Search - Loudness :: Spiritual Canoe: Rinne Tensei

Back at last!

eveoflove | North York, Ontario Canada | 06/16/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Made in JAP in 2001, Serial# COCP-31280, Playing Time 63:43If you like the LOUDNESS of the 90's, stop reading here: you'll hate this review; but if you're nostalgic of the LOUDNESS of the early days, read on!The original quartet is back in full force: singer Niihara returns at last, projecting the band into new heights. Leaving the band in the late 80's, Niihara was replaced by singer Vescera (who was later on recruited by Yngwie), and the band still demonstrated good energy and enthusiasm.The band was "reborn" in 1992 with new vocalist Yamada, and released an album simply called "Loudness": that's when, in my opinion, the whole thing collapsed. Releasing a series of dreadful albums in the 1990's (still, I have them all!), the group was saved from going into oblivion through the sheer talent of guitarist Takasaki."Spiritual Canoe" is a blend of the sounds of the 1990s (but nicely cleaned-up from the sludgy textures) with the powerful and appealing voice of Niihara. Sure, there's still some improvement needed, but this album is above anything LOUDNESS has released in the last 10 years (excluding the recently released "Eurobounds" album, recorded live in 1984).If you enjoyed LOUDNESS in the 90's, you'll probably enjoy this because the band is back with a real singer; if your tastes are more in the vein of "Disillusion" and "Devil Soldier", grab this. It may be sung in japanese, but it's sung..."

A testament to true artistry and perseverance

forevershredder | Dallas, Texas United States | 06/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well this CD only has one impression for me. It blew me away far beyond my expectations. I have been a fan since 85 and somewhat lost touch with them over the years, but i have recently rediscovered Loudness with the re release of Thunder in th East, and my curiousity forged me to seek out a newer album and low and behold Spiritual Canoe. This album is really magic to my auditory senses. What really makes me give the utmost respect to this rare breed, is that unlike many groups from their era (most of whom are gone or a shell of their former selves), they really have progressed as people and musicians and are STILL creating relevant bodies of work. Though the fire power of old loudness is still in tact in this release, Spiritual Canoe does'nt sound completely like old loudness, it sounds more like a mature modern day version of Loudness with a broader pallete of sounds. Beleive me, these gentlement still thrash and groove at the highest level and they prove it on this album.I am so impressed by Spiritual Canoe that i will go ahead and say that this is now my favorite loudness album and have been hunting on Ebay and CDNow to get every Loudness album i can get my hands on. In Short, If you are willing to let this band grow up then you will fall in love with this album and Loudness all over again."

Return of classic metal sound!

forevershredder | 09/16/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is vintage Loudness that ranks right up there with Disillusion! Akira shreds on guitar as usual, but in my opinion it is Minoru who steals the show with his potent shrieks and growls. With a nod toward the classic heavy metal sound of the early '80s, the boys still aren't afraid to add new touches, too. From grunge textures to a Limp Bizkit-like pass at rap-metal, Loudness tries it all. It's a kick! I saw Loudness in concert back in '85 and '86. This album took me right back. If you like good, hard, powerful rock, this is the album to get. It may take a few listens, but don't give up on it. Like anything that's worth anything, it grows on you. And once it's taken hold, you're hooked!"