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.
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 :)
"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.
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.
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?
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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).
'Now she sounds like she's from Opeth!' - Smiles knowing how extremely accurate that is, not just vocally + how much more Opeth-esque it's about to get in the bridge -
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Really like your commentary and reaction. Nice to hear people who know what they are talking about appreciate what Jinjer is doing. As others have said, Pisces is about duality. Pisces is a dual sign. Light and dark, moody, etc. I think the emeralds are ripped away part is they are being taken advantage of and their value is stripped from them (emeralds = value). That's what happens when people take advantage of someone and use someone. Both Tatiana (vocalist) and Eugene (bassist) are Pisces. Tatiana wrote most of the lyrics of the song, but asked Eugene to help her out with some of it as well. All of their lyrics are poetic and have meaning. Tatiana puts a lot of effort into them. I never got into extreme vocals before until I found Jinjer, and now I just love this band. I'm completely obsessed. One of the main reasons is they all are amazing at what they do. Each one is truly an artist in their own right. Tatiana (vocalist - self taught), Eugene (bassist - self taught), Roman (guitarist - I think self taught), and Vlad (drummer - classic pianist, jazz pianist, jazz drummer, and guitarist). And on top of that, they are just really cool, down to earth, humble, no ego people. Their story is remarkable. I'd suggest Perennial (Live at Wacken 2019) next. That shows her vocal ability more - quick switches from extreme to clean and soaring vocals. It's a beautiful song. Perennial: Live at Wacken Open Air 2019 - ruclips.net/video/bxi3i9wzQBk/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, the music video is really cool as well: ruclips.net/video/IJgkkYX-QYw/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords I Speak Astronomy: Official Video - ruclips.net/video/KJoPIgg17U4/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, awesome song! Great soaring vocals. Judgement (& Punishment): Tatiana Shmayluk - One Take Vocal Performance - ruclips.net/video/Q5rg_63Shqg/видео.html&ab_channel=JinjerMetalBand, great song to see her ability close up and awesome vibe to the song. Home Back: Official Video - ruclips.net/video/0t_I_ghmXIQ/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, quite a personal song for them as it talks about war and specifically war that broke out in eastern Ukraine in 2014 where they lived and they had to leave. It's still going on today. Teacher, Teacher: Official Video - ruclips.net/video/oRkRwL0vjOg/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, awesome song. Quite complex. You'll get to understand that Jinjer changes things up a lot (within a song and from song to song). They have a distinct sound, but each song is always different. Pretty cool how they pull that off. Pit of Consciousness: Official Music Video - ruclips.net/video/7f353euyRno/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, Live in Kiev 2019 (great quality) - ruclips.net/video/vEhxuNuHWls/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, both live and music video are awesome. On the Top: Official Music Video - ruclips.net/video/BROMMobZVbQ/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, Live in Kiev 2019 (great quality) - ruclips.net/video/4Mg7fbki-gA/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, both live and music video are awesome. Who is Gonna Be the One: Live at Atlas 2017 - ruclips.net/video/U6rv5qi8-8s/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, Great quality and awesome performance. Really shows her versatility in her extreme vocals. I just love this band. The way they compose their music (now) is the three guys will typically work on a song individually (one of them will write a song, and another will come up with another song, etc.) each on their own and bring that song to the rest of them and work that out. Then when a song is finished and in preproduction, then they give it to Tatiana to write the vocal lines and lyrics.
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 😏
Probably the best reaction video on Pisces. At last someone not focusing solely on Tatiana's amazing vocals, but also on the instrumentation and amazing lyrics of this song.
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.
Love that you immediately took the Opeth reference. I actually think this song has a lot of older Opeth in it. Of course the change between clean and growl singing, but also the bridge / end part at 6:32 (in your video) has a very strong Black Water Park-era Opeth feel to it. Especially the bassline.
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".
One of the most interesting bits about this song is how all the parts are sculpted perfectly for each band member. It's perfect for her, it's perfect for the drummer, base player and guitarist as well as poetic lyrics. I don't think one or two people could make this. It has to be a whole band creating their art, syncing it perfectly and working as a unit - none of them are just there to play a piece that one of them made. The more I think about it the more I love it.
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.
Oh my god her growls/scream is so good. Women who do growls have certain characteristics that you don't often hear in male growls. Her growls sound a lot more like the growls you hear from male singers. And I have no idea what's different about how she does it that makes the difference. But even beyond that you nailed the point about her versatility. She has a great warm timbre to her chest voice, and has great technique and musicality in her approach to the less intense parts. She absolutely delivers when real intensity is required too. And I really like the different forms of contrast in the music itself. You had sections where there was reverb drenched guitar arpeggios, with very legato vocals and a sort of 'slithering' or undulating, calm musical space. But then punctuating the calm, moments of staccato patterns, rife with dissonance through chromatic movement, drums placing emphasis on the disjointed rhythms rather than keeping a groove as he had been. Also of note is how he is still playing along with the vocals in the heavy moments, even though her vocals are playing a sort of counter rhythm to the unison of the instruments. This fills a bit of space that would have been empty, keeping the rhythm of things from feeling unbalanced. It helps move the music forward despite the unison line's halting and disjointed rhythm.
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.
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 RUclips, 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!
Instant subscription because you don't get hung up on how odd it is in a way, instead you focus on the musicianship. From a lesser though still a classical musician to another, I'm glad you (obviously) enjoyed this.
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! :-)
Finaly someone who looks up the lyrics and wonder what they mean! Just to clear things up, the singer writes the lyrics and other band members compose the music so I really don't think that the song is about "them" but rather "her" and that leads me to this. I think this song is about a girl looking for the right guys for her. "Hooks and nets are there for me but I'm skittish", "searching for a hook to catch on and see my sunbeam" so there are alot of guys that are trying to take her but she rejects them while searching for the right one. "drowns in a liquid gold" is that beer? Is she given alcohol to drop her guard? "scale armor blaze, of virgin innocence", "in the hands of handsome butchers, emeralds are ripped away" so her virgin innocence is ripped away by handsome butchers, while she is drunk by liquid gold. So is this a story of rape? I hope I'm wrong on this but that's just how I hear it.
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.
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.
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.
First, I wanna say how much I envy your ability to immediately pick out chords, notes, and keys. I have decent relative pitch if I'm trying to learn something by ear on guitar, and can figure out chords/keys by looking at sheet music, but I've never been able to pick them out by just listening. Second, I'll say that this track is popular precisely because most people don't know women can growl, and it starts off so calm that it makes for a good "shock reaction" when the growls come in. Many can't believe it's her doing it, though women have been growling in metal for a while now (Arch Enemy's done it since the early-00s). I will say that growls grow on you over time. I hated them at first, but now I really appreciate them when done well like Jinjer and Opeth do, especially because of the contrast with clean vocals. Finally, I'll add that Jinjer are a great live band. This song doesn't show it off as much, but they have some really knotty songs (especially rhythmically) that are not easy to play, but they are incredibly tight live and have such amazing energy. I saw them in a tiny club in my hometown and they just blew everyone away.
Jinjer - I speak astronomy Also another great piece. Have had the chance to see them live and it's an amazing experience to see this amazing front woman showing her vocal prowess
This song is always the one that’s recommended for the shock value of being lulled by her clean vocals and then the growl punching you in the face. The actual purpose of this video was to showcase their new drummer. Tatiana has actually said multiple times that she hates that this video has turned into a spotlight for her.
Pisces is depicted as 2 fish. So in the final section, when she's talking about 'searching for a hook to catch on and see their sunbeam" she's referring to the act of chasing one's own death--the sunbeam being the last thing you see before being pulled out of the water. Its an idea she talks about earlier in the song as well during the chorus: "One being brings life, another runs for death." I believe the emeralds she's referring to are the fish's scales being ripped away as the fisherman guts the fish. Really neat lyrics in this song.
I'm sorry to say, but i hear a far more darker tale there. not so esotheric and symbolic, but pure and straight horror - in a context of unconditional loyalty of the neptunes child
“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.
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.
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.
The best reaction I have seen so far. Glad you at least mentioned the talent the band has. BTW, the "Emeralds" mentioned refer to the scales of a fish that sometimes appear like emeralds.
I like your calmness, Doug. Yes, you appreciated the growl kicking in, clearly, but got not carried away. Your calm analysis of the song structure and remarks of the musicians as a whole, is much appreciated. Not playing instrument myself, so it´s interesting to follow you, following the song and what happens, even if I don´t understand everything. But obviously enough, to keep me following your channel.
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
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.
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!
Best Jinjer reaction I've seen. As others have said, it's much appreciated that you didn't just get lost in her growls and actually commented on what's going on musically. By the way, I was looking through your Daily Doug playlist, and I noticed a distinct lack of Japanese rock...some of the best rock bands today are coming out of Japan, especially all-female bands...might I suggest some Band-Maid...perhaps a song called Warning!...?
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....
ruclips.net/video/aLHVYDyhtpk/видео.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.
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.
“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
😂😂😂
"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.
@@NemusNemi 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.
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.
“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!
"This is tasteful...." Famous last words right before the boom drops! X-D
It was tasteful throughout.
"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?
Doug: "This is tasteful. I like it!"
Tatiana: "BRRRRAAAAAAAARRRGRRRH!"
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.
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?
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 :-)
"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
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.
3:20 lol Tatianna has said Mikael from Opeth is one of her biggest influences
Her growl is amazing. So full and fleshy. Love it.
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. :)
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
I think "emeralds are ripped away" is referring to a fish's scales being shed as it's "on cutting tables of callous men"
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.
3:00 Doug "this is tasteful"
It's about to kick, hold on to your butts.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
I love watching reactions to this song, it’s always hilarious XD
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.
Relaxed face, shock, nervous laugh, stank face and finally growling face of enjoyment. We've all been there 🤘😎🤘
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).
'Now she sounds like she's from Opeth!'
- Smiles knowing how extremely accurate that is, not just vocally + how much more Opeth-esque it's about to get in the bridge -
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.
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.
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.
I love when they all step back like they're watching a possession taking place.
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?
What hooked me to Jinger a couple of years back was the bass playing.
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.
One of the best recorded performances ever... in my humble opinion... magic was captured here....I can not see this enough.
I have seen them live. Amazing musicians and her vocal control is astounding even live.
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.
Yay you did it!!!! This video is going to make your channel BLOW UP!!
1k views in 45 minutes
Watching people reacting to this song never gets old.
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.
Really like your commentary and reaction. Nice to hear people who know what they are talking about appreciate what Jinjer is doing.
As others have said, Pisces is about duality. Pisces is a dual sign. Light and dark, moody, etc. I think the emeralds are ripped away part is they are being taken advantage of and their value is stripped from them (emeralds = value). That's what happens when people take advantage of someone and use someone. Both Tatiana (vocalist) and Eugene (bassist) are Pisces. Tatiana wrote most of the lyrics of the song, but asked Eugene to help her out with some of it as well.
All of their lyrics are poetic and have meaning. Tatiana puts a lot of effort into them. I never got into extreme vocals before until I found Jinjer, and now I just love this band. I'm completely obsessed. One of the main reasons is they all are amazing at what they do. Each one is truly an artist in their own right. Tatiana (vocalist - self taught), Eugene (bassist - self taught), Roman (guitarist - I think self taught), and Vlad (drummer - classic pianist, jazz pianist, jazz drummer, and guitarist). And on top of that, they are just really cool, down to earth, humble, no ego people. Their story is remarkable. I'd suggest Perennial (Live at Wacken 2019) next. That shows her vocal ability more - quick switches from extreme to clean and soaring vocals. It's a beautiful song.
Perennial: Live at Wacken Open Air 2019 - ruclips.net/video/bxi3i9wzQBk/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, the music video is really cool as well: ruclips.net/video/IJgkkYX-QYw/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords
I Speak Astronomy: Official Video - ruclips.net/video/KJoPIgg17U4/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, awesome song! Great soaring vocals.
Judgement (& Punishment): Tatiana Shmayluk - One Take Vocal Performance - ruclips.net/video/Q5rg_63Shqg/видео.html&ab_channel=JinjerMetalBand, great song to see her ability close up and awesome vibe to the song.
Home Back: Official Video - ruclips.net/video/0t_I_ghmXIQ/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, quite a personal song for them as it talks about war and specifically war that broke out in eastern Ukraine in 2014 where they lived and they had to leave. It's still going on today.
Teacher, Teacher: Official Video - ruclips.net/video/oRkRwL0vjOg/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, awesome song. Quite complex. You'll get to understand that Jinjer changes things up a lot (within a song and from song to song). They have a distinct sound, but each song is always different. Pretty cool how they pull that off.
Pit of Consciousness: Official Music Video - ruclips.net/video/7f353euyRno/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, Live in Kiev 2019 (great quality) - ruclips.net/video/vEhxuNuHWls/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, both live and music video are awesome.
On the Top: Official Music Video - ruclips.net/video/BROMMobZVbQ/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, Live in Kiev 2019 (great quality) - ruclips.net/video/4Mg7fbki-gA/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, both live and music video are awesome.
Who is Gonna Be the One: Live at Atlas 2017 - ruclips.net/video/U6rv5qi8-8s/видео.html&ab_channel=NapalmRecords, Great quality and awesome performance. Really shows her versatility in her extreme vocals.
I just love this band. The way they compose their music (now) is the three guys will typically work on a song individually (one of them will write a song, and another will come up with another song, etc.) each on their own and bring that song to the rest of them and work that out. Then when a song is finished and in preproduction, then they give it to Tatiana to write the vocal lines and lyrics.
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 😏
Probably the best reaction video on Pisces. At last someone not focusing solely on Tatiana's amazing vocals, but also on the instrumentation and amazing lyrics of this song.
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.
Love that you immediately took the Opeth reference. I actually think this song has a lot of older Opeth in it. Of course the change between clean and growl singing, but also the bridge / end part at 6:32 (in your video) has a very strong Black Water Park-era Opeth feel to it. Especially the bassline.
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’ 😉
One of the most interesting bits about this song is how all the parts are sculpted perfectly for each band member. It's perfect for her, it's perfect for the drummer, base player and guitarist as well as poetic lyrics. I don't think one or two people could make this. It has to be a whole band creating their art, syncing it perfectly and working as a unit - none of them are just there to play a piece that one of them made. The more I think about it the more I love it.
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.
Oh my god her growls/scream is so good. Women who do growls have certain characteristics that you don't often hear in male growls. Her growls sound a lot more like the growls you hear from male singers. And I have no idea what's different about how she does it that makes the difference.
But even beyond that you nailed the point about her versatility. She has a great warm timbre to her chest voice, and has great technique and musicality in her approach to the less intense parts. She absolutely delivers when real intensity is required too.
And I really like the different forms of contrast in the music itself. You had sections where there was reverb drenched guitar arpeggios, with very legato vocals and a sort of 'slithering' or undulating, calm musical space. But then punctuating the calm, moments of staccato patterns, rife with dissonance through chromatic movement, drums placing emphasis on the disjointed rhythms rather than keeping a groove as he had been. Also of note is how he is still playing along with the vocals in the heavy moments, even though her vocals are playing a sort of counter rhythm to the unison of the instruments. This fills a bit of space that would have been empty, keeping the rhythm of things from feeling unbalanced. It helps move the music forward despite the unison line's halting and disjointed rhythm.
Thank you for actually appreciating this music instead of writing it off as “satanic nonsense” like everybody else. This is an amazing analysis!
I love watching composers and vocal coaches react to this song. Especially when she kicks in the aggressive vocals. Watching their jaws drop.
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.
You are one of the very few that didn't question her being both vocals, good reaction
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 RUclips, 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!
Instant subscription because you don't get hung up on how odd it is in a way, instead you focus on the musicianship. From a lesser though still a classical musician to another, I'm glad you (obviously) enjoyed this.
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 ruclips.net/video/gqUPGa15Oto/видео.html
Finaly someone who looks up the lyrics and wonder what they mean! Just to clear things up, the singer writes the lyrics and other band members compose the music so I really don't think that the song is about "them" but rather "her" and that leads me to this. I think this song is about a girl looking for the right guys for her. "Hooks and nets are there for me but I'm skittish", "searching for a hook to catch on and see my sunbeam" so there are alot of guys that are trying to take her but she rejects them while searching for the right one. "drowns in a liquid gold" is that beer? Is she given alcohol to drop her guard? "scale armor blaze, of virgin innocence", "in the hands of handsome butchers, emeralds are ripped away" so her virgin innocence is ripped away by handsome butchers, while she is drunk by liquid gold. So is this a story of rape? I hope I'm wrong on this but that's just how I hear it.
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
Probably one of the most insightful reactions to the full performance of the band. Great job!
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.
This is the most wholesome man I have ever seen make the best stank faces to a good riff ever
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 ...
First, I wanna say how much I envy your ability to immediately pick out chords, notes, and keys. I have decent relative pitch if I'm trying to learn something by ear on guitar, and can figure out chords/keys by looking at sheet music, but I've never been able to pick them out by just listening. Second, I'll say that this track is popular precisely because most people don't know women can growl, and it starts off so calm that it makes for a good "shock reaction" when the growls come in. Many can't believe it's her doing it, though women have been growling in metal for a while now (Arch Enemy's done it since the early-00s). I will say that growls grow on you over time. I hated them at first, but now I really appreciate them when done well like Jinjer and Opeth do, especially because of the contrast with clean vocals. Finally, I'll add that Jinjer are a great live band. This song doesn't show it off as much, but they have some really knotty songs (especially rhythmically) that are not easy to play, but they are incredibly tight live and have such amazing energy. I saw them in a tiny club in my hometown and they just blew everyone away.
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.
Jinjer - I speak astronomy
Also another great piece. Have had the chance to see them live and it's an amazing experience to see this amazing front woman showing her vocal prowess
They do list Opeth as one of their musical influences!
Love Doug's reaction videos!! Shocked for like 3 seconds and immediately back to explaining what the band is doing music theory wise. Love it
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.ruclips.net/video/rNuVdsx7qJY/видео.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!
I always heard "innocence is ripped away" in the growl... never looked up the lyric before, so thank you for that.
This song is always the one that’s recommended for the shock value of being lulled by her clean vocals and then the growl punching you in the face. The actual purpose of this video was to showcase their new drummer. Tatiana has actually said multiple times that she hates that this video has turned into a spotlight for her.
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.
Binge watching reactions for 2 days and everyone reacts so similar to 1 another,so were all in agreement ,she is fkn awesome.
Pisces is depicted as 2 fish. So in the final section, when she's talking about 'searching for a hook to catch on and see their sunbeam" she's referring to the act of chasing one's own death--the sunbeam being the last thing you see before being pulled out of the water. Its an idea she talks about earlier in the song as well during the chorus: "One being brings life, another runs for death." I believe the emeralds she's referring to are the fish's scales being ripped away as the fisherman guts the fish. Really neat lyrics in this song.
I'm sorry to say, but i hear a far more darker tale there. not so esotheric and symbolic, but pure and straight horror - in a context of unconditional loyalty of the neptunes child
"This is tasteful, I like it!" .....and then....😂😂😂😂😂
“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.
The best female growler I know... always nice to see the face of the reactor, so funny!
*beep boop* Wintersun - Time (Live at Sonic Pump Studios) Remaster *beep boop*
And "Sons of Winter and Stars!"
I think you are the only reactor I've seen (out of maybe 20-30) who payed any attention to that lyrics. Kudos to you!
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 RUclips.
It’s fun every time. Enjoy!
i've watched hundreds of reacts to this video and so far you have the best breakdown/analysis of the band and the music as a whole
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 :)
3:06 , Ha ha ha ! Love your reaction, like, "what's this"?
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.
The best reaction I have seen so far. Glad you at least mentioned the talent the band has. BTW, the "Emeralds" mentioned refer to the scales of a fish that sometimes appear like emeralds.
Devin Townsend performing Kingdom is a must-see.
I like your calmness, Doug. Yes, you appreciated the growl kicking in, clearly, but got not carried away. Your calm analysis of the song structure and remarks of the musicians as a whole, is much appreciated. Not playing instrument myself, so it´s interesting to follow you, following the song and what happens, even if I don´t understand everything. But obviously enough, to keep me following your channel.
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
3:24 Opeth is one of the bands that got Tatiana screaming!
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 contrast of 'This is tasteful, I like it.' To his facial expression of 'this is filthy, I love it' at 9:10 through the end is why we're all here.
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!
Best Jinjer reaction I've seen. As others have said, it's much appreciated that you didn't just get lost in her growls and actually commented on what's going on musically.
By the way, I was looking through your Daily Doug playlist, and I noticed a distinct lack of Japanese rock...some of the best rock bands today are coming out of Japan, especially all-female bands...might I suggest some Band-Maid...perhaps a song called Warning!...?
Symphony X - The Odyssey
He’s done a reaction to it, at least now.