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LOUDNESS - THE LAW OF DEVIL'S LAND - NIPPON COLUMBIA  
There are many bands whom reviewers describe as unique even after cataloguing said act's numerous and conspicuous influences. In the case of Loudness, the cliché is true. The heavy metallers from the East take all their western inspirations and mould them into something unique and instantly recognizable. Much of this is owing to the inimitable, and occasionally indescribable, vocals of Minoru Nihara, and the whiz-bang incredible guitar of Japan's - some would say the world's - best, Akira Takasaki.
It is not instantly clear where Part I was located, but the pseudo-Satanic album begins with Theme Of Loudness Part II before properly launching with In The Mirror. The pyrotechnics and the speed riffing are on. Nihara is special and quite in character as he works himself up to the angry end of the song. Incidentally, the album's name, song titles and several choruses are in English while the bulk of the lyrics are written in the band's native Japanese. Show Me The Way and its splashing toms is where Nihara's strong accent comes through, something for which he foolishly gets fired five years later. Nonetheless, the song is another fiery killer set. More accentuated metal follows with I Wish You Were Here (er, Pink Floyd?) before Mr. Yes Man shifts to a slower pace. The song is melodic and even includes a couple of obvious Rush guitar riffs. More incredible soloing can be found on songs like Sleepless Night (with its 'Loudness' chants), Speed and Black Wall. The title track gives bassist Masayoshi Yamashita the opportunity to show off his chugging bass, while Munetaka Higuchi pounds the drums to rubble. Words are words and descriptions more words, but Loudness had it all at this stage despite going on to produce several more masterpieces that are brilliant in the ensuing years. The Law Of Devil's Land, alongside its album title counterparts Devil Soldier, The Birthday Eve and 1984's Disillusion comprise the band's first era profile and sound-wise and are all recommended. - Ali "The Metallian"

LOUDNESS - THUNDER IN THE EAST - NIPPON COLUMBIA  
Thunder In The East, issued in 1985, was the first album to usher in a new era for Japan's heavy metal sensei Loudness. It retained the speed, heaviness and flashy sound of the band, but added a new focus and seminal trademark that would translate into overground fan attention in the West. The band was obviously targetting a bigger fan base. It was doing so without losing its identity though. The distinctive Loudness sound, which included virtuoso guitarring of Akira Takasaki and vocals by Minoru Niihara, remained whole, while a production by Max Norman upped the ante one notch. Just to prove a point though, the quartet bedecked the cover with a Japanese Imperial navy flag - the red sun with its red and white rays.
The album starts with one of the most effective chords in heavy metal, the drum kicks in and its off to the races. This one was also a video for this album. It is also a song that revels in heavy metal catchiness. Minoru Niihara sings as if he means it, and the rest of the band puts in a very convincing performance. Fans shall wonder what the initials M.Z.A. mean for generations. That these repeating letters do not appear in the lyric sheet just adds to the mystery. There is a concert-oriented chant on this song. The solo and the whammy overkill obliterate the competition as a matter of course.
Like Hell is another very strong song with cutting edge tightness. Once again the song is catchy and the lead guitars unparalleled. In fact, the blazing lead placed here is a de facto metal paradigm. Takasaki's fingers are flying. "Like Hell" chants the band and there could not be a better description of the band's delivery of metal. Coincidentally, three minutes into the track Takasaki throws a break strongly reminiscent of a riff on an old song by Torch called Warlock.
Heavy Chains follows lashingly. Niihara puts in an extra heartfelt effort here befitting the subject matter ("now it seems she's lost to all") and the rhythm section pounds the matter in a more mid-paced manner than the foregoing two songs. The way the guitar and bass bridge into the solo is exhilerating.
Get Away seems to be addressing a street-tough life style. Takasaki alternates his tone on this track between his trademark sharp one and a fuzzy sound. The solo is a whirlwind before changing into a more Classical approach. The time-change right after the lead demonstrates the band's awesome musical execution. At this point the band has delivered four world-class songs in a row.
We Could Be Together begins with the kind of guitar acrobatics that could easily send Eddie Van Halen into hiding. A chord progression which serves as the song's main backbone follows and the thunder rumbles on. The rest of the band is again present here helping with the backing vocals.
Run For Your Life, which begins with a synthesized moment, is slower, but no worse for it. The layers of guitar dance on top of one another and the doodling bass of Masayoshi Yamashita shine through. Fans will discover a melody also later heard on Iron Maiden's Somewhere In Time here.
Clockwork Toy begins in chaos. The guitars, drum and bass slam against each other. Then marches in Niihara and brings a semblance of order to the proceedings. It is not much of an order, however, for the tight rhythm assaults the listener mercilessly. Niihara lets loose with his pipes and Takasaki delivers a soulful, albeit short, lead before launching a full-frontal dual-attack. The tremolo rules the land! Loudness again shows what it means to be tight and powerful.
Song number eight is next and by now the listener wonders how many years the band has needed to compose so many effective riffs and rhythms. Previous album Disillusion came out in 1984. Ironically the chaotic guitar strings' sound on this tune would have been appropriate on the song Clockwork Toy. The Lines Are Down is faster again. The band seems to have a renewed vigour on this track. The song is catchy and memorable. The listener feels the narrated story is feeling right in front of the singer. The screams unerring. The bass sound is thumping with power. The guitar gymnastics outright berserk.
The album ends with Never Change Your Mind, which is ironic given how no one is regretting purchasing this album by now. The song begins with a little strum reminsicent of Loudness' old stand-by Rush, before developing into a tune that could easily have been the best slow song Motley Crue ever wrote. The song encapsulates a lot of emotion and power. The song's ascent into a full-blown momentous structure is remarkable. This one could have been on MTV in 1985.
Do yourself a favour. Get some Loudness in your life. It's all the metal and mineral nutrition for which one can ask. - Ali "The Metallian"

LOUDNESS - ROCKSHOCKS - CRASH   
A long time after its initial release in Japan Crash Music has picked up Rockshocks for North American distribution coinciding with Loudness' return to the Canadian stage. The CD is primarily a compilation of the band's early (i.e. 1980s with Minoru Niihara on vocals) songs re-recorded and updated by the four Japanese masters following the 2001 reunion. Present in rerecorded format are early favourites like the anthemic Loudness, the mythical In The Mirror, the powerful and catchy Crazy Night, the sentimental The Lines Are Down and more. The production is weaker than a band of Loudness' stature should have allowed with the bottom end being a tad muddy, while the new versions are largely kept true to the original. However, this had to be stated, the fantastic Like Hell is not quite done justice here. Nevertheless, Loudness is a deservedly revered band and most of this material should be considered obligatory for heavy metal fans. The guitar performance and dexterity of Akira Takasaki combined with the song writing and authentic feeling of these guys has not quite been equalled.
As a North American bonus, this version features three newer songs out of which Exultation packs a punch akin to a sumo wrestler thumping up and down on one's chest. Apparently, Loudness anno 2005 is as heavy, manic and creative as ever. The prime directive of heavy metal would be to head out immediately and purchase the entire Loudness catalogue from 1981 to 1988. Barring that Rockshocks would be a good way to claw one's way to Japan and its key metal export. - Ali "The Metallian"