[Cover photo credit to Litch]

Formed in 2011 as Gyze, Samurai Metal band Ryujin is getting ready to deliver Heavy Metal with their upcoming self-titled album, out January 12, 2024 via Napalm Records. They’ve released a track of heavy, Folk-infused elements called “Gekokujo”, alongside an intense video. The track explores shades of Death Metal, Thrash and Folk influences.

Blending both Japanese and English lyrics and featuring production and several guest features by Matthew Kiichi Heafy of Trivium, the upcoming album delivers a sound influenced by everything from ancient orchestral Gagaku to modern anime themes.

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 albums and appearing at major festivals worldwide, Ryujin have built up their identity through using tasteful traditional Japanese instrumentation (i.e. Shamisen, Dragon Flute, Erhu, Taiko) in collaboration with shredding guitar work.

Their self-titled album 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). The album feature titles based on the words of the Ainu people of Hokkaido (Ryujin’s home region), as well as famous Japanese paintings and idioms.