Ready for a Samurai showdown?

January’s release of unstoppable metal acts saw a challenger approach. Without fear of fire, Ryujin emerged from the shadows with their self-titled album that’s completely STACKED. From Metal to Anime this one’s sure to get you on a nostalgia trip.

The 2011 originally formed Gyze brings the essence of heavy metal alive with whimsical riff work and the melding of Japanese and English lyrics. Now the band returns, re-branded as Ryujin, with new flash and fury to give us 12 unbeatable tracks from end to end.

The introduction from “Hajimari,” throwing us headfirst into the Samurai era, strikes on chords from a simpler yet more ferocious time. That ferocity carries forward in “Gekokujo” with a jaw-dropping blast of riffs and wild melody that had me hooked before the 30-second mark. Dabbling in touches of power metal and extremes, this track grabs you by the face and screams mere inches away. It’s infectious and catchy, with massively talented guitar skill shining through its near 5-minute length. I love the blend of subgenres that appear on this track; from folk moments to melodic glory, Ryujin embraces every bit of metal they set their notes upon which makes for some absolutely stellar listening.

“Dragon, Fly Free” seeks out power metal inspirations and pulls them into the heart. It’s a speedy, melodic track backed by some beautiful orchestration reminiscent of classic anime openings. With hints of traditional influence echoed by heavy riffs, this track moves steady and strong with a catchy chorus for your ears and a sound that gets you moving along. It’s just over 4 minutes of epic solos, wild strings, and stunning melody that makes this track just as mesmerizing as any other, and one I tacked onto repeat with ease.

Trivium‘s Matthew K. Heafy sets his vocal prowess upon this blistering track – “Raijin & Fujin“. This heavy hitter is fueled by traditional Japanese inspiration and sound while touched with classic heavy metal noise. It’s quick and dancey, with all the right notes hitting the crowd-moving highs. A high energy track that runs just over the 6 minute mark, it feels like an adventure from start to finish. The two sky deities depicted much like demons, the duo of destructive force, are shined upon with lightning in this track. Backed by thunderous drums and electrifying bass that amplifies their godly presence, it’s a heated battle of brotherly power and competition matched by rivaling guitars and terrorizing solos that bludgeon like a rolling thunderstorm welcoming in a tornado.

Ryujin keep the power going in their cover of Trivium‘s “The Rainbow Song.” Striking on old-school anime once more, this song’s melody is an outstanding blend of sound touched by the twinkle of stereotypical 90’s anime themes. It’s strong and catchy, keeping beautiful guitars at the forefront with an encompassing solo whilst letting the rest of this track shine through. For a song originally written about trout, Ryujin‘s twist makes it seem much more fitted for our favourite anime protagonist as they stare off into the horizon.

“Kunnecup” sees the accompaniment of solo cellist Mukai Wataru join Ryujin‘s forces to further their dynamic. It’s a twisted and intriguing track that has guitar moments dancing like piano keys in a show of skill and influence. The mounting emotions, arranged in palpable displays of rhythmic solidarity, shifting to maddening riffs before balancing on a rising solo, is intricately crafted as if to mimic our own changing mood. It’s a track that showcases the band’s musical skill-set and talent above all else, and is deserving of multiple listens just to truly hear each carefully layered musical influence.

“Scream of the Dragon” sees a thrash-like influence take hold with a rapid fire sound met with some vicious harsh vocals. Held up by a melodic centerpiece, this track once more sees the myriad of Japanese and English influences make rivaling appearances that somehow balance out into something special. I can’t get enough of the light movements that have me relieving my anime-crazed youth, staying up late to watch Mobile Suit: Gundam and many others. Ryujin touches upon the nostalgia while crafting something fresh, aiding in the captivation of memory and joy.

The soundscape that “Gekirin” paints is unlike any other. Head-swaying guitars carry us into maddening vocals once more, graced by an almost Gothic atmosphere. It’s an interesting blend, seeing heavy metal complimented by hints of Gagaku to enhance the folk-like feel. It’s reminiscent of Blind Guardian; a bard’s tale told in power metal fashion as it ascends, energized by speedy solos and galloping drums. Definitely, one of my favourites, this track moves through everything from terror to folk with full embrace, and I simply cannot get enough.

Ryujin‘s first ballad comes in on “Saigo No Hoshi.”

RYUJIN frontman Ryoji Shinomoto says:
“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!”

It’s the titular anime closer for a season filled with emotional turmoil. It’s strong yet deeply heart-breaking all the same; with clean vocals setting this track ablaze. Lighters fill the venue, swaying to the music as fans clutch a free hand to their chest and sing along. Once more, do we see Mr. Mukai’s stunning cello work appear to further energize this track’s emotional impact and carry us from regretful tears to reflective completion. Add in the compliment of traditional Shamisen to close out, this wondrous track is complex on a multitude of perspectives and allows listeners to take a new look at Ryujin, and think on the range and talent they continue to show us.

Matthew k. Heafy covers the English version of this powerful track as the album’s finale, however after hearing the original, it pales in comparison. Much like the dubbed version of an anime, the story and soul is present but the heartfelt impact is lacking, pulling me back to the original without a second thought. Despite Matt’s flawless vocals, it simply can not compete with Ryujin‘s deep connection to this track.

Title track “Ryujin” sees heaviness return in all its lightning-striking glory. Harshes return, complimented by intricate Japanese instruments and energized by soaring riffs that had me cranking this track tot he max. It’s that perfect blend of melodic and death that fuse together for something familiar yet entirely new that listeners will come back to over and over. With a tear-jerking solo and a steady rhythm, this track takes Ryujin‘s influences, aspirations, and charm and sends it sailing above the clouds. Any expectations I had for this album were shattered when I heard this track, and I am still trying to pick my jaw up off the floor.

“Guren No Yumiya” completes the Ryujin journey, covering Linked Horizon‘s famous Attack on Titan opening theme with new fury. When I tell you I paused, thinking ‘there is NO way this is what I think it is’, to ensure I had this cover blasted to the max, I am not kidding. It’s one of the BEST Anime openings of our era and Ryujin covering it had me all sorts of ecstatic. Thrash, dance, jump around, and go absolutely ballistic to this anime staple because it isn’t going to budge. From bludgeoning riffs to rapid fire drum beats, this track keeps the adrenaline going, even after it ends. Ryujin could not have chosen a better, full closure to this album than the fire they set when they chose to cover this song. From the inspirational intro, to the moment the vocals rise, this track goes HARD, and there are simply NO WORDS to fully describe it.

Ryujin had me hooked from the very beginning, lighting a fire within before 30 seconds hit, and I knew I was in for a wild ride, but I had NO IDEA of what sort. Blending metal subgenres to their will, Ryujin create something exotic and refreshing with traditional sound and influence at their backs. From cover songs to Anime nostalgia, Ryujin take their own connections and aspirations to give us an unreal listening experience that manifests into an unstoppable adventure, the likes have never been taken up before.

Japanese Metal is on another level when it comes to complexity and inspiration, and Ryujin is one band you absolutely HAVE to check out!

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

Ryujin online:
Bandcamp
Instagram
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Website
Napalm Records