Formed in 2011 as Gyze, Samurai Metal band RYUJIN deftly deliver heavy metal and blazing guitar wizardry from Japan with their recently announced upcoming self-titled album, “RYUJIN”, out January 12, 2024 via Napalm Records.
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.
Following up on the release of the album’s previously released first single, ‘Raijin & Fujin’, the band has just released another new single, entitled ‘The Rainbow Song’. Like their first single, the melodic power metal track features an essential contribution from aforementioned album guest Matthew Kiichi Heafy.
RYUJIN mastermind Ryoji Shinomoto says about the new single: “We are very proud of this song. The song is a fusion of Japanese 90s anime songs and power metal. We all absolutely love it! The video features nature footage of my hometown, Hokkaido, and Ainu tribal costumes, as I am very proud of the beautiful nature we have here. Matt arranged the lyrics, which were originally written about trout, and he also sings the chorus with me! Also, it’s the first song without growls and you can also hear my first high tone shout before my solo!“
Featured guest Matthew Kiichi Heafy adds: “RYUJIN is a band who will take over the world. ‘The Rainbow Song’ is a track that I believe will bridge the gap, taking a whole new slew of fans to become RYUJIN-devotees. You’ll find yourself singing along by the first listen.”
After releasing four highly acclaimed albums and appearing at major festivals worldwide, RYUJIN have developed their own identity, expressed with accents of tasteful traditional Japanese instrumentation (i.e. Shamisen, Dragon Flute, Erhu, Taiko), and lead guitar god Ryoji Shinomoto‘s incredible shredding technique and ripping vocals!
“RYUJIN” features production by Matthew Kiichi Heafy and mixing/mastering by Mark Lewis, with guest appearances by Heafy (vocals and conducting on various tracks) and Mukai Wataru of the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra (cello). Blending both Japanese and English lyricism, the album’s tracks feature titles based on the words of the Ainu people of Hokkaido (RYUJIN’s home region), as well as famous Japanese paintings and idioms.
“RYUJIN” illustrates an exotic sonic experience that will transport music lovers to a world of fantastic adventure and technical extravagance.
“RYUJIN” is available for pre-order HERE, and it comes in the following formats:
- CD Digisleeve
- Gatefold Clear Orange Vinyl
- Digital Album
