It seemed like the Samurai metal outfit Ryujin emerged out of nowhere last year. With Trivium’s Matthew Kiichi Heafy attached to the project as producer and making a few guest appearances. However, after a closer look, I realized the band had undergone a name change from Gyze to Ryujin.

Formed initially in 2011, the group has completely reinvented themselves. Signing with Napalm Records, and here we are with their self-titled debut album, released today (12th). It is undoubtedly one to remember as the year progresses.

A Track by track review

The album commences with “Hajimari,” a soft instrumental introduction. Setting the stage for the mystery and innovative delivery throughout the record. The music takes an explosive turn with “Gekokujo,” as Ryoji Shinomoto’s vocals enter with intensity, delivering edgy tones and a barrage of screams. The track seamlessly blends anthemic beats with heavier interludes. Overall, showcasing exceptional guitar work with influences of folk, death, and power metal that somehow all mix well together.

“Dragon, Fly Free” introduces a more Korpiklaani and Arkona-esque approach, featuring traditional Japanese instrumentation. The track holds a catchy chorus while maintaining a powerful melody, offering a dynamic contrast to the heavier tracks on the album. Featuring guest vocals from Matthew Kiichi Heafy, “Raijin & Fujin” exudes folk vibes with clean singing at the beginning that gradually grows darker. The collaboration with Heafy adds another layer along with Shinomoto’s explosive guitar work, executing a blend of Ensiferum-like elements.

Evolving styles

“The Rainbow Song” provides a break with soaring clean vocals by Heafy, weaving between modern melodic heavy metal and power metal. The happy-esque-sounding tune and chanting melodies create a refreshing contrast, adding diversity to the album’s sound. “Kunnecup” picks up the pace with blistering beats and catchy vibes. The darker sound and emotional solos help keep the album fresh.

“Scream of the Dragon” returns to extreme influences, balancing clean singing with a mix of soft and harsh elements. The song’s unique blend and captivating guitar solo elevate it from mediocrity to a standout track reminiscent of the ’80s but with a modern twist. With an excellent introduction, “Gekirin” offers a different, melodic, and heavy experience. The track highlights the band’s versatility in crafting diverse styles.

“Saigo No Hoshi” executes delicately, embracing a ballad-esque structure with intricate guitar riffs and clean singing. The beautiful melody makes it a standout ballad on the album. The longest track, “Ryujin,” may be summarized as a culmination of the record, clocking in at just over seven and a half minutes. Presenting a heavy, unique, and classic sound, the song’s complexity makes it one of the album’s highlights.

The cover of Linked Horizon’s “Guren No Yumiya” adds anime vibes to the album. The mixed medley, featuring Heafy’s vocals and impressive guitar work, provides a unique blend that pays homage to the popular anime series “Attack On Titan.” The album concludes with a bonus English-language version of “Saigo No Hoshi,” featuring Heafy’s vocals once again. This rendition adds a different flavor to the closing track, showcasing the band’s ability to reimagine their own compositions.

Final Thoughts

Ryujin delivers a multifaceted experience, blending different metal subgenres with Japanese influences to create a distinctive album. Overall, Ryujin is one strong, unique, and powerful record—an all-around creative and out-of-the-box delivery with a familiar sound between folk, power, and some death metal mixed with emotive power ballads. The lyrics are in both Japanese and English, while the music goes beyond guitars, incorporating Japanese instrumentation such as Shamisen, Dragon Flute, Erhu, and Taiko.

Band mastermind Ryoji Shinomoto executed an impeccable vocal delivery with harsh and merciless vocals. Meanwhile, his shredding has kept the album going with creative interludes ranging from orchestral arrangements to heavy blistering beats. There’s really not much to dispute about this album. For those who enjoy Ensiferum, Arkona, Korpiklaani, and Twilight Force, to name a few, this should definitely be your jam.

Rating: 4/5