LOUDNESS is a seminal heavy metal band from Japan, renowned for their compelling blend of melodious riffs and thunderous rhythms. Formed in 1981 by guitarist Akira Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi, the band has been instrumental in putting Japanese metal on the global map. With Minoru Niihara's soaring vocals and Masayoshi Yamashita's robust bass playing, the quartet released their debut album "The Birthday Eve" and swiftly gained popularity in their homeland.

Breaking through international barriers, LOUDNESS became the first Japanese metal band to sign with a major American label, releasing "Thunder in the East" in 1985, which featured the hit single "Crazy Nights." This success led them to become influential figures in the 1980s metal scene, touring extensively and solidifying their legacy. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, with Akira Takasaki being the only constant member, LOUDNESS continued to produce music that resonates with their fans. The untimely death of founding member Munetaka Higuchi in 2008 was a significant loss, yet the band persevered, paying tribute to their late drummer with new material that remained true to their roots. With a career spanning over four decades, LOUDNESS has released a prolific collection of albums, including "Rise to Glory" and "Soul on Fire," showcasing their relentless commitment to the evolution of their sound and their indelible mark on the heavy metal genre.

Genres

Glam Metal

J-metal

Japanese Heavy Metal

Related Artists

Iron Maiden

Judas Priest

Metallica

Megadeth

Slayer

Helloween

Accept

Anthrax

ANTHEM

Alice In Chains

Scorpions

Pantera

Latest Release

Sunburst~我武者羅

LOUDNESS

Album - 16 Tracks - Released July 29, 2022