Shinigami - Ryu

Experienced? Check. Death metal? Check. Thrash metal? Check. Samurai? Check. If you want that, The Netherlands will give you Shinigami. We had to wait for over 4 years for some new material from the Utrecht based death/thrash band Shinigami. In 2016 they released their first release ‘The Arcane Order’ which was very well received. 2020 has given the guys from Shinigami the space to release their latest EP ‘Ryu’. 

 

The 25+- long ‘Ryu’ will give you one of the better sounding Dutch metal EP’s I’ve heard this year. Impressed is a word that is applicable to the mix of the whole EP. They’ve put a lot of effort in the production of the whole EP which you can absolutely hear. By taking in account that they’ve done a few (I believe 2) tours in Japan, shows a lot of ambition by the already experienced band. Having the experience of Ancient Rites, Mayan, Pestilence and Bleedings Gods members certainly gives the whole EP an enormous boost. The musicianship on ‘Ryu’ is striking to say the least.

 

During the whole album you will not have a moment of peace because the blasting drums and tight guitar work will be accompanied by the nasty raspy vocals of George. ‘Downfall’ is one of the ‘slower’ songs on ‘Ryu’ but even with the pace being a bit toned down, you won’t have a moment of catching a breath. The more melodic song fits ‘Ryu’ very well. With two very nice overlapping melodic death/thrash riffs that really remind me of some Arch Enemy, especially the song ‘We Will Rise’. It really has some similarities with each other. 

 

On the song ‘Crushing Titans’ you will hear the amazing musicianship the members have. Especially the drummer. There are some really difficult patterns hidden in this song and mix that with the craftsmanship that Shinigami have put into its music is certainly admirable. Much respect for the band members.

 

So, if you’re up for some high paced death/thrash, you will have enough to get your evening started with Shinigami - Ryu. An excellent way to start venturing into the world of (Dutch) death/thrash metal. 尊敬 to all of the band members and I can’t wait to hear the full length that needs to be made asap.