LOUDNESS devil soldier AF-7123-B

Solidifying Their Early Assault: Loudness’ ‘Devil Soldier’ (AF-7123-B)

Further cementing their place as pioneers of Japanese heavy metal, Loudness unleashed their sophomore album, “Devil Soldier” (戦慄の奇蹟 – Senritsu no Kiseki), solidifying their impact on the burgeoning scene. Released on July 21, 1982, via the B&M imprint (Nippon Columbia), this 12-inch vinyl LP carries the catalog number AF-7123-B.

Arriving swiftly after their groundbreaking debut, “Devil Soldier” demonstrated the band’s relentless creative drive. It built upon the raw power of “The Birthday Eve,” showcasing increasingly confident musicianship and songwriting. The album delivers pure, early 80s heavy metal across its eight tracks, including powerful anthems like “Lonely Player,” “Angel Dust,” “Rock The Nation,” and the epic title track. Expect blistering guitar work, powerful vocals, a thunderous rhythm section, and the raw energy that defined their initial charge.

The album came packaged with a detailed 4-page insert featuring photos, lyrics, and credits, providing fans with a deeper look into the band’s world. AF-7123-B stands as a vital piece of the Loudness legacy, capturing the band’s raw power and developing sound just before they set their sights on global domination. It remains an essential listen for understanding the roots of Japanese heavy metal.