Loudness band photo

LOUDNESS Set to Record New Album Ahead of 45th Anniversary

By Jason •
The legendary Japanese metal giants are gearing up to unleash a fresh sonic assault following their acclaimed 'Sunburst'.

In a raucous display of heavy metal prowess, LOUDNESS took to the stage on July 5 at the Time To Rock festival in Knislinge, Sweden. Fan-filmed footage captures the energy of the performance, showcasing why this band has endured the test of time.

At the Tuska festival in Helsinki, Finland, frontman Minoru Niihara and guitar virtuoso Akira Takasaki dropped a bombshell on fans: the band is already deep in the creative process for a new album, a follow-up to their 2021 release, 'Sunburst'. Niihara revealed to South East Wreck Metal that Takasaki is brimming with ideas, boasting a staggering 30 potential tracks. “We will record maybe 10 songs from 30 songs. But it will be released pretty soon. Maybe end of this year,” he stated, sending ripples of excitement through the metal community.

'Sunburst', which hit global markets in July 2022 via earMUSIC, marked a significant milestone in LOUDNESS's storied career as their first official double studio album. This ambitious project not only celebrated their rich musical history but also showcased the band’s ability to innovate, with the majority of its 16 tracks penned by Takasaki and sung predominantly in Japanese.

The band is gearing up to celebrate their 45th anniversary in December 2025, a monumental occasion for a group that has paved the way for many in the metal realm. Formed in 1981, LOUDNESS made waves in the '80s, breaking barriers as the first Japanese band to sign with an international label and perform at Madison Square Garden. Their international debut, 'Thunder In The East', and its hit single 'Crazy Nights' secured their place in metal history.

Despite the numerous lineup changes over the decades, the current formation is a powerful blend of original members Niihara, Takasaki, and bassist Masayoshi Yamashita, alongside drummer Masayuki Suzuki, who joined in 2009. The legacy of original drummer Munetaka Higuchi, who passed away in 2008, continues to resonate within the band as they forge ahead into new musical territories.