LOUDNESS
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Japanese rock pioneers Loudness return to American soil with "Rockshocks," an album containing 13 re-recorded tracks from the band's first five releases and three bonus cuts from their most recent studio endeavor.
Thrust upon a new rock audience who probably never heard of these guys (or even guitarist Akira Takasaki's brilliant virtuoso playing), Loudness faces somewhat of an uphill battle. No matter, because this disc manages to cram in all of the band's greatest hits within the timeframe allotted while updating the band's '80s metal sound with harsher, grittier production values matching today's musical landscape (and to undoubtedly avoid costly royalty fees as well).
Just check out the shredding going down on tracks like "In The Mirror" and "Esper" for a small taste of what these guys can do. If you're fortunate (or unfortunate, take your pick) enough to know someone that remembers these guys open for Motley Crue in the '80s, do yourself a favor and mention this disc and this band to them and see their reaction. Then give them this disc and let them bask in their heavy metal glory.
Loudness: TAKASAKI Akira - guitars; NIIHARA Minoru - vocals; YAMASHITA Masayoshi - bass; HIGUCHI Munetaka - drums.
For more information, check out http://www.takasaki.net/Loudness/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 18 Mar 2024 13:23:52 -0500
.
