Band:	Ryujin
Album:	Ryujin
Style:	Extreme power metal
Release date:	January 2024

01. Hajimari
02. Gekokujo
03. Dragon, Fly Free
04. Raijin & Fujin [feat. Matthew K. Heafy]
05. The Rainbow Song [feat. Matthew K. Heafy]
06. Kunnecup [feat. Mukai Wataru]
07. Scream Of The Dragon
08. Gekirin
09. Saigo No Hoshi
10. Ryujin
11. Guren No Yumiya
12. Saigo No Hoshi [feat. Matthew K. Heafy] [single edit]

Unleash the power of the dragon!

Ryujin, known as Gyze up until last year, are a Japanese extreme power metal group led by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ryoji; at the start of 2024, they've announced their rebirth with a self-titled full debut. Where does this latest venture into the world of Japanese metal take us? Well, packed into this near-hour runtime comes a blend of traditional folk meshed with extreme power metal, with epic symphonic elements and even a hint of melodeath, but perhaps the real winning formula here is the album's theme, which will undoubtedly appeal to those keen on Japanese mythology, fantasy-based heroism, and, of course, dragons.

Starting the album off is a short symphonic-based instrumental intro titled "Hajimari", which sounds very much like an epic backdrop for a Japanese Kung Fu film, and it's this that sets the whole theme and tone for the album ahead. Following the intro comes the first main track, "Gekokujo". With harsh growling vocals tipping towards the extreme end of power metal, marvellous symphonic orchestrations, and joyous folkish riff melodies very much in the vein of Ensiferum, it makes for an impressive and enjoyable start to the album.

Following is "Dragon, Fly Free"; here the variety of instrumentation only increases, as folkish wind instruments play a major part. The riffs gallop in true melodic power metal fashion in the beginning stages of this track, however, in the later stages the riffs become noticeably heavier, bordering on melodeath even, which works well alongside the rapid shredding solos. This song also sees the introduction of powerful clean vocal choruses, which accompany the harsh growling verses. Although it may sound as if a ton of elements are in place, this is actually a very light, catchy and accesible track, mainly due to those cleanly sang choruses and striking melodies.

These opening few tracks should give the gist of what direction this album is heading in. From here, listeners are treated to a fine display of epic symphonic orchestrations, harsh aggressive growling verses and clean, catchy bard-like choruses that really standout, along with exhilarating speedy solos, all topped off by a strong production. There is no shortage of memorable hooks, with "Kunnecup" featuring some of the most joyous riff melodies on the album, as well as the twinkling Children Of Bodom-style keyboard effects, and galloping Ensiferum-style folkish riffs appear in "Rainbow Song". This song is also memorable for guest vocalist Matt Heafy of Trivium (who also features as guest vocalist on "Raijin & Fujin") and his impressive clean vocal performance, in addition to the background female symphonic choir, and the massive shredding guitar lead performance. Another standout cut is the powerful ballad-like "Saigo No Hoshi", memorable for another remarkable soft singing clean vocal performance, and sweet mandolin melody, as well as more impressive guitar leads.

All-in-all, Ryujin turns out to be an album that pretty much has it all covered, especially where extreme power metal is concerned; the best example is the title track, in which the band throw every melody and element of their disposal into the mix, crafting together a wildly fun, energetic and epic ride. Now, have you ever heard of a power metal album being too overpowering? Because, for me, this seems to be the case with Ryujin; despite the highly energetic performance that shines throughout, and the wealth of joy to be had headbanging to this well-crafted debut, I'm left with a feeling of exhaustion, as if the mighty dragon has finally got the better of me in the end.