LOUDNESS road racer AH-379

Here’s a look at an essential early 7-inch single from Japanese heavy metal legends, Loudness: “Road Racer.” Released on September 21, 1983, via the Columbia label (Nippon Columbia), this 45 RPM vinyl (catalog number AH-379) captures the band’s signature high-speed power.

This single was released just before their classic “Disillusion” album, showcasing the band’s incredible energy and musical evolution.

The single features two tracks, both written by Minoru Niihara (lyrics) and Akira Takasaki (music):
A: Road Racer
B: Shinkiro (Mirage)

The A-side, “Road Racer,” is an iconic, early signature song for the band. It’s a high-speed metal anthem famed for its “engine-roaring” tapping intro from Takasaki, its powerful driving riffs, and Niihara’s high-tone vocals, all combining to create an overwhelming sense of speed and drive. The track was famously used as the theme song for the “’83 TBC Big Road Race.”

The B-side, “Shinkiro,” is another classic track from the same era. Both songs were originally single-only releases, though they were later added as bonus tracks to the 2005 CD reissue of “The Law Of Devil’s Land.” AH-379 stands as a prime example of early Loudness’ power and melody.