LOUDNESS lightning strikes P-13333

Striking the Global Stage Again: Loudness’ ‘Lightning Strikes’ (P-13333)

Let’s focus on the international version of a pivotal mid-80s album from Japanese heavy metal giants Loudness. This is “Lightning Strikes,” specifically the Japanese vinyl pressing released by Warner-Pioneer Corporation (under ATCO Records) with the catalog number P-13333. This copy retains its original outer shrinkwrap with the obisticker.

Issued in 1986, this 9-track, 12-inch LP is the internationally marketed counterpart to their Japanese album “Shadows of War.” The hype sticker on this release clarifies that it is the “Shadows Of War US Mix Version.” While featuring many of the same core songs, “Lightning Strikes” (P-13333) presents them with English lyrics sung by Minoru Niihara and the powerful, polished production of Max Norman, which was tailored for the Western market. The tracklist is also slightly different, most notably featuring “Ashes In The Sky” instead of the “Shadows of War” title track.

Following the massive success of “Thunder in the East,” “Lightning Strikes” continued Loudness’ successful run in the US, famously hitting #64 on the Billboard album chart. It’s packed with high-energy heavy metal anthems, including the popular track “Let It Go,” all showcasing the classic lineup’s world-class musicianship.

P-13333 represents the band solidifying their presence on the international stage. For Japanese fans and collectors, it was a “must-have” item, offering a distinctly different, English-language version of the “Shadows of War” material, making it an essential companion piece to the domestic release.