LOUDNESS shadows of war P-13264

Casting Shadows: Loudness’ Japanese ‘Shadows of War’ (P-13264)

Today we turn our attention back to Japanese heavy metal giants Loudness, focusing on their sixth studio album, “Shadows of War,” specifically the original Japanese vinyl pressing released by Warner-Pioneer Corporation with the catalog number P-13264, promo/sample pressing with obi.

Issued on March 24, 1986, this 12-inch LP holds a unique place in the band’s discography. While the music formed the basis of their internationally released album “Lightning Strikes,” “Shadows of War” (P-13264) is the distinct Japanese domestic version. It features the powerful vocals of Minoru Niihara delivered entirely in Japanese and is known to have different mixes and potentially slightly different arrangements compared to its more widely known English counterpart.

This album captures the classic Loudness lineup – Niihara, guitarist Akira Takasaki, bassist Masayoshi Yamashita, and drummer Munetaka Higuchi – during their period of peak international activity, following the breakthrough success of “Thunder in the East.” The music is prime Loudness: technically brilliant, aggressive heavy metal infused with strong melodic hooks and unforgettable guitar riffs from Takasaki.

For collectors and dedicated fans, the Japanese version “Shadows of War” (P-13264) is a crucial acquisition. It offers the chance to hear these iconic heavy metal anthems in their original Japanese language form, providing a different perspective on the album known internationally as “Lightning Strikes” and representing the band’s direct connection with their home audience during their global rise.