JAMBINAI

About

JAMBINAI is a seismic force in the global music scene, blending traditional Korean instruments with the raw energy of post-rock and metal to create a sound that is both ancient and futuristic. Hailing from Seoul, the trio—comprising Ilwoo Lee, Bomi Kim, and Eunyoug Sim—crafts expansive soundscapes that evoke the tension between tradition and modernity, often described as "Korean apocalyptic folk." Their music is a visceral experience, where the haunting tones of the geomungo (a traditional zither) and the piri (a bamboo flute) collide with distorted guitars and thunderous percussion. Since their formation in 2009, JAMBINAI has steadily risen to international acclaim. Their breakthrough came with the 2016 album *A Hermitage*, which earned them a spot at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, where they performed during the closing ceremony. This performance catapulted them onto the global stage, showcasing their ability to bridge cultural divides through music. Their 2020 album, *ONDA*, further solidified their reputation, blending introspective lyricism with explosive instrumentation. JAMBINAI’s cultural impact lies in their ability to recontextualize Korean heritage for a modern audience, creating a dialogue between the past and present. They’ve collaborated with artists like MONO and have performed at major festivals such as Glastonbury and SXSW. Currently, they continue to push boundaries, experimenting with new sounds and preparing for their next chapter, which promises to be as bold and innovative as their past work.