LOUDNESS disillusion AF-7246

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

Today’s entry highlights the fourth studio album from Japanese heavy metal pioneers Loudness, a record marking a significant step in their journey towards international recognition. We are focusing on “Disillusion” (撃剣霊化 – Gekiken Reika), released on the Columbia label (Nippon Columbia) with the catalog number AF-7246.

Issued on January 21, 1984, this 12-inch vinyl LP arrived just before the band made their major international breakthrough. Indicative of their growing ambition, “Disillusion” was notably recorded at the legendary Sarm Studios in London, England, and engineered by Julian Mendelsohn, known for his work with major international acts. Mastering was handled by Geoff Pesche at Tape One. This move to record overseas with a renowned engineer signaled Loudness’ intent to achieve world-class production quality.

Produced by the band themselves, the album features the classic Loudness lineup delivering their signature, powerful heavy metal sound, refined with a crisp, professional edge courtesy of the high-end studio and engineering. It contains some of their most enduring anthems, including the iconic “Crazy Doctor,” “Esper,” “Milky Way,” and the epic “Ares’ Lament,” showcasing Akira Takasaki’s breathtaking guitar work, Minoru Niihara’s soaring vocals, and the thunderous rhythm section of Masayoshi Yamashita and Munetaka Higuchi.

“Disillusion” (AF-7246) stands as a crucial album in the Loudness discography. It captures the band at a peak of creative power, delivering high-quality J-Metal with world-class production, perfectly setting the stage for their imminent global assault.