Loudness Albums (24)
What The Critics Say
With a little bit of maneuvering of the track list, this originally Japan-only release was essentially Lightning Strikes, the release from which American audiences first warmed up to Loudness. Their full-on rock showcase proves no worse for wear when translating lyrics into English and dispensing with the attempts to warm up to the commercial metal sounds of the time. Akira Takasaki's guitar work of course remains the focal point and main artery of the group, but Minoru Niihara's vocals make a case for prominence with "Let It Go" and "Black Star Oblivion." Reissued by Wounded Bird in 2005, this is definitely one of Loudness' finer moments from their glory years, and fans would be well served in seeking it out. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Designed to commemorate the band's five-year anniversary, this double disc isn't as ferocious as Live-Loud-Alive, but it definitely serves as a thorough overview of the group's history up to that point in time. On this 15-song, three-solo showcase, Loudness are tenacious in their delivery of some of the group's finest hits as well as a few fan favorites, all to a very vocal and appreciative crowd. Of course, the real gem of the entire set is Akira Takasaki, whose guitar acrobatics deliver one blazing guitar scale after another, combined with guitar techniques that would make even the most proficient axe-grinder swoon with envy. Worth checking out for this very reason alone. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
For a brief period during the mid-'80s, Japanese metal export Loudness flirted with crossover success in the American market, as they caught the attention of MTV with the anthemic "Crazy Nights" (off of 1985's Thunder in the East), and opened for AC/DC in U.S. arenas a year later. Loudness started out as a metal act in the vein of Judas Priest, before becoming increasingly more melodic during this aforementioned mid-'80s period, where they were obviously aiming at the same audience as Mötley Crüe and Ratt. But when the group returned with a vengeance in the early 21st century, Loudness (whose only recognizable bandmember from the '80s is guitar wiz Akira Takasaki) had toughened up their sound considerably, as evidenced by releases such as 2005's Racing. Fans of the '80s Loudness may have a tough time figuring out this is the same band, as they now specialize in Pantera-esque heaviness, as evidenced by such over-the-top riff-mongers as "Exultation" and "Live for the Moment." But for fans looking for a connection back to the Loudness of old, a limited edition of Racing came with 13 re-recordings of old favorites. Takasaki can still shred with the best of them, and Racing should please most veteran metal heads. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
You can't blame Loudness vocalist Minoru Niihara for leaving the band after the abysmal Hurricane Eyes, but it's a shame he wasn't around for Soldier of Fortune, a far more potent and focused affair than its muddled predecessor. Reunited with producer Max Norman, Loudness thankfully stripped away the superfluous production gloss that sunk the band's last album and crafted a tight, lean set of toothy rockers. And truth be told, new American shouter Mike Vescera -- while lacking Niihara's warmth and personality -- is quite a formidable successor, stepping into his new role with admirable chops and conviction on tunes like "You Shook Me." Guitarist Akira Takasaki, meanwhile, appears to be reinvigorated by the new singer, as he unleashes his most ferocious performances to date. ~ Andy Hinds, All Music Guide
'Once and for All'
Release Date 1/15/2002
Tracks 10
Label Warner Music Japan
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Wounded Bird had the good sense to reissue Loudness' quintessential live album -- originally issued by Warner Bros. in 1992 -- for a new generation of heavy metal fans. Hopefully, this will raise the profile of a group that continues to be woefully ignored by the Western metal world. Once and for All finds the group at its performing peak, featuring Akira Takasaki's guitar shredding before mid-'90s metal trends took hold of Loudness and shook them to their roots. It's a victory, and one of the few in the '90s for Takasaki and lead vocalist Masaki Yamada, before they succumbed to a decade of inconsistency. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
