LOUDNESS devil soldier AF-7123-B

The Early Assault Continues: Loudness’ ‘Devil Soldier’ (AF-7123-B)

Let’s focus on the crucial second album from Japan’s heavy metal pioneers, Loudness. This is “Devil Soldier” (戦慄の奇蹟 – Senritsu no Kiseki), released on the B&M imprint (Nippon Columbia) with the catalog number AF-7123-B. This particular copy is a limited edition pressing that came with a poster and includes the original obi strip.

Issued on July 21, 1982, this 12-inch vinyl LP arrived swiftly after their debut, demonstrating the band’s intense creative momentum. For this album, they brought in American engineer Daniel MacClendon, helping to shape their powerful, raw sound. “Devil Soldier” is considered a foundational album in Japanese heavy metal, perfectly capturing the band’s early power.

The album unleashes a potent collection of early 80s heavy metal, showcasing Akira Takasaki’s high-speed guitar work, Minoru Niihara’s signature shouts, and the thick, driving rhythm section of Masayoshi Yamashita and Munetaka Higuchi. It features classic tracks that became fan favorites, including “Lonely Player,” “Angel Dust,” “Rock The Nation,” and the epic title track.

AF-7123-B is a vital piece of the Loudness legacy, capturing the raw, developing power of the band on their essential second album. The inclusion of the original obi and poster makes this limited edition pressing a particularly prized item for collectors of classic J-Metal.