Ryoji Shinomoto (篠本 竜司)
Pioneer of Japanese "Samurai Metal," Virtuoso Shredder & RYUJIN / GYZE Frontman
Biography & Career Overview
Hailing from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, Ryoji Shinomoto is a lead guitarist, harsh/clean vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer renowned as the primary visionary behind melodic death/folk metal powerhouse RYUJIN (formerly known as GYZE). Beginning with classical guitar training at age eight, Shinomoto developed exceptional fretboard facility before turning to heavy electric guitar in his teens, heavily inspired by classical composers (Vivaldi, Beethoven), Japanese soundtrack legends (Akira Ifukube, Joe Hisaishi), and Scandinavian melodic death metal masters such as Children of Bodom and In Flames.
In 2009, he established the band Suicide Heaven alongside his drummer brother Shuji Shinomoto, which rebranded as GYZE in 2011. GYZE broke onto the international stage with their blistering debut Fascinating Violence (2013), becoming the first Japanese metal band to perform on major European festival bills like Summer Breeze Open Air, 70,000 Tons of Metal, and Leyendas del Rock. In 2023, under the mentorship, production, and management collaboration of Trivium's Matthew Kiichi Heafy, the group adopted the moniker RYUJIN (meaning "Dragon God" or "Dragon Master"), signing to Napalm Records and crystallizing their unique "Samurai Metal" sound—a fusion of lightning-fast neoclassical shred, melodic death metal, and traditional Japanese folk instrumentation.
Musical Instrumentation & Technical Signature
- Neoclassical High-Speed Shred & Sweep Arpeggios
- Exhibits blistering alternate picking, wide-interval sweep-picked arpeggios, and multi-octave scalar runs reminiscent of Alexi Laiho and Yngwie Malmsteen, executing complex melodies while simultaneously handling lead vocals.
- Integration of Traditional Japanese Folk Instruments
- A multi-instrumentalist who actively incorporates traditional Japanese instruments into metal arrangements, notably composing and performing on the shamisen (三味線), shakuhachi bamboo flute, and koto, infusing traditional pentatonic and Insen scales into melodic death metal structures.
- Dual Vocal Delivery
- Possesses a versatile vocal range transitioning seamlessly between razor-sharp, raspy black/death metal shrieks, soaring cleans, and traditional Japanese theatrical chants.
- Guitars & Signature Rig
- Official artist for Jackson Guitars, famously commanding his custom mirrored Jackson Kelly—designed to reflect stage lights like a gleaming katana—equipped with high-gain Seymour Duncan and EMG pickups, Marshall and EVH tube heads, and modern touring modelers.
Bands, Projects & Collaborations
- RYUJIN (Formerly GYZE) (2011–present)
- His flagship four-piece ensemble featuring Ryoji (lead guitar, shamisen, lead vocals), his brother Shuji Shinomoto (drums), Aruta Watanabe (bass, vocals), and Yukihiro Shinkai (guitar). Blends extreme technical melodic metal with Japanese cultural motifs, produced in close partnership with Matt Heafy (Trivium / Ibaraki).
- Solo Projects & Tributes
- Signed to Napalm Records as a solo artist, recording dedicated guitar masterclasses and instrumental tributes, highlighted by his full-length homage to his greatest formative influence, Alexi Laiho.
- International Stage Collaborations
- Extensive international tours supporting Children of Bodom, Carcass, DragonForce, Battle Beast, and Soilwork, alongside featured guest appearances with cellist Mukai Wataru (Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra) and Marc Hudson (DragonForce).
Selected Discography & Releases
Solo Releases
- Children of Bushido (Napalm Records, 2025)
- A dedicated solo tribute album honoring the legacy of the late Alexi Laiho, featuring virtuosic reimaginings of Children of Bodom classics including "Lake Bodom," "Downfall," "Needled 24/7," "Silent Night Bodom Night," "Follow the Reaper," and "Hate Me!".
As RYUJIN
- RYUJIN (Self-Titled) (Napalm Records, 2024)
- The landmark debut under the RYUJIN banner, produced by Matthew Kiichi Heafy. Features guest appearances from Heafy ("Raijin & Fujin", "The Rainbow Song") and cellist Mukai Wataru, spotlighting tracks like "Gekokujo," "Dragon, Fly Free," "Kunnecup," and an extreme metal cover of Linked Horizon's "Guren no Yumiya" (Attack on Titan theme).
As GYZE (Studio Albums)
- Fascinating Violence (Coroner Records / Victor, 2013)
- The breakthrough debut album that established their lightning-fast melodic death metal identity, featuring signature anthems "Desire" and "Fascinating Violence."
- Black Bride (Victor Entertainment, 2015)
- Sophomore album showcasing greater compositional depth, melancholy melodies, and aggressive twin-lead counterpoints.
- Northern Hell Song (Virgin Music / Universal, 2017)
- A concept record paying homage to the cold wilderness of Hokkaido and Ainu lore, featuring "Pirates of Upas" and the ferocious title track.
- Asian Chaos (JVC / Victor Entertainment, 2019)
- The critical turning point where traditional Japanese folk instruments, gagaku textures, and shamisen arrangements became central to their sound, featuring "The Rising Dragon" (feat. Marc Hudson) and "Samurai Metal."
EPs & Signature Singles
- "Samurai Metal" (Single) (2021)
- A transitional standalone single composed on shamisen that coined their distinct "Samurai Metal" ethos.
- The Rising Dragon 「龍吟」 (EP) (2018)
- Special EP bridging modern speed metal with traditional Japanese folk melodies.
Summer / Spring / Winter
Ryoji Shinomoto & Wataru Mukai
Vivaldi but it's HEAVY METAL (33 Fret Guitar & Cello) | 四季をメタルアレンジ