Formed in 2011 as Gyze, samurai metal band Ryujin deftly deliver heavy metal and blazing guitar wizardry from Japan with their upcoming self-titled album, “Ryujin”, out January 12, 2024 via Napalm Records.
Today, the band has shared their heaviest, fastest folk-infused burner yet, entitled “Gekokujo”, alongside an intense, high production value music video. The track explores shades of death metal, thrash and folk influence, colliding as a riff-fest of head-spinning technique.
Blending both Japanese and English lyricism and featuring production and several guest features by Matthew Kiichi Heafy (Trivium), Ryujin’s high speed riffs and breakneck guitar descents pair with traditional Japanese elements on their upcoming self-titled album, delivering a sound influenced by everything from ancient orchestral Gagaku to even modern anime themes.
Ryujin frontman and mastermind Ryoji Shinomoto says about the new single:“In Japanese history, gekokujo refers to the act of a lower-ranking person politically or militarily overthrowing a higher-ranking person, violating the social order, and seizing power.”
“I would say the song is Japanese horror folk metal. The music video also depicts Japan’s unique horror. Enjoy the dark side of Ryujin too!”
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.
Pre-the album HERE
