JENNER
Prove Them Wrong

I’ll admit that I was less than enthusiastic about JENNER’S first album “To Live Is To Suffer”. I found it an average release, with very limited variation which made it a bit of a dull listen. However, the Serbian trio have returned with their second release, “Prove Them Wrong”, and like the title says, they may just have made a point, for it is a much better record than their debut.

Nine tracks of slicing hot heavy metal that veer more towards the thrash genre come at you with an aggression that means business. Slimmed down to the trio of Aleksandra Stamenković on vocals & guitars, bassist Anja Mirković and drummer Selena Simić, JENNER start “Prove Them Wrong” with the fiery blasts of “No Time For Prayer”. It’s an instantly addictive track, with the vocals containing grit and substance; no flowery operatics here but also not the cruel rasping style of their death metal counterparts in Nervosa and Crypta. Musically the band are tight, with Stamenković demonstrating some neat lead work throughout.

JENNER bring a powerful, racy thrash style that is more melodic than many of the more established thrash metal bands, but which also gives a new take on a very male dominated genre. At times, they are almost Iron Maiden in style, mainly the small flourishes that may go unnoticed towards the end of songs. “Down In The Pit” is a staple metal track, and it segues neatly into intricate guitar work that introduces the riff heavy “Not Even You”. What makes this track a bit special is the vocal harmonies which provide a softness to the track. This blend with some rip-roaring heavy guitar work makes it a thoroughly enjoyable heavy metal track.

Elsewhere JENNER can bring a real solid sound to their songs. A decent production adds to the weight of the band’s music, with tracks “Eye For An Eye” having a cutting edge that wasn’t present on their previous release. It’s evident that a band who has spent time forming their sound, and touring with the likes of Epica has learnt from their experiences, and as a result have developed into a much more mature, composed and impressive outfit. They even have the confidence to take on a slower, smouldering song in “I Saw It All Clear”, as close to a ballad as you’ll get on this album.

It’s worth noting that only Stamenković remains from the original line-up, but it’s evident that the arrival of Mirković and Simić have brought added impetus and dynamism to the band. The final two songs prove that they can lay it down with the best. The pounding “Never Say Die” is likely to become an anthem with its fast tempo and thrash edge, whilst the longest track on the album, “Laws Of The Weak”, finishes the album with a real flourish.

I was somewhat nervous about picking this up after their debut, but “Prove Them Wrong” is an album that works on every level. It’s certainly one that JENNER can be proud of. There are still some edges to smooth, but overall, this is a record that is well worth a listen.

Paul Hutchings