Japan’s Ryujin isn’t a newcomer to the metal scene. Those who are savvy to the Japanese metal scene have long known about the band who was originally known as Suicide Heaven, then changed their name to Gyze, and most recently have changed the name once again to Ryujin. While they had moderate success under their previous guises, it appears that the new transformation is the thing that is going to trust them into the metal limelight. When you have someone in the industry such as Matt Hefty of Trivium standing with you and picking up management duties, plus appearing on a few tracks, that really seems to point in the direction of success especially when metal is so packed with bands from all over the globe.
As I’m writing this, Ryujin’s latest self-titled album was released. The band already gained the attention of metalheads with four different videos prior to the album finally becoming available and the final product has been wroth the wait. Plus, add in a cover of Linked Horizon’s “Guren no Yumiya,” the opening theme from the first season of Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人) and the chances are likely that Ryujin will lure over some anime fans who may not normally listen to metal. Of course, if I had my wish, it would be that the band record their version of the original Space Battleship Yamato (宇宙戦艦ヤマト) theme, but that’s just a personal choice . . . and an anime obsession.
Prior to the release of the album and the New Year we had the opportunity to do an email interview with frontman / guitarist Ryoji Shinomoto to get some insight on the band, the new album, and what we can expect to see from Ryujin going forward.
The name of the band has been changed three times, Suicide Heaven, then Gyze, and now Ryujin. What inspired the change?
Ryoji – Regarding Suicide Heaven, I thought the name was sensitive, and in 2011 there was a huge earthquake in Japan that killed many people, so we chose GYZE.
I am proud of GYZE’s activities. I’m proud of GYZE’s activities, but it seems difficult to pronounce, so I’ve always been called “Guys.”
Matthew didn’t understand it at first, so they talked about changing the name.
We weren’t doing any activities due to the coronavirus crisis, so it was the perfect time to make a fresh start. Also, the name RYUJIN fits the music as well.
My name is RYOJI, which means Dragon Master, and from there it became RYUJIN.
How do you feel the music / style of the band has changed, particularly from Gyze to Ryujin?
Ryoji – The music hasn’t changed much from before, but the clean vocals have increased! Other than that, I think it’s the same speedy, melodic, folk, and symphonic sound as before.
Of the seven Bushido virtues, which do you feel best embodies the musical soul of Ryujin?
Ryoji – You know more about Bushido than me! If I had to choose, it would be brave, Courage.
Over the past decade or so, Japanese musicians have been getting more popular in the United States with bands such as BABYMETAL, One OK Rock, and even Band Maid doing big tours. What do you feel the future of Japanese rock and metal is outside of Japan?
Ryoji – I have no idea. However, Japan’s huge content is anime. Therefore, I feel that collaborating with anime will become popular worldwide. As technology continues to evolve, concerts may become accessible to people around the world even if they are performed in Japan.
Who put you in touch with Matt Heafy and when did you first meet?
Ryoji – It’s me.
At first, after a recent interview with Metal Hammer, the reporter and Matt were talking about us and X. It was around the time that his Ibaraki was released, and he was also talking about the three tones. It was around the time his Ibaraki was released, and both he and I were using the shamisen. We saw them talking and got in touch!
We were just getting ready to start our new activities after Corona, and we wanted to try something new. So I asked him to be my guest at first and he agreed to do more work for me!
He taught me the possibilities of clean vocals. He also coached me a lot on vocals. I think it was a lot of work for him. Because I was a screamer. Also, as I said earlier, it expanded the band’s possibilities. In other words, it opened my eyes to the possibility of playing many different types of music. I never thought the day would come when I would sing a ballad. I also like making pop songs, but I try not to play them in a band. But he also broke those chains. I’m sure that what he gave me will continue to live on forever.
How did you end up on ‘70,000 Tons of Metal’ and how big of an honor was it for you to be the first Japanese band to ever play on that cruise?
I will never forget that wonderful experience. I was also honored to become ALL STAR JAM’s guitarist.
I don’t know how they were chosen, but I think Cruise’s team liked them because they were releasing a song called PIRATES OF UPAS that was a perfect fit at that time.
Lyrically you have described your music as being focused on historical elements of Japan. What parts of Japanese history have been the focus of songs thus far and is there a particular era of Japan’s history that fascinates you the most?
Not all of the lyrics are historical, but the one that is fascinating is the Sengoku period of the 15th and 16th centuries, which was in turmoil due to civil war. Also, the work of the samurai at the end of the Edo period is always fascinating.
I also love modern history. In other words, the imperial era. And then there’s WW2. How do humans develop into conflicts? And history is the history of human failures and lessons. I don’t think of it as an old story. I am conscious that I am a person who stands on the history of those of us who live today. Some of this work is inspired by stories from the Sengoku period. Last time, Asian Chaos touched on more modern history. My last work, 1945 Hiroshima, probably symbolizes this.
Your latest single that was just released, “Gekokujo,” is something which was famously used by Nobunaga Oba as well as others. Was there a historical moment that influenced this as the theme of the song?
You’re probably talking about the “Honnoji Incident”, right? Although Ascendance is a historical event, it is still commonly used in modern times.
In other words, it is often used when the lower class is trying to defeat the higher class.
For example, if a very young and talented guitarist becomes more successful than me, I’ll say, `He did Gekokujo me! Haha
You have incorporated Japanese instruments such as the shamisen, erhu and ryuteki into your songs. Is there any possibility that these will also be utilized in live performances?
I used the Ryuteki on our 2019 Japan tour.
However, I am basically busy with singing and guitar, so it may be difficult to play other instruments. It is possible if another player takes the stage.
However, both the shamisen and the erhu require a microphone to pick up the sound, and the tuning quickly goes out of order, so I don’t know if it will work.
Staying with the theme of the instruments, any possibilities or thoughts of Ryujin working with other Japanese artists who have included traditional instruments in their music such as WagakkiBand for example?
What do you think? I haven’t thought about it much. I live on an island north of the main island of Hokkaido, so I don’t have much contact with mainstream people. But collaboration is always fun.
Outside of the upcoming release of your self-titled album in January of next year, what can fans anticipate from Ryujin for 2024?
At the moment, I’m receiving information about performing at summer festivals. But only our manager Moritz knows everything! If you listen to it a lot, I think we can go on a lot of tours, so please continue to support us! Also, I’ve actually been working on some new songs, and there are songs that weren’t included this time, so I want to release the next one as soon as possible.
Thanks once again, and hopefully we can see you in the United States very soon. Yoi otoshi o omukae kudasai.
ARIGATO GOZAIMASITA!!!!!!
If you haven’t already picked up Ryujin’s self-titled album, you can grab it here and make sure to check out the videos below as well.
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