The mighty first single introduces the band’s forthcoming Napalm Records self-titled full length due out early 2024.
Initially forming under the moniker Gyze in 2011, modern samurai metal practitioners have established their rank as Ryujin. Over the last decade plus, the band has released a consistent succession of four albums – all showcasing a massive meld of traditional Japanese instrumentation with shred-heavy power metal of epic proportions.
The band have ow announced plans to release their landmark fifth studio album and have linked with global metal authority Napalm Records to execute their takeover. Set for January 2024, Ryujin will release their self-titled effort under the production of collaborator and creative companion, Matthew Kiichi Keafy of metal powerhouse, Trivium.
Ushering in the new era of the band, Ryujin have debuted the first single from the album, of which features a soaring special guest appearance from none other than Heafy himself. “Raijin & Fujin” serves as a metallic clinic of speed and precision – complete with pummeling double bass and wailing guitar solos.
Ryujin architect Ryoji Shinomoto offered his insight on the 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!”
Brother in arms Matthew Heafy also shared his excitement for the album and his enthusiasm to be a part of the project. “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.”
Sourcing inspirational cues ranging from ancient orchestral Gagaku to contemporary anime, Ryukin offers a succinct cultural meld packaged into a powerful metal album. Combining traditional Japanese instrumentation including the Shamisen, Dragon Flute, Erhu and Taiko with Shinomoto’s undeniable heavy metal prowess makes for a body of work that stands alone in contemporary heavy music.
Ryujin arrives January 12th, 2024 via Napalm Records. Pre-order the album – HERE
Ryujin are set to begin an extensive European tour supporting PAIN next month along with Finnish folk metal unit Ensiferum and Swedish symphonic band, Eleine. A complete list of dates and cities can be found below.
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
