"Loudness' 'Lightning Strikes' 12" Vinyl LP Album, the band's sixth studio release, is a seminal chapter in Japanese heavy metal. Released on July 25, 1986, the album exemplifies Loudness' evolving sound and impact. With powerful compositions and skilled musicianship, 'Lightning Strikes' solidifies Loudness' position as pioneers of the genre, leaving an enduring mark on the global heavy metal landscape."
In the vibrant year of 1986, a thunderous force from Japan struck the global metal scene. Loudness, a band that had already made its mark in the East, unleashed their sixth studio album, "Lightning Strikes," venturing into the western market with a bolt of sonic energy.
This album arrived at a pivotal time in heavy metal history. The Sunset Strip was ablaze with glam metal's flamboyant excesses, and thrash metal was gaining momentum with its raw aggression. Loudness, however, carved their own path, blending traditional metal elements with their unique Japanese sensibility.
"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, while "Ashes in the Sky" delved into darker, more complex territory.
This musical exploration wasn't without its controversies. Some critics accused the band of compromising their sound for the sake of commercial success, while others praised their willingness to experiment and evolve. Regardless of the differing opinions, "Lightning Strikes" ignited a passionate debate among metal fans.
Recorded at Sedic and Take One Studios in Tokyo, "Lightning Strikes" captured the raw energy and meticulous craftsmanship of Loudness. The band consisted of Minoru Niihara on vocals, Akira Takasaki on guitar, Masayoshi Yamashita on bass, and Munetaka Higuchi on drums. Each member contributed their unique talents, creating a sound that was both powerful and refined.
At the forefront of Loudness was their charismatic frontman, Minoru Niihara. His powerful vocals, ranging from soaring highs to gritty lows, were a defining feature of the band's sound. Niihara's stage presence and passionate delivery further solidified his status as a metal icon.
"Lightning Strikes" was a defining moment in Loudness' career. It marked their bold foray into the western market and solidified their position as pioneers of Japanese heavy metal. While the album sparked controversy, it ultimately showcased Loudness' musical evolution and unwavering commitment to their craft.
Music Genre: Japanese Heavy Metal Music |
Album Production Information: Produced by Max Norman
Bill Freesh - Sound Engineer Masashi Got? - Sound Engineer Masashi Got? is a Japanese Sound Engineer and has been engineering some of Japan's major heavy metal bands: Earthshaker and Loudness. Bob Ludwig - Mastering Engineer My quick tell for a record that’s about to sound expensive: “Mastered by Bob Ludwig” quietly lurking in the credits. Read more... Bob Ludwig, for me, is the final boss of “make it hit”: cutting lacquers at A&R in the late ’60s, shaping the 1970s at Sterling Sound, the 1976–1992 Masterdisk era, then building Gateway Mastering in Maine (founded 1992) before retiring in 2023. His mastering fingerprints run from classic rock to metal to modern pop—Led Zeppelin and Lou Reed through Metallica, Nirvana, Tool, and Daft Punk. Hiro Itoh - Photography Hiro Itoh a photographer from Japan who has during the 1980s has made photos for most album covers of the Heavy Metal band Loudness, as well as for bands like Dokken, Stryper, Testament. Hiroyuki "Otosan" Yoshihama - Photographer Joe Cornish - Photography Jon Furley - Photography George Azuma - Producer, Supervisor Additional notes on the production team:
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Record Label & Catalognr: ATCO 790 512 / LC 0120 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record |
Year & Country: 1986 Made in USA |
Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Loudness Lightning Strikes |
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| Photo of Album's Back Cover |
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Photo of Record Label
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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 Lightning Strikes |
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Complete Track Listing of: Loudness Lightning Strikes |
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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
"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