Loudness
The Law of Devil's Land

THE REVIEW

Loudness is a Japanese heavy metal band founded in Osaka in May 1981 by guitarist Akira Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi (who passed away in 2008 due to an incurable liver disease). They are considered the pioneers of what is called by the Japanese "Japameta," meaning "Made in Japan" metal. Additionally, they are the first metal group from Japan to gain notoriety abroad, managing to reach the Billboard Top 100 during their most successful period and to release albums with a U.S. record label.

In Europe and America, Loudness is better known for Thunder In The East, their first American album, but The Law of Devil's Land and the subsequent Disillusion are decidedly superior, being harder, purer, and less commercial compared to those from their U.S. period.

The Law of Devil's Land, released way back in 1983, showcases some of the band's best performances and compositions, as shown by the engaging In the Mirror, the explosive title track, as well as the catchy Show Me the Way and I Wish You Were Here. There are also slower tracks that nod to progressive rock and Rush, such as the ballad Mr.Yes Man or the dark Black Wall. The album finally closes with Sleepless Night, a hymn to nightlife, and the very fast Speed. In short, this album represents a turning point in the band's history, and thanks to this, they were able to secure their first tour in Europe and North America. The album is entirely sung in Japanese, released in Japan in 1983 by Nippon Columbia, and was later released in Europe in 2005 by the Dutch label Roadrunner Records.