GYZE Become RYUJIN

Melodic death metal band GYZE have changed their name to RYUJIN.

The rebrand — the second in the band’s 14-year career — coincided with the announcement of their new worldwide deal with Austrian label Napalm Records. Bandleader Ryoji had previously announced the band was hard at work on their fifth full-length album.

RYUJIN's manager, Trivium frontman Matthew Kiichi Heafy, said: "It is my incredible honor to announce that I am officially working with the newly reincarnated form of GYZE, RYUJIN, for management, production, and mentoring. Ryujin is the Japanese king of the dragons, and the namesake of this for the band is nothing but appropriate.”

“ Ryoji is one of the most talented human beings I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Whether it's his monstrous screaming, powerful singing, other-worldly guitar playing, or his masterful songwriting - he is a musical force of nature. This album is going to be mind blowing."

Napalm Records' A&R man Sebastian Muench added: "We have been following the exciting career of RYUJIN for many years and believe that their style of Japanese melodic death metal is simply amazing. We are happy to work with RYUJIN, along with Matthew Kiichi Heafy, on the new album release and to break the band in the global market."

RYUJIN's new name comes from the Dragon God King of the same name in Japanese mythology. The entity freely moves heaven and earth, moves the clouds, blows the wind, and makes it rain. It also controls the flow of weather, ocean currents, and geothermal heat.