LOUDNESS thunder in the east 90246-1

The Storm Hits America: Loudness’ Breakthrough ‘Thunder in the East’ (90246-1)

Today we highlight the album that famously broke Japanese heavy metal onto the global stage: Loudness’ legendary “Thunder in the East.” This entry focuses specifically on the US vinyl pressing released by Atco Records in 1985, carrying the catalog number 90246-1 with hype sticker.

While also released in Japan, this Atco version represents the album’s targeted assault on the lucrative American market, a move that proved incredibly successful. “Thunder in the East,” the band’s fifth studio album, was their first recorded entirely in English and produced specifically for international appeal by Max Norman, renowned for his work with Ozzy Osbourne. It made history by becoming the first album by a Japanese heavy metal band to break into the US Billboard Top 100 chart.

The album is a defining masterpiece of 80s heavy metal. It perfectly balances the band’s incredible musicianship – Akira Takasaki’s jaw-dropping guitar pyrotechnics, Munetaka Higuchi’s powerful drumming, Masayoshi Yamashita’s solid bass – with Minoru Niihara’s powerful, accented English vocals and incredibly catchy, anthemic songwriting. It features iconic tracks like the massive hit “Crazy Nights,” the blazing speed metal of “Like Hell,” and the powerful “Heavy Chains,” songs that became staples on rock radio and MTV.

The Atco pressing (90246-1) is the physical embodiment of Loudness’ international breakthrough. It brought their unique brand of Japanese heavy metal to a massive new audience and remains a landmark achievement, showcasing world-class talent and songwriting that transcended borders.