Loud Park gig report: Loudness
Japanese metal band Loudness is better than ever live on stage at Loud Park.
Japanese veteran metal band Loudness seems to get better by the day. Having seen them perform numerous gigs in Japan over the past few years, they have always delivered, every single time. This day at Loud Park is no exception. With a new record deal with Ward Records in the bag – the new album “Rise To Glory” will be released on 26th January – they seem to have new energy.
Akira Takasaki is one of the best guitarists in the metal world. He stands above all other guitarists in Asia. But Loudness is more than just a fab guitarist. Bassist Masayoshi Yamashita and drummer Masayuki “Ampan” Suzuki are tight and reliable. Vocalist Minoru Niihara sounds better now than he did in the 1980s. They are currently putting the finishing touches to their next album and I have no doubt that we will get a fab new record.
At Loud Park, while it is a relatively short festival set, they give us a great mix of songs from throughout their career. The first part of the gig consists of newer material. They open with the instrumental song “Fire of Spirit” from 2008, before they perform “Hellrider”, “R.I.P.”, the fabulous “The Sun Will Rise Again” and “Metal Mad”. Then we get the classics from the 80s: “Rock This Way”, “Crazy Nights”, “In The Mirror”, “Crazy Doctor” and “S.D.I.”. Loudness has a big and loyal following in Japan and they always draw a big audience. At Loud Park they are performing in the early afternoon, but they still get a big turnout. And the band rewards the fans with another great Loudness gig.
