Set to have a breakout new year, Japanese metal collective Ryujin continue their march towards the January 12th launch of their self-titled full length via Napalm Records.
Aligning with ally and kindred creative spirit Matthew Kiichi Heafy of Trivium to serve as the project's producer, the album showcases traditional instrumentation with modern execution for an epic metal record.
The latest offering from the LP frames Japanese folklore with eerie imagery set to a razor-sharp composition for the epic track, “Gekokujo”. Ryukin architect Ryoji Shinomoto shared of the 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!"
In addition to his role as producer on the album, Ryujin also boasts multiple appearance from Heafy as well as contributions from Mukai Wataru of the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra (cello). Combining Japanese and English lyricism, sources thematic inspiration from the words of the Ainu people of Hokkaido, the band's home region. Ryukin also incorporates a cultural component that emphasizes Japanese works in literature and art as reference material for the music.
Ryujin, the self-titled album lands January 12th via Napalm Records. Order the album - HERE
