Loudness - Hurricane Eyes - 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Discover the thunderous 1987 Japanese heavy metal storm with rare photos tracks and production secrets

High Resolution Photo Loudness Hurricane Eyes

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.

"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.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Japanese Heavy Metal Music

Label & Catalognr:

ATCO 790 619-1

Producers:
  • Eddie Kramer – Producer for Remarkable Productions Inc
Eddie Kramer is a legendary music producer & sound engineer known for shaping the sound of rock icons like Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Kiss. Born in South Africa, his innovative recording techniques revolutionized studio production. From Electric Lady Studios to Woodstock, his impact spans decades. Learn more about his career & contributions in his biography.
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Tory Swenson – Sound Engineer
  • Thom Cadley – Sound Engineer
  • Hidemi Nakatani – Sound Engineer
  • Bill Freesh – Sound Engineer
  • Scott Mabuchi – Sound Mix Engineer
  • Masashi Gotō – Sound Engineer
Recording Location:

Onkio House, Sedic Studios, Tokyo
Sound City, Encore & Yamaha Studios, Los Angeles, CA
Bearsville Studios, Bearsville, NY

Mastering Engineer & Location:
  • Ted Jensen – Mastering Engineer
Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record

Year & Country:

1987 – Made in Germany

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Niihara Minoru – Lead Vocals
    (Niihara Minoru has sung since 1978 in bands like Loudness, Earthshaker, and M.T. Fuji.)
  • Takasaki Akira – Guitars
    (Takasaki Akira has played guitar since 1973 in bands including Loudness and M.T. Fuji.)
  • Yamashita Masayoshi – Bass Guitar
    (Yamashita Masayoshi has been active since 1982 with Loudness and M.T. Fuji.)
  • Higuchi Munetaka (1958–2008) – Drums
    (Played with Loudness, Blood Circus, Lazy, Misako Honjoh, and Sly.)

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. S.D.I. (4'15)
  2. This Lonely Heart (4'08)
  3. Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy (4'22)
  4. In My Dreams (4'30)
  5. Take Me Home (4'16)
Video: LOUDNESS - S.D.I. -
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Strike of the Sword (3'50)
  2. Rock This Way (4'07)
  3. In This World Beyond (4'26)
  4. Hungry Hunter (4'08)
  5. So Lonely (4'43)
Video: LOUDNES - SO LONELY
Album Front Cover Photo
High resolution image of the Loudness Hurricane Eyes album front cover. The design features the word Loudness in bold, sharp-edged, metallic letters outlined in white and black with a thick red backdrop. Above the band’s name is a glowing red circle containing an abstract eye symbol with a radiating beam piercing downward, reinforcing the album’s title theme. Angular red rays spread outward from the center, giving the composition an intense, futuristic, and almost explosive atmosphere. Beneath the logo appears the album title Hurricane Eyes in stylized white typography, tilted and dynamic, with an emphasis on sharp lines and a diagonal streak suggesting speed and power. The background fades into black, highlighting the dramatic use of red and white contrasts.

The album cover for Loudness – Hurricane Eyes is dominated by fiery red and black tones that radiate intensity. At the center, the band’s name Loudness explodes in angular, metallic-style lettering, outlined in white and set against a solid red bar.

Above the logo, a glowing red circle houses an abstract eye symbol, with a sharp white beam piercing downward from its pupil. This striking visual ties directly to the album’s title, suggesting a powerful vision cutting through chaos.

Beneath the logo, the title Hurricane Eyes appears in stylized white lettering, bold and slanted, with lines shooting outward to suggest speed and storm-like energy. The letters are sharp, almost weapon-like, evoking both aggression and precision.

The background features geometric, laser-like red rays bursting outward into darkness, giving the composition a futuristic, almost cosmic feel. The overall effect is both dramatic and iconic, symbolizing the raw power and global reach of Japanese heavy metal in the late 1980s.

Album Back Cover Photo
Loudness Hurricane Eyes back cover photo

High resolution photo of the album’s back cover for Loudness – "Hurricane Eyes".

Close up of Side One record’s label
High resolution image of the Loudness Hurricane Eyes album back cover. The design features a large band portrait showing all four members with voluminous 1980s hairstyles and dramatic clothing in black, silver, and patterned textures. Additional individual photos of each musician are arranged diagonally across the top right with red nameplates identifying Minoru Niihara on vocals, Akira Takasaki on guitar, Masayoshi Yamashita on bass, and Munetaka Higuchi on drums. The bottom half of the cover contains detailed production credits, recording studio information, acknowledgements, and track listings for Side 1 and Side 2. The background is a mix of red splattered textures and dark tones, giving a raw and energetic visual style consistent with the heavy metal theme.

The back cover of Loudness – Hurricane Eyes is a vibrant collage that combines portraits, credits, and track information. Dominating the upper half is a dramatic group photograph of the four band members, posed closely together with intense expressions, styled in bold patterned jackets and voluminous 1980s hair.

Around the main photo, smaller angled frames highlight each musician individually. Each portrait is tagged with a red label naming their role: Minoru Niihara – Vocals, Akira Takasaki – Guitar, Masayoshi Yamashita – Bass, and Munetaka Higuchi – Drums. The arrangement adds dynamism, echoing the chaotic energy of the music.

The lower section is packed with production details: produced by Eddie Kramer and Andy Johns, engineering credits, assistant engineers, studio names, and acknowledgements. Track listings for Side 1 and Side 2 are clearly printed, separated by diagonal red lines, giving the design a sharp, modern edge.

The background mixes red splatter-like textures with dark gradients, enhancing the gritty, hard rock atmosphere. Overall, the back cover captures both the professionalism and the raw power of Loudness at the peak of their 1980s heavy metal career.

Index of LOUDNESS Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information

LOUDNESS - Hurricane Eyes album front cover vinyl record
LOUDNESS - Hurricane Eyes

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.

Visit: Hurricane Eyes 12" Vinyl LP
LOUDNESS - Lightning Strikes album front cover vinyl record
LOUDNESS - Lightning Strikes

"Lightning Strikes" was a testament to Loudness' musical exploration. While retaining their signature heavy sound, the album incorporated elements of hard rock and even hints of commercial appeal. Songs like "Let It Go" and "1000 Eyes" showcased their ability to write catchy anthems

Visit: Lightning Strikes 12" Vinyl LP