RYUJIN

RYUJIN, formerly known as GYZE, is a prominent Japanese melodic death metal band hailing from Hokkaido. Formed in 2009 by brothers Ryoji and Shuji Shinomoto, the band has carved out a niche they describe as 'Northern Nostalgic Metal.'

Their sound is characterized by extreme technical proficiency, particularly Ryoji's neoclassical guitar work, and a deep integration of Japanese folk melodies. The 2023 rebranding to RYUJIN coincided with a partnership with Matthew K. Heafy of Trivium, signaling a shift toward more overt traditional Japanese themes and higher production values. Critically, they are praised for evolving the 'Hokkaido sound' - a blend of cold, melancholic atmospheres and aggressive, power-metal-adjacent speed. They occupy a unique space in the global metal scene, bridging the gap between the Gothenburg melodic death metal tradition and the burgeoning 'Wagakki' (traditional instrument) metal movement. Their influence is most felt in the Japanese 'doujin' and independent metal scenes, where they are seen as pioneers of high-fidelity, folk-integrated extreme music.