Catching Eugene mid-preparations for the upcoming North American tour with Trivium, his day sounds busy but grounded — split between rehearsals, interviews, family time and even assembling model airplanes. “It’s been an average day, but full of things to do,” he laughs, clearly comfortable in the balance between life on and off the road.

While Jinjer’s presence in Europe never truly disappeared, a proper headline tour has been absent for around five years. Eugene explains that it wasn’t due to neglect, but circumstance. Between post-COVID limitations, extensive US touring and opportunities they simply couldn’t refuse — like supporting Sepultura on their farewell run — Europe had to wait. “It happened so that we didn’t play in Europe,” he admits, “but it’s time now.”

What makes this tour different is the ability to finally present Jinjer exactly as they intend. Festival sets, no matter how powerful, come with limitations. “We were never able to bring our full-scale production and really create some sort of exclusive Jinjer vibe,” Eugene says. “That’s only possible at a headline show.” The 2026 run is about reclaiming that space and showing European audiences what the band’s live identity looks like today.

There’s particular excitement surrounding Scandinavia, a region where Jinjer’s festival performances have left lasting impressions. Eugene recalls Tuska and Tons of Rock as standout moments, noting how intense and genuine the crowd reactions were. Despite that history, headline shows in Finland and Norway are uncharted territory for the band. “Coming back to Scandinavia and playing our first ever headline shows there is a big thing now,” he says.

The tour package itself reflects Jinjer’s musical DNA. Both support bands were personally selected, and Eugene’s enthusiasm is unmistakable — especially when it comes to Textures. “Their Silhouettes record left a huge mark on me,” he says, describing it as an album he still returns to regularly. Unprocessed, on the other hand, are friends and musical equals: “Super crazy on the instruments,” Eugene smiles, calling the lineup a “wonderful package” for fans of progressive, heavy music.

Despite the scale of the tour, Eugene is quick to dismiss any narrative about proving themselves. “I have nothing to prove,” he states plainly. Jinjer, in his eyes, have always been about honesty — no image, no pretence. “We are who we are. We just want to jump on stage, play for the people, and hopefully have fun all together.”

That mindset extends to how the band operates behind the scenes. Having experienced touring from every angle, Eugene places real importance on fair treatment of support bands. Touring with friends, respecting younger acts, and remembering what it was like to be the smaller name on the bill all shape Jinjer’s approach. “It’s important to pay good for good,” he says simply.

On a personal level, evolution remains essential. Eugene recently switched to Mayones basses, describing the experience with the excitement of rediscovery. Writing ‘Duél‘ also pushed him technically, especially through increased use of slap bass — something that wasn’t previously a major part of his playing. “I never know what comes next,” he laughs, hinting that growth is far from over.

Ultimately, the heart of this European tour lies in reconnection. Eugene recalls a recent show in Sofia where familiar faces from as far back as 2013 filled the venue. “It was very special for me,” he says. “It was cool to see old fans.” That same feeling is what he hopes to carry across Europe in 2026 — familiar faces, shared history, and a band fully present in the moment.

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