Even though every rock band under the sun went to Japan and seemed to be huge, there weren’t that many Japanese bands coming the other way for their chance at world domination. The best metal band to leave the land of the rising sun were Loudness and this is not open to debate. Mainly due to the extraordinary talents of guitarist, Akita Takasaki, who formed the band in ’81. They were the first Japanese metal act to sign a record deal outside of their own country. This is the 5th studio album released after the mighty Disillusion, which did really well around the world.
The first thing that you notice when opening track Crazy Nights kicks in, is how similar they sound to Accept – who also have that hard edged sound. Huge riff and killer solo. Like Hell follows, and again, as soon as the riff starts there is a very European approach to the sound. Heavy Chains is all about Akira right from the intro to the Manowar riff and the killer solo. Get Away has a very NWOBHM opening riff and vibe to the whole song. We Could Be Together closes out Side 1 and the opening riff is very reminiscent of Randy era Ozzy.
Side 2 starts with Run For Your Life with a really cool guitar heavy intro, and stands out as the most unusual track on the record as they are trying something a little different, which in my opinion, works really well. Clockwork Toy is fat riff city with double kicks and is the heaviest track on the album. No Way Out is very Schenker era UFO in sound, and a big mention to producer Max Norman for a killer production, and gave the band the huge sound that lifts the whole album. The Lines Are Down is back to NWOBHM territory with the riff and the Iron Maiden gallop. Album close out track, Never Change Your Mind, has an intro that is a near lift from Closer To The Heart, and to be honest, is a disappointing end to what is a pretty good album with its cigarette lighter feel. Remember this is 1985, and for the time it’s a good album, but listening to it now it still feels like I’m in a time warp.
7/10 from The Grooveman.
