After leaving behind the name Gyze that put them on the Japanese metal scene a few years ago, Ryujin has shown its new skin with the release of its first album under that name. . pseudonym, namesake and also, under the tutelage of Matthew Kiichi Heafy, the leader of Trivium.
The album begins calmly, with a brief introduction under the name 'Hajimari' and that gives us in less than a minute, a perfect summary of the wave that will be unleashed upon us, full of powerful riffs mixed with sounds of Japanese folklore that had already been the band's trademark since its beginnings. Pure samurai metal.
The enormous influence of the Gagaku style of music - a style that was used in the former imperial courts of Japan - is evident throughout the twelve songs that make up 'Ryujin' , in addition to the lyrics that are inspired by mythological stories of the Ainu population, a group originating from Hokkaidō, the band's native region and that of course, make a gigantic echo in the ecosystem of the album
Heafy's hand is an element that should be highlighted, as it has given the band a revolutionary turn, with extremely polished production and an interesting variety of styles within the album. From riffs completely belonging to power metal, devastating passages closer to death metal and complete songs full of thrash, all mixed with the traditional instruments of the country of the rising sun.
Tracks like 'Dragon, Fly Free', 'Kunnecup' or 'Raijin & Fujin' will be open invitations to open the moshpit at any show where Ryujin introduces himself. The mix of the riffs and voices of Ryoji Shinimoto with that of Matt Heafy [who participates in four of the songs on the album] is perfect.
Also, if you are an anime fan, you can listen to a cover of 'Guren No Yumiya', the opening theme of Attack on Titan / Shingeki No Kyojin strong> pretty cool. Extra point for 'Saigo No Hoshi', a beautiful ballad that features Heafy's voice and that gives a perfect close to the album.
'Ryujin' is a powerful album, full of powerful and dizzying riffs, impeccable production and collaborations that not only add to the complete recipe of the album, but become part of the musical core of this new incarnation of the band. Without a doubt, Ryujin is emerging as one of the main ambassadors of Japanese metal in the world.
