Formed in 2011 as Gyze, Samurai Metal band Ryujin are readying themselves to deliver heavy metal from Japan to the international masses with their upcoming sel-titled record. Blending both Japanese and English lyricism, and featuring production and several guest features by Matthew Kiichi Heafy (Trivium), the band’s high speed riffs and breakneck guitar descents pair with traditional Japanese elements, delivering a sound influenced by everything from ancient orchestral Gagaku to even modern anime themes. After releasing four highly acclaimed records and appearing at major festivals worldwide, Ryujin have developed their own identity, expressed with accents of tasteful traditional Japanese instrumentation – like the shamisen, dragon flute, erhu and taiko -, and lead guitar god Ryoji Shinomoto’s incredible shredding technique and ripping vocals.
Today, the band launches their new record announcement alongside a brand new single, entitled “Raijin & Fujin”, which features a high-energy music video that you can watch below this article. The track is an epic power metal storm featuring guest vocal contributions from Matthew Kiichi Heafy, shifting into a swirling tornado of rattling double bass and catapulting solos. On the new record and single, Ryujin mastermind Ryoji Shinomoto comments, “This is the first album of the evolution from Gyze to RYUJIN! We want everyone to enjoy Samurai Metal from the Far East! Produced by Matthew, it opens new doors for us and we are honored to release it on the legendary Napalm Records!”. Featured guest Matthew Kiichi Heafy adds, “RYUJIN delivers music unlike anyone else on the planet. It was their original sound that initially grasped my attention and left me needing to have more and more of what they do. I am humbled and honored to have been able to contribute to this upcoming masterpiece… this opus! This is the album the world needs.”
Ryujin will be released on January 12th via Napalm Records. Pre-orders are now available here.
Photo credit: Litch
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