LOUDNESS burning love AH-203-B

A truly foundational release in Japanese heavy metal history is the focus for this entry. We are looking at the debut 7-inch single from the legendary band Loudness, “Burning Love.”

Released on May 1, 1982, via the B&M label (Nippon Columbia) with the catalog number AH-203-B, this 45 RPM vinyl marked the very first shot from the band formed by Akira Takasaki and Munetaka Higuchi after their split from Lazy.

The single features two powerful, non-LP tracks, both penned by Minoru Niihara (lyrics) and Akira Takasaki (music):
A: Burning Love
B: Bad News

The A-side, “Burning Love,” is an iconic, “super-speed” song from their early days. It’s a definitive example of early J-Metal, famous for its tapping intro and a main riff reminiscent of Deep Purple’s “Burn.” Fans note its straightforward, speed-metallic structure.

“Burning Love” holds a special place in metal lore. It’s reportedly a favorite of Metallica’s James Hetfield, and an anecdote persists that Metallica, attending a Loudness show in L.A., specifically requested this song, hinting at its potential influence on the burgeoning thrash scene. AH-203-B stands as the crucial debut single from Japan’s most important heavy metal band.