Veteran Japanese metallers LOUDNESS have just released their new studio album, “Sunburst”, outside Japan via earMUSIC. The effort was originally made available in Japan last December.
In the official music video for the staccato, riff-driven new single “OEOEO”, which is sung in LOUDNESS‘s native language, the musicians give praise and appreciation to their origin and roots, supported with pictures of some of Japan’s most famous landmarks, such as Mount Fuji, Osaka Castle, or the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, which is where the 1970s world fair took place. In particular, fans of guitar wizard Akira Takasaki will not be disappointed, as he shows his incomparable craft on the six-string with a performance that is second to none.
During a career spanning over 40 years, LOUDNESS built a rich musical foundation with many studio albums, EPs and live albums. With “Sunburst”, they’ve added another milestone to the great catalogue, their 29th studio album, to be precise.
“Sunburst” is the first official double studio album in LOUDNESS‘s impressive career, making it particularly special as it can be considered a celebration of the band’s rich musical history. The 16 songs represent the classic LOUDNESS sound and style, highly acclaimed by fans and critics alike. Written mostly by original member Takasaki, the majority of songs are sung in Japanese, representing their appreciation of their origin and roots.
“Sunburst” Album Artwork
“Sunburst” was released as a digital album as well as a 2CD digipak edition with an extensive booklet that includes the English translation of all lyrics.
Disc 1:
1. Rising Sun
2. OEOEO
3. Yamato Damashii
4. Kaso Genjitsu (Virtual Reality)
5. Crazy World
6. Stand Or Fall
7. The Sanzu River
8. Nihon No Kokoro (The Heart Of Japan)
Disc 2:
1. Kagayakeru 80’s (Shining 80’s)
2. Emerald No Umi (Emerald Ocean)
3. Tengoku No Tobira (Heaven’s Door)
4. All Will Be Fine With You
5. Fire In The Sky
6. Hunger For More
7. The Nakigara
8. Wonderland
LOUDNESS has dominated the Japanese heavy metal scene ever since its birth in 1981 with classic albums like “Thunder In The East” (1985) and “Lightning Strikes” (1986). Their last studio album, 2018’s “Rise To Glory”, was highly acclaimed both by the heavy metal maniacs and the critics. The LOUDNESS‘s lineup has changed multiple times since 1981, with the current incarnation consisting of three original members — lead singer Minoru Niihara, guitarist Akira Takasaki and bassist Masayoshi Yamashita — along with drummer Masayuki Suzuki, who joined the group in 2009.
Original LOUDNESS drummer Munetaka Higuchi died in 2008 after a year-long battle with liver cancer.
