“I think Alexi Laiho would be happy of these songs” – Ryoji Shinomoto talks Children Of Bushido, Ryujin’s future

Ryoji Shinomoto‘s debut solo album “Children of Bushido” represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream – a passionate tribute to legendary Finnish metal band Children of Bodom. Growing up in Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, with its Finland-like climate, Shinomoto felt an immediate connection to Children of Bodom‘s music during his teenage years.

Set for release on April 8, 2025 – what would have been Alexi Laiho’s 46th birthday – via Napalm Records, this groundbreaking project fuses melodic death metal with traditional Japanese instrumentation. The album creates a unique sonic landscape that honors Laiho’s legacy while establishing Shinomoto’s distinctive “Samurai Metal” approach.

The concept crystallized following the success of Shinomoto‘s band Ryujin‘s 2024 album “Raijin & Fujin,” when he discovered a fan comment describing his work as “Children of Bushido.” This serendipitous moment inspired him to reimagine Children of Bodom‘s iconic music through a Japanese cultural lens.

Throughout nine carefully crafted compositions, Shinomoto transports listeners on a journey through Japanese mythology, incorporating traditional instruments like shamisen, dragon flutes, erhu, and thunderous taiko drums alongside blistering guitar work and powerful vocals. Classical metal harmonies give way to authentic Japanese scales, creating a sound that is simultaneously familiar and refreshingly original.

The album opens with a reimagined version of “Lake Bodom,” transforming the original’s fury into what could be described as a joyful katana massacre set against an Eastern sonic backdrop. “Downfall” showcases melancholic Japanese melodies interwoven with complex rhythms, while classics like “Living Dead Beat” are reinvented with wadaiko drum patterns and lightning-fast riffing that perfectly complement the original’s rebellious spirit.

“Children of Bushido” transcends mere tribute status – it represents a bold artistic evolution for Shinomoto, celebrating Western metal traditions while offering fascinating insights into Japan’s rich musical heritage.

Chaoszine sat down with Ryoji Shinomoto to discuss about the upcoming album and what lies ahead for this Samurai metal warrior. You can check out the entire video interview below:

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You can check out the singles released from Ryoji Shinomoto‘s upcoming “Children of Bushido” album below: