Loudness - Hurricane Eyes - 12" Vinyl LP Album

Loudness' 'Hurricane Eyes' 12" Vinyl LP Album, enriched by background vocals from Ace Frehley of KISS, is a pinnacle of Japanese heavy metal. Released with thunderous energy in the 1980s, the album showcases Loudness' mastery. With powerful vocals and intricate instrumentals, 'Hurricane Eyes' stands as a testament to the band's international collaboration and enduring influence in the global metal scene.

 

High Resolution Photo Loudness Hurricane Eyes

Album Description:

In the realm of rock and heavy metal music, few albums possess the raw energy and melodic prowess as Loudness' "Hurricane Eyes". Released in the 1980s, this iconic album quickly gained popularity and solidified Loudness as one of Japan's most influential rock bands. Notably, the album features a surprising collaboration with Ace Frehley, known for his role as the lead guitarist of KISS. This essay explores the significance of Loudness' "Hurricane Eyes" as a 12" vinyl LP and delves into the impact of Ace Frehley's background vocals on the album.

The Emergence of "Hurricane Eyes":
Released in 1987, "Hurricane Eyes" marked a turning point in Loudness' career. With this album, the band struck a perfect balance between their heavy metal roots and a more melodic sound, captivating fans across the globe. Loudness, comprised of Akira Takasaki (guitar), Masayoshi Yamashita (bass), Minoru Niihara (vocals), and Munetaka Higuchi (drums), showcased their exceptional musicianship and songwriting abilities throughout the record.

Ace Frehley's Contribution:
One of the album's intriguing aspects was the unexpected involvement of Ace Frehley, an iconic figure in the rock world. As a member of KISS, Frehley had established himself as a legendary guitarist, known for his charismatic stage presence and unique playing style. His collaboration with Loudness on "Hurricane Eyes" added an extra layer of excitement and allure to the album.

Frehley's Background Vocals:
Ace Frehley's contribution to "Hurricane Eyes" primarily manifested in his background vocals. While not taking on a lead vocal role, his backing harmonies and occasional interjections added a distinctive flavor to the album's sound. Frehley's vocal prowess complemented the melodic nature of the album, enhancing the overall sonic experience for the listeners.

Impacts and Significance:
The inclusion of Ace Frehley on "Hurricane Eyes" had multiple significant impacts. Firstly, it created a bridge between the Japanese rock scene and the international rock community, further highlighting the globalization of music during that era. Frehley's participation showcased the recognition and admiration of Loudness within the rock fraternity, elevating their status as a formidable force in the genre.

Additionally, the collaboration brought together two legendary guitarists, Akira Takasaki and Ace Frehley, leading to a harmonious exchange of musical ideas. Takasaki's virtuoso guitar skills were complemented by Frehley's unique style, resulting in memorable guitar-driven compositions throughout the album. This fusion of talent elevated the quality and diversity of the tracks, contributing to the album's enduring appeal.

Music Genre:

  Japanese Heavy Metal Music

Album  Production information:

Produced by Eddie Kramer for Remarkable Productions Inc Onkio House, Sedic Studios, Tokyo

Edwin H. "Eddie" Kramer Eddie Kramer is a renowned music producer and sound engineer who has made significant contributions to the music industry. Born on 19 April 1942, in Cape Town, South Africa, Kramer has worked with some of the most iconic musicians and bands of the 20th century.

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Kramer initially started his career as a musician, playing the trumpet and the piano. However, his passion for recording and engineering led him to focus on becoming a sound engineer. In the 1960s, he relocated to London, England, where he began working at Pye Studios and later joined Olympic Studios.

One of the major turning points in Eddie Kramer's career came when he was introduced to Jimi Hendrix in 1967. Kramer became Hendrix's primary recording engineer and played a crucial role in shaping the sound and aesthetic of Hendrix's music. He worked on all of Hendrix's albums released during his lifetime, including the groundbreaking "Are You Experienced," "Axis: Bold as Love," and "Electric Ladyland." Kramer's innovative techniques and attention to detail helped capture the raw energy and sonic experimentation that defined Hendrix's music.

In addition to his work with Hendrix, Kramer collaborated with numerous other influential artists, including Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Traffic, Santana, David Bowie, and many more. He became known for his ability to capture the essence of a band's sound and translate it into powerful recordings. Kramer's work often involved experimenting with different recording techniques, utilizing effects, and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the studio.

Following his successful years in the 1960s and 1970s, Kramer continued to work as a producer and engineer in the following decades. He worked on projects with artists such as Peter Frampton, Carly Simon, Kiss, Ace Frehley, and John Mayall. Kramer also played a significant role in the revitalization of the Woodstock festival in 1994, serving as the principal producer and engineer for the event.

Eddie Kramer's contributions to the music industry have been widely recognized and celebrated. He has received several Grammy Awards for his engineering and production work, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. Kramer's expertise, technical skill, and ability to capture the essence of an artist's vision have made him one of the most respected figures in the field of music production and engineering.

To this day, Eddie Kramer remains active in the industry, working on various projects and sharing his knowledge through workshops and masterclasses. His work continues to inspire generations of musicians, engineers, and producers who strive to create exceptional recordings and push the boundaries of sound.

Kramer has collaborated with several artists now in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, including the Beatles  ,  David Bowie  ,  Eric Clapton  ,  Jimi Hendrix  ,  The Kinks, Kiss  ,  Led Zeppelin  ,  the Rolling Stones    and    Carlos Santana . Kramer has also been responsible for the production and engineering of Heavy Metal bands like: Anthrax  ,  Icon  ,  Kiss  ,  Loudness  ,  TT Quick .

 

Sound City, Encore, & Yamaha Studios, Los Angeles, CA Bearsville Studios, Bearsville, NY

Tory Swenson - Sound Engineer

Thom Cadley - Sound Engineer

Hidemi Nakatani - Sound Engineer

Bill Freesh - Sound Engineer

Scott Mabuchi - Sound Mix Engineer

Masashi Got? - Sound Engineer

Ted Jensen - Mastering Engineer

Media Format:

  12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record 

Year & Country:

  1987 Made in Germany
Album cover photos of : Loudness Hurricane Eyes
High Resolution Photo Loudness Hurricane Eyes  
Photo of Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo Loudness Hurricane Eyes  
Photo of Record Label 
High Resolution Photo Loudness Hurricane Eyes  

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Band Members and Musicians on: Loudness Hurricane Eyes
    Loudness' Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Guitars: Takasaki Akira ( Takasaki Akira (Guitars) is an experienced guitarist having played guitar since 1973 in at least half a dozen bands, notable Loudness and M.T. Fuji.)
  • Vocals: Niihara Minoru (Niihara Minoru (Lead Vocals) is an experienced singer having sung since 1978 in at least half a dozen bands, notable Loudness, Earthshaker and M.T. Fuji.)
  • Bass: Yamashita Masayoshi (Yamashita Masayoshi (Bass) is an bass player having played bass since 1982 in half a dozen bands, notable Loudness, and M.T. Fuji.)
  • Drums: Higuchi Munetaka (Higuchi Munetaka (1958-2008) (Drums) is a drummer having played drums since 1981 in half a dozen bands, notable Loudness, Blood Circus, Lazy, Misako Honjoh, Sly.)
Track Listing of: Loudness Hurricane Eyes
    The Song/tracks on "Hurricane Eyes" are:
  • S.D.I. (4'15 )
  • This Lonely Heart (4'08 )
  • Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy (4'22 )
  • In my Dreams (4'30 )
  • Take me Home (4'16 )
  • Strike of the Sword (3'50 )
  • Rock this Way (4'07 )
  • In This World Beyond (4'26 )
  • Hungry Hunter (4'08 )
  • So Lonely (4'43 )