This Friday, January 12, Samurai Metal band RYUJIN will finally reveal their anticipated new self-titled album! Formed in 2011 as Gyze, the band delivers heavy metal and blazing guitar wizardry from Japan, blending both Japanese and English lyricism and featuring production and several guest features by Matthew Kiichi Heafy (Trivium). 

Today, the band provides fans with a final early taste of the album with their very first ballad, entitled “Saigo No Hoshi”. The massive track features backing vocals by Matthew Kiichi Heafy and cello expressions by Mukai Wataru of the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra, and excels with an emotive chorus, a rock-opera-worthy guitar solo and traditional instrumentation.

RYUJIN frontman and mastermind Ryoji Shinomoto says about the track:
“This is our first ballad, so it’s very special for us. This song is about a samurai who was about to die after the war, thinking about his family and praying for peace. A lot of very sad wars are currently happening on the planet too, families are being separated, and so on. I put that feeling into it. Also, I am inviting everybody to enjoy Mr. Mukai’s outstanding cello performance. The album also includes a version sung by Matthew in English, so I am curious which version people are gonna like more!”

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‘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 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). RYUJIN’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.

Pre-Order RYUJIN HERE

Opening instrumental track “Hajimari” sets an ominous stage for blistering burner “Gekokujo” – a tastefully thrash-ified death metal riff-fest colliding with expressive folk-inspired passages and head-spinning technique. Ryoji’s blazing leads are met instantly with the peerless skills of drummer Shuji Shinomoto and bassist Aruta Watanabe. First single “Raijin & Fujin” 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, while “The Rainbow Song” also features soaring clean vocals by Heafy blended between modern melodic heavy metal and power metal innovation. Tracks like “Dragon, Fly Free” and “Kunnecup” invite the listener to sing-along with RYUJIN as they paint musical canvases of adventure and positivity. “Scream of the Dragon” returns to extreme influences amid uplifting choruses and a story blending English and Japanese lyrics, before “Gekirin” ventures into darker death metal influences – cascading into nautically-inspired melodies (as “Ryujin” is a dragon god of the sea in Japanese mythology, these oceanic musical themes weave seamlessly throughout the album).

The album nears the end with three heart-gripping, primarily Japanese-language opuses – the rock-opera-like ballad “Saigo No Hoshi”, the powerfully victorious and traditionally-inspired “Ryujin” and a cover of Linked Horizon’s “Guren No Yumiya” – widely known as an opening theme of popular anime series Attack On Titan. The album finishes with a bonus English-language version of “Saigo No Hoshi”, with vocals once again performed by Matthew Kiichi Heafy.

RYUJIN illustrates an exotic sonic experience that will transport music lovers to a world of fantastic adventure and technical extravagance!

RYUJIN track listing:
1. Hajimari
2. Gekokujo
3. Dragon, Fly Free
4. Raijin & Fujin
5. The Rainbow Song
6. Kunnecup
7. Scream of the Dragon
8. Gekirin
9. Saigo No Hoshi
10. Ryujin
11. Guren No Yumiya
12. Saigo No Hoshi (feat. Matthew K. Heafy) (Single Edit)

RYUJIN is:
Ryoji Shinomoto – Guitar, Vocals, Shamisen, Erhu, Dragon Flute & Orchestration
Shuji Shinomoto – Drums, Vocals
Aruta Watanabe – Bass, Vocals

RYUJIN online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS

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 is thrilled to share 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!

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, RYUJIN’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.

Pre-Order RYUJIN HERE

Opening instrumental track “Hajimari” sets an ominous stage for blistering burner “Gekokujo” – a tastefully thrash-ified death metal riff-fest colliding with expressive folk-inspired passages and head-spinning technique. Ryoji’s blazing leads are met instantly with the peerless skills of drummer Shuji Shinomoto and bassist Aruta Watanabe. First single “Raijin & Fujin” 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, while “The Rainbow Song” also features soaring clean vocals by Heafy blended between modern melodic heavy metal and power metal innovation. Tracks like “Dragon, Fly Free” and “Kunnecup” invite the listener to sing-along with RYUJIN as they paint musical canvases of adventure and positivity. “Scream of the Dragon” returns to extreme influences amid uplifting choruses and a story blending English and Japanese lyrics, before “Gekirin” ventures into darker death metal influences – cascading into nautically-inspired melodies (as “Ryujin” is a dragon god of the sea in Japanese mythology, these oceanic musical themes weave seamlessly throughout the album).

The album nears the end with three heart-gripping, primarily Japanese-language opuses – the rock-opera-like ballad “Saigo No Hoshi”, the powerfully victorious and traditionally-inspired “Ryujin” and a cover of Linked Horizon’s “Guren No Yumiya” – widely known as an opening theme of popular anime series Attack On Titan. The album finishes with a bonus English-language version of “Saigo No Hoshi”, with vocals once again performed by Matthew Kiichi Heafy.

RYUJIN illustrates an exotic sonic experience that will transport music lovers to a world of fantastic adventure and technical extravagance!

RYUJIN track listing:
1. Hajimari
2. Gekokujo
3. Dragon, Fly Free
4. Raijin & Fujin
5. The Rainbow Song
6. Kunnecup
7. Scream of the Dragon
8. Gekirin
9. Saigo No Hoshi
10. Ryujin
11. Guren No Yumiya
12. Saigo No Hoshi (feat. Matthew K. Heafy) (Single Edit)

RYUJIN is:
Ryoji Shinomoto – Guitar, Vocals, Shamisen, Erhu, Dragon Flute & Orchestration
Shuji Shinomoto – Drums, Vocals
Aruta Watanabe – Bass, Vocals

RYUJIN online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM

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. Check out the new track alongside a brand new music video below.

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, RYUJIN’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.

Pre-Order RYUJIN HERE

Opening instrumental track “Hajimari” sets an ominous stage for blistering burner “Gekokujo” – a tastefully thrash-ified death metal riff-fest colliding with expressive folk-inspired passages and head-spinning technique. Ryoji’s blazing leads are met instantly with the peerless skills of drummer Shuji Shinomoto and bassist Aruta Watanabe. First single “Raijin & Fujin” 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, while “The Rainbow Song” also features soaring clean vocals by Heafy blended between modern melodic heavy metal and power metal innovation. Tracks like “Dragon, Fly Free” and “Kunnecup” invite the listener to sing-along with RYUJIN as they paint musical canvases of adventure and positivity. “Scream of the Dragon” returns to extreme influences amid uplifting choruses and a story blending English and Japanese lyrics, before “Gekirin” ventures into darker death metal influences – cascading into nautically-inspired melodies (as “Ryujin” is a dragon god of the sea in Japanese mythology, these oceanic musical themes weave seamlessly throughout the album).

The album nears the end with three heart-gripping, primarily Japanese-language opuses – the rock-opera-like ballad “Saigo No Hoshi”, the powerfully victorious and traditionally-inspired “Ryujin” and a cover of Linked Horizon’s “Guren No Yumiya” – widely known as an opening theme of popular anime series Attack On Titan. The album finishes with a bonus English-language version of “Saigo No Hoshi”, with vocals once again performed by Matthew Kiichi Heafy.

RYUJIN illustrates an exotic sonic experience that will transport music lovers to a world of fantastic adventure and technical extravagance!

RYUJIN track listing:
1. Hajimari
2. Gekokujo
3. Dragon, Fly Free
4. Raijin & Fujin
5. The Rainbow Song
6. Kunnecup
7. Scream of the Dragon
8. Gekirin
9. Saigo No Hoshi
10. Ryujin
11. Guren No Yumiya
12. Saigo No Hoshi (feat. Matthew K. Heafy) (Single Edit)

Catch RYUJIN on tour with PAIN in Europe now! See below for all remaining tour dates:

PAIN w/ RYUJIN in Europe:
31.10.2023: Sofia, BG – Hristo Botev Hall
01.11.2023: Budapest, HU – Dürer Kert
02.11.2023: Krakow, PL – Kamienna12
03.11.2023: Vienna, AT – Simm City
04.11.2023: Munich, DE – Backstage
05.11.2023: Zlin, CZ – Masters of Rock Cafe
07.11.2023: Nuremberg, DE – Hirsch
08.11.2023: Frankfurt, DE – Batschkapp
09.11.2023: Leipzig, DE – Hellraiser
10.11.2023: Hamburg, DE – Gruenspan
11.11.2023: Berlin, DE – Columbia Theater
12.11.2023: Stuttgart, DE – Im Wizemann

RYUJIN is:
Ryoji Shinomoto – Guitar, Vocals, Shamisen, Erhu, Dragon Flute & Orchestration
Shuji Shinomoto – Drums, Vocals
Aruta Watanabe – Bass, Vocals

RYUJIN online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM

Formed in 2011 as Gyze, “Samurai Metal” band RYUJIN deftly deliver heavy metal from Japan to the international masses with their self-titled Napalm Records debut, RYUJIN, out January 12, 2024! 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 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!

Today, the band launches their new album announcement alongside a brand new single, entitled “Raijin & Fujin”, accompanied by a high-energy music video. 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!

RYUJIN mastermind Ryoji Shinomoto says about the album and new single:
“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 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, RYUJIN’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.

Opening instrumental track “Hajimari” sets an ominous stage for blistering burner “Gekokujo” – a tastefully thrash-ified death metal riff-fest colliding with expressive folk-inspired passages and head-spinning technique. Ryoji’s blazing leads are met instantly with the peerless skills of drummer Shuji Shinomoto and bassist Aruta Watanabe. First single “Raijin & Fujin” 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, while “The Rainbow Song” also features soaring clean vocals by Heafy blended between modern melodic heavy metal and power metal innovation. Tracks like “Dragon, Fly Free” and “Kunnecup” invite the listener to sing-along with RYUJIN as they paint musical canvases of adventure and positivity. “Scream of the Dragon” returns to extreme influences amid uplifting choruses and a story blending English and Japanese lyrics, before “Gekirin” ventures into darker death metal influences – cascading into nautically-inspired melodies (as “Ryujin” is a dragon god of the sea in Japanese mythology, these oceanic musical themes weave seamlessly throughout the album).

The album nears the end with three heart-gripping, primarily Japanese-language opuses – the rock-opera-like ballad “Saigo No Hoshi”, the powerfully victorious and traditionally-inspired “Ryujin” and a cover of Linked Horizon’s “Guren No Yumiya” – widely known as an opening theme of popular anime series Attack On Titan. The album finishes with a bonus English-language version of “Saigo No Hoshi”, with vocals once again performed by Matthew Kiichi Heafy.

RYUJIN illustrates an exotic sonic experience that will transport music lovers to a world of fantastic adventure and technical extravagance!

Pre-Order RYUJIN HERE

RYUJIN track listing:
1. Hajimari
2. Gekokujo
3. Dragon, Fly Free
4. Raijin & Fujin
5. The Rainbow Song
6. Kunnecup
7. Scream of the Dragon
8. Gekirin
9. Saigo No Hoshi
10. Ryujin
11. Guren No Yumiya
12. Saigo No Hoshi (feat. Matthew K. Heafy) (Single Edit)

RYUJIN supporting Pain European-Tour:

05.10.2023 Cologne, DE @ Essigfabrik
06.10.2023 Drachten, NL @ Iduna
07.10.2023 Hengelo, NL @ Metropool
08.10.2023 Antwerp, BE @ Kavka Zappa
10.10.2023 Glasgow, UK @ Ivory Blacks
11.10.2023 Manchester, UK @ Rebellion
12.10.2023 Birmingham, UK @ The Asylum
13.10.2023 London, UK @ O2 Academy Islington
14.10.2023 Amstelveen, NL @ P60
15.10.2023 Paris, FR @ La Machine Du Moulin Rouge
16.10.2023 Nantes, FR @ Le Ferrailleur
18.10.2023 Porto, PT @ Hard Club
19.10.2023 Lisbon, PT @ RCA Club
20.10.2023 Madrid, ES @ Chango Club
21.10.2023 Pamplona, ES @ Sala Totem Aretoa
22.10.2023 Lyon, FR @ La Rayonne
24.10.2023 Ljubljana, SI @ Cvetlicarna
25.10.2023 Adda, IT @ Live Music Club Trezzo Sull‘
26.10.2023 Zagreb, HR @ Klub Mocvara
27.10.2023 Bucharest, RO @ Quantic Club
28.10.2023 Cluj-Napoca, RO @ Form Space
31.10.2023 Sofia, BG @ Club Mixtape 5

RYUJIN is:
Ryoji Shinomoto – Guitar, Vocals, Shamisen, Erhu, Dragon Flute & Orchestration
Shuji Shinomoto – Drums, Vocals
Aruta Watanabe – Bass, Vocals

RYUJIN online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM

Formerly known as Gyze, Japanese “samurai metal” band RYUJIN have been reborn – signing a worldwide contract with premier rock and metal empire Napalm Records to usher them into their new era!

RYUJIN rises to carry heavy metal from Japan to the masses around the world. With high speed riffs and breakneck guitar descents paired with traditional music from their home country, RYUJIN creates a sound unknown in the west.

After four highly acclaimed albums and worldwide appearances at large festivals, RYUJIN have developed their own identity, expressed with accents of traditional Japanese instruments and lead guitarist Ryoji Shinomoto’s incredible shredding technique and ripping vocals.

Napalm Records is thrilled to have RYUJIN join its growing roster – stay tuned for morenews, coming soon!

RYUJIN mastermind Ryoji Shinomoto says:
“We have a very GRATEFUL announcement on behalf of RYUJIN (ex-Gyze):
Like a Phoenix from the ashes… GYZE has become RYUJIN!
Matthew Kiichi Heafy from Trivium is our manager, producer, mentor. 
We are proud to have just signed a worldwide deal with the amazing Napalm Records. 
We are ready to make this band a worldwide-known act; and to bring happiness and excitement to everyone around the globe.
 
The name RYUJIN comes from the Japanese Dragon God King with the same name. In Japanese lore, Ryujin freely moves heaven and earth, moves the clouds, blows the wind, and makes it rain. The Dragon God King also controls the flow of weather, ocean currents, and geothermal heat.
 
We can’t wait for you to hear the music we’ve been working on.”

Trivium frontman and RYUJIN manager Matthew Kiichi Heafy adds:
“It is my incredible honor to announce that I am officially working with the newly reincarnated form of Gyze, RYUJIN, for management, production, and mentoring. Ryujin is the Japanese king of the dragons – and the namesake of this for the band is nothing but appropriate. 
 
Ryoji is one of the most talented human beings I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Whether it’s his monstrous screaming, powerful singing, other-worldly guitar playing, or his masterful songwriting – he is a musical force of nature. 
  
This album is going to be mind blowing.” 

Sebastian Muench, A&R, Napalm Records says:
“We have been following the exciting career of RYUJIN (former Gyze) for many years and believe that their style of Japanese Melodic Death Metal is simply amazing. We are happy to work with RYUJIN, along with Matthew Kiichi Heafy, on the new album release and to break the band in the global market.” 

Experience RYUJIN HERE:

RYUJIN are:
Ryoji Shinomoto – Guitar, Vocals, Shamisen, Erhu, Dragon Flute & Orchestration
Shuji Shinomoto – Drums, Vocals
Aruta Watanabe – Bass, Vocals
Yukihiro Shinkai – Guitar

Special musician, producer:
Matthew Kiichi Heafy – vocals, conductor, etc

Support musician:
Yohei Nakagawa – Hichiriki, Cho