LOUDNESS Members, Gear & Sound
Japanese heavy metal band
Members
Select a LOUDNESS band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
LOUDNESS is a pioneering Japanese heavy metal band, renowned for their high-energy performances and powerful, intricate guitar work. Formed in 1981 in Osaka, Japan, the group originally consisted of Akira Takasaki (guitar), Munetaka Higuchi (drums), Minoru Niihara (vocals), and Masayoshi Yamashita (bass). They are celebrated for their contributions to various metal subgenres, including progressive metal, speed metal, and glam metal, often integrating elements of neo-classical and traditional heavy metal into their sound. LOUDNESS quickly rose to fame with a series of chart-topping albums in Japan and made a significant impact internationally with their 1985 album Thunder in the East.
How to Sound Like LOUDNESS
LOUDNESS's sound is a potent mix of aggressive guitar riffs and virtuosic solos, driven by Takasaki's Eddie Van Halen-inspired guitar heroics. The band's sonic character is both melodic and aggressive, with a blend of clean and distorted tones. This is exemplified by Takasaki's use of the Killer KG Prime guitar, which provides a sharp, cutting edge to his playing. His setup often includes the Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head, known for its rich, tube-driven warmth, essential for capturing the fiery essence of LOUDNESS's sound. The incorporation of effects like the TC Electronic SCF Stereo Chorus Flanger adds a layer of depth and complexity, enhancing the band's dynamic range and contributing to their signature, electrifying performances.
Discography
THE BIRTHDAY EVE 〜誕生前夜〜
1981
DEVIL SOLDIER 〜戦慄の奇蹟〜
1982
THE LAW OF DEVIL'S LAND 〜魔界典章〜
1983
LIVE-LOUD-ALIVE LOUDNESS IN TOKYO
1983
DISILLUSION 〜撃剣霊化〜
1984
DISILLUSION (English version)
1984
Thunder In The East
1985
Lightning Strikes
1986
Hurricane Eyes
1987
JEALOUSY (30th ANNIVERSARY Edition)
1988
Soldier Of Fortune
1989
On the Prowl (INT'L Ver.)
1991
LOUDNESS (30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION; 2022 Remix)
1992
![Once and for All (Live) [INT'L Ver.] album cover](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/47070/once-and-for-all-live-int-l-ver.jpg)
Once and for All (Live) [INT'L Ver.]
1994
EUROBOUNDS Remastered
2000
SPIRITUAL CANOE 〜輪廻転生〜
2001
PANDEMONIUM 〜降臨幻術〜
2001
Eve To Dawn
2011
THE SUN WILL RISE AGAIN～撃魂霊刀
2014
2･0･1･2（Remaster Version)
2014
BIOSPHERE -新世界- (Digital Remastering)
2014
THE EVERLASTING -魂宗久遠-（Remaster Version）
2014
TERROR～剥離～（Remaster Version）
2014
Racing -音速- （Remaster Version）
2014
Racing - 音速- (English Version)
2014
ROCK SHOCKS（Remaster Version）
2014
METAL MAD（Remaster Version）
2014
KING OF PAIN 因果応報（Remaster Version）
2014
BREAKING THE TABOO（Remaster Version）
2014
THE SUN WILL RISE AGAIN -US MIX-
2015
8186 Now and Then (Live)
2017
Rise to Glory
2018
Crazy Nights
2018
Live in Tokyo
2019
LOUDNESS JAPAN TOUR 19 HURRICANE EYES + JEALOUSY Live at Zepp Tokyo 31 May, 2019 (オーディオバージョン)
2019
Dragon + Ghetto Machine
2020
SOLDIER OF FORTUNE (30th ANNIVERSARY, Audio Version)
2020
ON THE PROWL (30th Anniversary Edition)
2021
Sunburst～我武者羅
2022
Get the LOUDNESS Sound
Want to sound like LOUDNESS? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
