Who would’ve thought? Finally Japan’s finest metal band Loudness are touring Australia 38 years into their highly successful and prolific career. Last night Melbourne was first up and treated to a master class in great musicianship and killer riffs courtesy of world class axe master Akira Takasaki and his band. Supporting on the night were Espionage and Envenomed.
The anticipation from the large and noisy Maxx Watts crowd was high as the intro tape rolled then right on time like a Japanese bullet train Loudness hit the stage with the first of many tracks from their 80’s era in Crazy Nights. The first thing that struck me was the clarity and volume of the band – Japanese precision at its finest. The punters instantly had their fists pumping and were singing along to the M-Z-A chant of the chorus. When you start with one of your best known classics where do you go from there?
Right into another 2 tracks from their breakthrough album “Thunder In The East” this time it’s “Like Hell” followed by the rather excellent “Heavy Chains” – vocalist Minoru Niihara in fine voice in the mellow intro which leads the song into the metal monster that it is. Minoru then addressed the crowd for the first time with his engaging broken English and the band launched into the song that most likely introduced many fans here in Australia to the band, “Let It Go” from the Lightning Strikes opus.
The setlist was as promised heavy on the mid-80’s era – next up was “We Could Be Together” and the early classic “In The Mirror” originally on their 3rd album “The Law Of Devil’s Land”. Considering this was the first gig the band have played all year they were a well oiled machine and were clearly having a ball delivering their tunes to a new audience of rabid fans. Things slowed down a little with 2 ballads in a row “In My Dreams” and “So Lonely” then it was time for some new songs from last years amazing “Rise To Glory” album “Soul On Fire” and “I’m Still Alive”. A brief drum solo lead into 2 of their more commercial hard rock tracks “Rock N Roll Gypsy” and “This Lonely Heart” from the “Hurricane Eyes” album then we were treated to the brilliant “Crazy Doctor” from the 1984 album “Disillusion”.
Last song of the night was “S.D.I.” before the band took their bows and left to the strains of their instrumental Farewell playing through the PA. No encores were forthcoming but the crowd tried hard – the band had left all they had on the stage and retreated to the band room confident that they had conquered their first Australian audience and that same audience left exhausted and satisfied after a night of world class heavy metal. Lets hope this won’t be the last time Loudness grace our shores. Sydney is tonight with tickets still available and Brisbane Saturday. BE THERE!
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Scott Smith: Lens Of Rock
LOUDNESS May 2019 Australian Tour Dates:
Thursday 9th May – Melbourne / Max Watts
Friday 10th May – Sydney / Crow Bar
Saturday 11th May – Brisbane / Woolly Mammoth
Get your tickets from: http://www.silverbacktouring.com/
