RYUJIN features production by Matthew Kiichi Heafy and mixing/mastering by Mark Lewis, with further guest appearances by Heafy (vocals and conducting on various tracks) and Mukai Wataru of the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra (cello). Blending both Japanese and English lyricism, RYUJIN’s tracks feature titles based on the words of the Ainu people of Hokkaido (RYUJIN’s home region), as well as famous Japanese paintings and idioms, and include instrumentation on Shamisen, Dragon Flute, Erhu, and Taiko, delivering a sound influenced by everything from ancient orchestral Gagaku to even modern anime themes. Opening instrumental track “Hajimari” sets an ominous stage for “Gekokujo” – a thrash-ified death metal riff-fest with folk-inspired passages. First single “Raijin & Fujin” is an epic power metal storm featuring guest vocal contributions from Matthew Kiichi Heafy, while “The Rainbow Song” blends modern melodic heavy metal and power metal innovation. Tracks like “Dragon, Fly Free” and “Kunnecup” invite the listener to sing along with RYUJIN as they paint musical canvases of adventure and positivity. “Scream of the Dragon” embraces their extreme influences amid uplifting choruses and a story blending English and Japanese lyrics, before “Gekirin” ventures into darker death metal hints and nautically-inspired melodies (as “Ryujin” is a dragon god of the sea in Japanese mythology, these oceanic musical themes weave seamlessly throughout the album). The album nears the end with three primarily Japanese-language opuses – “Saigo No Hoshi”, the traditionally-inspired title track “Ryujin” and a cover of Linked Horizon’s “Guren No Yumiya” – widely known as an opening theme of popular anime series Attack On Titan. The album concludes with the aforementioned bonus English-language version of “Saigo No Hoshi”, with vocals by Matthew Kiichi Heafy. Pre-Order RYUJIN HERE in the following formats: CD digi-sleeve, gatefold clear orange vinyl, and digital album. | 
