"The beat kicks you in the head, alright"
03/05/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you like Loudness (all 17 of you), you'll probably like this. There are 14 tracks, including "Crazy Night", which was the only song I knew. I'm not much of an expert on Loudness, but the sound quality of the CD is really good. About a third of the songs are in Japanese, at least in part. Here's a rundown of the songs: 1)Road Racer - moves at a mid-tempo gallop, good melody, in Japanese 2)Crazy Doctor - A rocker, it reminds me of early Dokken minus Don's vocals. Good song. 3)Ares' Lament - Power ballad with Yngwie-style fills. If you like ballads... 4)Speed - This one kicks! It's like early Priest/Scorpions. 5)In The Mirror - In Japanese, uptempo rocker. No clue what it's about. 6)Crazy Night - Worth the price of the CD alone. Oh, how I miss 1984-86. 7)Burning Love - Didn't I already hear this song? I wouldn't know, as it's in Japanese. Rocks rightously, totaly '80s 8)Run For Your Life - Stop-and-go,part ballad,part plodding rocker. Not bad, but not the best,either. 9)Angel Dust - Cool tune. Very Priest-ish. 10)Eruption (instrumental) - Not what you're thinking. Keyboad heavy w/ harmony guitars. Could have been left off. 11)Bad News - the pre-chourus does what you do with a straw, the rest is alright. 12) Sleepless Night - Cool tune. A few listens, and I'll be annoying my neighbors 24-7 with this one. Mid-tempo, with "Woo oh my baby honey" chorus. 13)Dream Fantasy 14)Loudness -both rock!"
Swansong of the Forgotten
Matt Lovett | 08/28/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Loudness was one of the most talented Metal bands of the 80's, superior to many of the era's better remembered acts. It is a shame to see their great work go nearly unheard of today, their clean sound, and lightning rhythyms deserved more than the obscurity they have gotten in the U.S. This CD contains much of their best work from the band's beginning through their first U.S. release (Thunder in the East). Loudness' overall sound might be best described as a mixture of 80's British and Speed Metal (With a truly outstanding guitarist) with just a trace of pop sensibilities. (But never overbearingly so)The best tracks are at least partially in Japanese, "Fantasy", "Angeldust" and "In the Mirror" stand out clearly.This CD is a rare gem for any fan of 80's metal, and a MUST for any Loudness fan. You won't be sorry...."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1