Jinjer’s Eugene Abdukhanov Reflects on Performing with Meshuggah at Download Festival

A Personal Milestone

For many musicians, sharing a stage with their heroes can evoke a mix of humility and inspiration. This sentiment rings especially true for Eugene Abdukhanov, the bassist of Jinjer, who had the opportunity to perform at Download Festival just before the iconic Swedish band Meshuggah. For Eugene, this was more than just a coveted slot; it held personal significance.

Admiration for a Legendary Band

During an interview with Forever Loud (as reported by Blabbermouth), Eugene expressed his deep admiration for Meshuggah. “I must say this, I would really love to be there [to see their show right now],” he confessed. “I checked their first songs and had to run here to do the interviews, ’cause work is work. But this is one of my favorite bands, and playing before them was something special for me.”

The Balance of Complexity and Groove

The world of metal often grapples with the tension between complexity and groove. However, both Meshuggah and Jinjer have mastered the art of balancing these elements. When this observation was raised during the interview, Eugene readily agreed.

“Thanks a lot for the kind words,” he replied. “And you are absolutely right. No matter how complicated what they do seems to be, it always has the groove. It always makes you just nod to the rhythm.”

Meshuggah’s Influence on Modern Metal

The impact of Meshuggah on contemporary metal is profound, and Eugene did not hesitate to acknowledge their role in shaping not only the sound of Jinjer but also an entire generation of bands. “I must say that it’s not only us; whole generations of bands nowadays, more or less in this or that way, are actually based on Meshuggah’s music,” he noted.

“So they changed the whole approach to the sound, to riffing, everything. So in many respects, they created the whole scene which we have now.”

The Hallmark of True Legacy

For Eugene, the evolution of Meshuggah—from an underground curiosity to a genre-defining powerhouse—is a testament to their enduring legacy. “And this is what differs, like really legendary music, legendary bands from everybody else,” he explained. “You are not afraid to bring something new to the table, no matter what the others say. And I pay huge respect to Meshuggah for that.”

Reflecting on the band’s journey, Eugene recalled, “I remember the days before ObZen, before even Nothing, when there wasn’t such a band yet, such a big and massive [band] with such a heritage. And for many people, it was really hard to accept them. But I kept saying that, ‘No, this is a really big thing. You will see in the future.’ And I think I was right. So it’s just a masterpiece band.”

Conclusion

Performing at Download Festival alongside Meshuggah was not just a professional milestone for Eugene Abdukhanov; it was a deeply personal experience that highlighted his admiration for a band that has significantly influenced the metal genre. The legacy of Meshuggah serves as an inspiration for many artists, including those in Jinjer, as they continue to push boundaries in their own music.

FAQs

Who is Eugene Abdukhanov?

Eugene Abdukhanov is the bassist of the Ukrainian metal band Jinjer, known for their unique blend of progressive metal and groove metal.

What is Meshuggah known for?

Meshuggah is a Swedish extreme metal band recognized for their complex song structures, polyrhythmic patterns, and influential sound that has shaped modern metal.

What does playing before Meshuggah mean for Jinjer?

For Eugene, performing before Meshuggah at Download Festival was a significant honor and a personal achievement, as they are one of his favorite bands and a major influence on Jinjer’s music.

How has Meshuggah influenced other bands?

Meshuggah’s innovative approach to music has inspired countless bands in the metal genre, leading to new techniques in riffing and songwriting that continue to shape the sound of modern metal.