Loudness are one of the few bands from Japan that have made an impact in the heavy metal industry. They have been around from the early eighties, and are still around. They have changed members, musical-styles, but still remained Loudness.

THUNDER IN THE EAST (1984, 1994) DENON

Man, this album brings back memories! I used to watch the music video for "Crazy Nights" on MTV all the time, back when it was new (aaah, those were the days!). A Japanese metal band was something so exotic, and there was something slightly amusing about listening to Minoru singing "wok an wo kwaizy naaaitz..." :) But the fact was that this band sounded great, regardless of the thick accent. The big thing back in 1984 was hair-metal, and that was the kind of music these guys played. They were similar to bands like Ratt, Stryper and TNT.  Loudness also had a very good guitarist in the shredding Akira Takaski. 'Thunder In The East' really helped to break the band in the rest of the world, but it was not at all their first album. It is arguable their best one though.

Finding a CD copy of this disc wasn't easy, but I ended up buying this Japanese version of it on QXL.

Killer tracks: Crazy Nights, Heavy Chains, We Could Be Together, Run For Your Life

LIGHTNING STRIKES (1986) ATCO/ATLANTIC

Loudness had hit the big time, and Atlantic brought in renowned producer Max Norman (Kiss, Heart etc.) to produce the bands next effort. 'Lightning Strikes' is a much more polished affair than 'Thunder In The East'. And songs like "Let It Go" and "Who Knows" are probably attempts at new radio hits. But for the most part this CD delivers the same super-catchy melodic metal, filled with stellar guitar-work, and Minoru's trademark vocals. In fact, I think this might be Akira's shining moment, with loads of punching licks, neck-breaking solos and otherwise other-worldly guitar-wizardry. Just listen to him rule in "1000 Eyes"! So the conclusion is that 'Lightning Strikes' is yet another fine effort from Japans premier heavy metal acts, released at a time when heavy metal was synonymous with a good time. And a good time is what I have when I listen to 'Lightning Strikes'.

This album was first released through Warner Music, but under a different title, and with a totally different album cover. The track list was also altered, and the song "Ashes In The Sky" was named "Shadows Of War", also serving as that albums title track. Apparently this "twin" album also had a different mix, and some of the lyrics are sung slightly differently.

Killer tracks: Let It Go, 1000 Eyes, Ashes In The Sky, Black Star Oblivion

HURRICANE EYES (1987) ATCO/ATLANTIC

Loudness was at the top of their game around this time. Gaining massive success in the western world, and touring with top acts such as Twisted Sister, TNT and Stryper. Musically they sound pretty much the same as they did on their breakthrough album, 'Thunder In The East'. Akira's guitar and Minoru's unique voice are what create the Loudness sound, together with those darn catchy tunes! This album might be a tad more mainstream (just listen to the Van Halen styled "Rock 'n Roll Gypsy"), which is kind of surprising when you see that Eddie Kramer is the producer here. But as long as they deliver such strong material, I have no problem liking it just as much as previous efforts. I really miss the Loudness-sound from this era!

Killer tracks: S.D.I., This Lonely Heart, In My Dreams, Rock This Way, Hungry Hunter

SOLDIER OF FORTUNE (1989) ATCO

I had not heard any Loudness albums after their mid-eighties glory days. So getting a couple of the "newer" ones was a treat. Most of the members are still here, but they have now recruited an American vocalist (no more "wok n woll" in other words). And Mike Vescera is not an unfamiliar name, having sung for Yngwie Malmsteen, Obsession, Roland Grapow and his own MVP (Mike Vescera Project). The album strolls down the same lane as the previous Loudness albums, but the sound is now a little more polished. Ratt is still a band to compare them to. And glam-metal/pop-metal fans just have to love this disc. I enjoy it very much, and find most of the songs appealing. Mike's vocal and Akira's guitar-playing is a great match.

Killer tracks: Soldier Of Fortune, Twenty-Five Days, Long After Midnight

ON THE PROWL (1991) WARNER

Another fine album from the Osaka Leather Boys. It's the same line-up as last time, and not much have been changed music-wise either. But one thing surprised me a lot here. While some of the songs credits Mike as the lyric-writer, about half the record states their prior Japanese vocalist as the writer. So a little search on the internet gave me the info I needed. Turns out most of the tracks on this album, are just re-recorded tracks from early Loudness albums and EP's. These albums are so hard to find in the rest of the world, so I guess the band decided to put some of the best tracks out there for their fans. Some of the songs have been re-arranged and some even changed the name. Loudness are for sure a band you can count on.

Killer tracks: Love Toys, Never Again, Long Distance, Find A Way

Minoru Nihara guest appearances:

Powergod - 'Long Live The Loud - That's Metal Lesson II'

Related artists:

Yngwie Malmsteen, Roland Grapow