LOUDNESS disillusion AF-7246

A European Expedition: Loudness’ ‘Disillusion’ (AF-7246)

Let’s explore what many consider a monumental masterpiece in Japanese rock history: the fourth studio album from Loudness, “Disillusion” (撃剣霊化 – Gekiken Reika). Released on January 21, 1984, this 12-inch vinyl LP was issued on the Columbia label (Nippon Columbia) with the catalog number AF-7246. This copy includes the original obi strip.

“Disillusion” represents a massive leap in the band’s career and sound. Moving beyond Japan, the album was recorded at the renowned Sarm Studios in London and engineered by Julian Mendelsohn, giving it a powerful, crisp, and truly international sound that stood apart from their first three albums. Produced by the band themselves, it captured the classic lineup at a creative and technical peak.

The album is widely regarded as a flawless collection with no weak tracks. It’s packed with songs that became concert staples and J-Metal anthems, including the iconic opener “Crazy Doctor,” the blistering-fast “Esper” (which the band joked was too fast for an opener), the melodic “Butterfly,” the drum-driven “Milky Way,” and the epic closer “Ares’ Lament.”

This version, AF-7246, is particularly cherished as it features Minoru Niihara’s powerful vocals delivered entirely in Japanese, which many fans consider the definitive and most passionate recordings of these songs, superior to later English versions. “Disillusion” stands as a cornerstone of the genre, showcasing the band’s world-class musicianship and ambition just before they burst onto the global stage. The original release came with an inner sheet, and initial pressings also included a logo sticker.