Japan: a place so far from us, yet possessing a passion for Heavy Metal as strong as ours

By Lucas Gabriel

Heavy metal in non-American or non-European countries is no longer as difficult to discover as it once was. Thanks to the internet, countless bands around the world have become easily accessible to many headbangers thirsty for new sounds. However, for some people, the idea of ​​metal made by cultures so distant from their own is still strange. In fact, the idea of ​​any entertainment media made by a people very different from one's own is still taboo. Doubt it? Just look at the number of people who can't watch movies that aren't big Hollywood productions.

Fortunately, there is already a considerable number of lovers of good music who know that good music has no nationality, race, gender, or creed. You just have to be open to listening.

The place I'd like to highlight at the beginning of this text is Japan. That's right, the land of Godzilla and Jaspion. A place that seems so far away from us, but which has a passion for Heavy Metal as strong as ours.

Don't be fooled into thinking that it only features bands with the extravagant visual style of Key, groups that are limited to doing anime openings, or the beloved by some and hated by others, Babymetal, that group of three girls who sing all cute over a powerful and very well-made instrumental, the so-called "Kawaii Metal" (yet another subgenre for the collection).

It was Loudness and the Orient bursting in with a karate chop at the door of the big names in Heavy Metal

From the most extreme Black Metal to the most over-the-top Hard Rock, they have a rich scene and truly crazy people. Don't be fooled by the peaceful and quiet nature of the Japanese; at shows there, things get wild just like anywhere else in the world. Doubt it? Ask Pedro Poney, vocalist and bassist of the Brasilia Thrash Metal band Violator, who told me this in an informal conversation before going on stage, once when they played in a city near mine.

Examples of bands to listen to? Maximum the Hormone, Bow Wow, Sly, Ezo, Sabbat, Church of Misery, and so many others. However, I'd like to talk more specifically about my favorite, the classic Loudness, and what I consider their best album. I'm talking about "Thunder in the East".

Before we begin, let's talk a little about the band. Loudness emerged in the early eighties and is considered the biggest name in the Japanese Heavy Metal scene. The lineup that solidified and is present on this album is Minoru Nihara (vocals), Akira Takasaki (guitar), Masayoshi Yamashita (bass), and Munetaka Higushi (drums, deceased in 2008).

The band had released darker, yet consistent albums like "The Birthday Eve" and "The Law of Devil's Land," where they built a name for themselves in the Japanese underground and around the world through tape trading. However, it was with "Thunder In The East," their debut on Atlantic Records, that they truly broke through and were placed in the pantheon of the greats of the eighties. It was Loudness and the East bursting in with a karate chop to the door of the big names in Heavy Metal. The band's chemistry was perfect, with each member performing their role very well. Special mention, of course, goes to the great guitarist Akira Takasaki, a great and creative musician who doesn't receive the recognition he deserves.

The fact that they sought a more accessible and captivating sound, driven by memorable songs and aided by Max Norman's production, was a decisive factor in their success and worldwide acceptance. This is perfectly exemplified in the opening track of the album, undoubtedly the band's biggest hit. I'm talking about " Crazy Nights ." With its characteristic riff, exciting drive, and sing-along vocal lines (and that accented English), it's one of those songs I would easily include in a compilation of great Heavy Metal anthems from any era and anywhere in the world. A classic.

But “Thunder in The East” isn’t just about that. Like Hell is just as good, and keeps up the pace very well. We have the fast-paced Get Away and Clockwork Toy with its killer solo. Not to mention We Could Be Together and Run For Your Life . One good track after another, never letting the energy drop.

In short, it's a classic that you definitely need to hear and have in your collection. Listen to it today.

*This text was written by a Wikimate and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the site's authors.