LOUDNESS disillusion AX-7407

Gearing up for their global assault, Japanese heavy metal pioneers Loudness released this crucial album: “Disillusion – English Version.” This 12-inch vinyl LP, released on July 1, 1984, carries the Columbia catalog number AX-7407. This specific copy retains its original shrinkwrap with the obisticker.

This album served as the English-language counterpart to their Japanese-language version (“Disillusion” AF-7246), signaling the band’s serious international ambitions right before their major US breakthrough.

The album’s core (tracks A2-B5) was recorded at the renowned Sarm Studios in London with engineer Julian Mendelsohn, and mastered at Tape One by Geoff Pesche, giving it a world-class sound. The opening instrumental, “Anthem (Loudness Overture),” was recorded later in Tokyo. Produced by the band, it features their classic material, including “Crazy Doctor,” “Esper,” “Milky Way,” and “Ares’ Lament,” re-recorded with English vocals (lyrics translated by Tammy MacCleandon).

This limited edition pressing (reportedly 30,000 copies) came with an inner sheet. AX-7407 is a vital piece of Loudness history, documenting their first major step in presenting their music directly to an English-speaking audience.