Loudness (heavy metal)
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- This article is about the rock band Loudness. For other uses, see loudness.
Loudness is a Japanese heavy metal band formed in 1981 by Akira Takasaki.
Their debut album was Birthday Eve; it was quite successful for a debut album. In 1983, after recording their 3rd album The Law of Devil's Land, they decide it was time for them to go outside of Japan, into the world. They moved to Europe to record their 4th album Disillusion, and they performed a few stages there. Finally in 1985, they made a contract with Atlantic Records. Their 5th album Thunder in the East became a very successful album for them, peaking at 74th in the Billboard charts, making them the only Japanese rock group which has ranked in the Billboard top 100. On the album, all songs were sung in English, which has become a trend in many Japanese bands, indeed the vast majority of non-English-speaking metal bands. Following that, their 6th album Lighting Strikes was charted 64th. They became a famous band worldwide. But their success in the United States moved the band to write more commercial pop metal, quite different from what they had in done their previous albums. The band went touring with big bands such as Mötley Crüe, AC/DC and Poison. After finishing their long scheduled tour, and releasing the 11th album On the Prowl, Loudness faced many member changes and change of their music style, ending their career in the United States. After that, they have released albums of many kinds constantly. They have since changed from 80's hair metal to thrash metal.
Some of Loudness' members were part of the Japanese Band Ezo
Their current line-up is:
- Minoru Nihara (vocals)
- Akira Takasaki (electric guitar)
- Masayoshi Yamashita (bass guitar)
- Munetaka Higuchi (drums)
Their latest album is Racing, released November 2004.
The most famous member of Loudness is Akira Takasaki. He first started his music career as a member of Lazy, another band. His musical style didn't go along with the band, so he decided to make his original band, "Loudness". His guitar works had attracted many fans over the world. Takasaki's style has been compared to that of Eddie Van Halen. He is known as the best metal guitarist in Asia, and influenced many guitarists such as Paul Gilbert (Racer X, Mr.Big).
Minoru Nihara was born in 1960. His first band was "Earth Shaker", and he played bass as he sung. He was influenced by Blues music, and became a member of LOUDNESS in 1981. He departed the band in 1994, but after working with several bands, he returned to LOUDNESS.
Masayoshi Yamashita supports the band's music with his Earth-rumbling bass sound. He was asked to join Loudness since he was friends with Akira.
Munetaka Higuchi played in "Lazy" with Akira, and later formed "Loudness" with him. His unique drumming style has made him one of the most famous drummers in Japan.
Discography
- The Birthday Eve
- Devil soldier
- The Law of Devil's Land
- LOUD LIVE ALIVE (live)
- Disillusion
- Thunder in the East
- Jealousy (EP)
- Lightining Strikes
- Hurricane Eyes
- 8186 LIVE (live)
- Soldier of Fortune
- On the Prowl
- Eurobounds
- Heavy Metal Hippies
- Loudness
- Ghetto Machine
- Dragon
- The Soldier's Just Came Back
- Engine
- Spiritual Canoe
- Pandemonium
- ReMasterpieces Best of Loudness
- Biosphere
- Terror
- Rock Shocks
- Racing
External Links
http://www3.live.co.jp/loudness/
http://www.takasaki.net/Loudness/
http://www.geocities.com/starslayerjo/
Nippop Profile | Loudness (http://nippop.com/artist/artist_id-39/artist_name-loudness/)
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