HIGUCHI, MUNETAKA destruction AF-7201-B
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Artist = HIGUCHI, MUNETAKA
Title = destruction
Label = B&M
Catalog# = AF-7201-B
Barcode = none
Release = JAPAN
Year = 1983
RPM = 33rpm
Disc Size = 12"
Number of Discs = 1
Mono/Stereo = stereo
loudness, kenji kitajima(g), char(g), nobuo yamada(vo, lazy), kyoji yamamoto(g, vow wow, bow wow, wild flags)
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Let’s spotlight the debut solo album from one of Japan’s most legendary and influential drummers: Munetaka Higuchi, the powerhouse behind the kit for the iconic heavy metal band Loudness. This is his 1983 album, “Destruction” (Hakai Gaisenroku), released on the B&M label (Nippon Columbia) with the catalog number AF-7201-B. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.
Issued on May 21, 1983, this 12-inch vinyl LP arrived during a period of intense activity for Loudness. Higuchi’s solo debut was not merely a drum showcase but a fully-fledged “Munetaka Higuchi Band” album, featuring a “who’s who” of elite musicians from the Japanese rock and metal scene.
“Destruction” is a powerful showcase, demonstrating Higuchi’s musical vision as a composer and arranger. The album features a dynamic mix of hard-driving instrumental tracks and powerful vocal-led songs. The guest list is incredible, featuring guitarists Kyoji Yamamoto (Bow Wow), Kenji Kitajima, Hiroaki Matsuzawa (Make-Up), and even the legendary Char (Naoto Takenaka). Bass duties were handled by Ken Watanabe (ex-Prism) and Yoshihiro Naruse (Casiopea), with Yuki Nakajima (Heavy Metal Army) on keyboards. Vocals were provided by Keiji Katayama (ex-Bluw/Spaed), Nobuo Yamada (Make-Up/Lazy), and JJ (ex-Heavy Metal Army/Murasaki).
Fans and critics note that Higuchi masterfully balanced the album, avoiding the common pitfall of a drummer’s solo record. Instead of overpowering the songs, his drumming serves to elevate them, providing a powerful, emotional, and heavy foundation while allowing the all-star guests to shine. The album is praised for its timeless quality, diverse songwriting (from the driving “Law Breaker: M” to the powerful ballad “Runaway From Yesterday,” and the fiery instrumental title track), and overall balance, feeling less like a solo project and more like a superb heavy metal supergroup album.
AF-7201-B is a crucial release for fans of Munetaka Higuchi, Loudness, and the broader 80s J-Metal scene, showcasing the musical mind of a legendary drummer and the collaborative spirit of the era.