals and one type of cleans.

[@ericpeterson7512]

This is why everyone recommends the live session first. You robbed yourself of the shock value of realizing IT’S THE SAME WOMAN SINGING ALL THE PARTS THROUGHOUT THE SONG! You really only fully appreciate how wonderful her clean tone is when you contrast it with how deep and rich her harsh vocals are. I really like your format of reaction AND analysis. I like the experts corner a lot. He picked up on the masterful changes in time signatures. In my opinion only Rush was better at making all the odd meter switches sound natural and engaging. You also picked up well on the freshness of the lyrics. Interestingly, the subtitles on this version picked up a misconception: some people think in the chorus it says “Scale armor belies Virgin innocence,” however according to Tatiana it’s “Scale armor blaze, Virgin innocence.” To my ear it’s clearly “Blaze,” not “belies.” The vowel is a long a, not a long i. Blaze makes perfect sense in lyrical context too. Good reaction/analysis. Good for a like, but not yet a sub. I’d recommend you treat yourself to the live session video. You’ll see right away what all the fuss is about. My strong hunch is you would’ve earned a sub from me if you’d analyzed that instead. Keep up the good work!!

[@EuphoriaDeep]

I'd give this a 6. I think most of the really great metal came from the 70's thru the 90's, and most of the stuff since has been either derivative or locked way too tightly into one of the subgenres that have cropped up. Also, growling just doesn't do it for me, and in almost all cases it ruins songs that I'd otherwise probably enjoy. Here's a few recommendations I'd offer, based on what you've rated high in previous reviews AND based on criticisms you've expressed. Tool: for a more listenable song, try Sober, off of, I think, their second album. Learn to Swim is also fantastic. I also think you'd enjoy System of a Down. Song-wise, I'd steer you towards Ariels for starters, and highly recommend Chop Suy, BYOB, or Toxicity. Love your channel, and enjoy watching your reviews!

[@imcrazedandconfused]

I have absolutely no clue, why you and people here in the comments talk about acoustic guitar. There is none in this song. What you hear is clearly electric guitar. Clean, non-distorted electric guitar in the verse, distorted one in the chorus.

[@RÅNÇIÐ]

The live version is honestly not that much different from the official audio. People just want reactors to see that it's actually the girl who's also doing the growling.

[@mendronesg]

They only have one singer 😢

[@danielbodon8181]

Please get to Arch Enemy!! But don’t do Nemesis. Do something with Alissa White-Gluz. War Eternal, The World is Yours, You Will Know My Name, Sunset Over the Empire, Handshake With Hell.

[@truknz71]

I think your ratings are on the low side. There is a reason that this song is one of the most reacted to songs on KZbin. They have a song in which it is so different/unique and with the writing and musicianship, to give it a 6, 7 or even 8 is an insult to everyone who reacts or listens to it. Is it a masterpiece, No but to say anything about this song is a 6 is a insult. That is just My opinion.

[@brutalshow3364]

🤘🇺🇦🤘

[@Paul-jj5wy]

I know you didn't search for this song and miss the live version that has 80M views or the 100's of reaction videos. Common sense would dictate this is the one to watch.

[@TheMusicKingdom]

I don’t usually research that stuff. I either go with word of mouth, requests, or just do my own thing.

[@firemarshallj]

​@@TheMusicKingdom my question is when you reacted to this song, Did you realize that it was the same vocalist, or did you think it was 2 separate vocalist? I couldn't tell for sure from your reaction. The way you gave separate scoces for the two vocals makes me think you thought 2 vocalist, but you never specifically said 2 vocalist.....

[@JariJuslin]

If you want to start from album versions, Pisces is a weak choice. It's a simplistic song both compositionally and especially drumming-wise. There's a reason Jinjer no longer plays it live. On later albums they have the current (winning) lineup and have developed their style further.

[@JariJuslin]

I would recommend Teacher Teacher or Vortex instead. Or maybe Perennial or Judgement or Punishment. Of course, I don't really recommend the album audio alone for these either because you miss the energy that makes Jinjer Jinjer, but whatever floats your boat.

[@JariJuslin]

The main reason Pisces live session is often recommended is the shock value, because the song has no heavy elements until the first chorus and because on album version people often miss the gorgeousness of Tati's vocals thinking there are two singers. Her switching back and forth instantly in live setting is part of the early magic. The live session also has their current lineup - it was recorded to showcase their then new drummer, Vlad. And hearing the album version, yes, the drumming on it is indeed boring and flat.

[@JariJuslin]

Pisces is of course a good introduction for non-metalheads because of the same simplicity that makes it boring. Songs like Teacher Teacher or Vortex are so far from your average pop song structure and soundscape they are a tall order if you haven't first acquainted yourself with something more traditional.

[@jamessewell5636]

Love jinjer

[@Blaze-wb6bk]

Love Tatiana's Growls. Im once again suggesting "The Drapery Falls" by Opeth as a good way to continue with your metal journey. I think, and I'm probably not in the minority here, that Mikael's growls are the best in metal period.

[@MotorbreathChannel]

Way to spoil it bro. I don't think that he understood it from listening to a studio version. Either that or he lets out less than he knows. But I swear, the audience is setting reactors up for failure so darn often...