Loudness "Thunder In The East"

Japanese name: ラウドネス

Loudness was formed in 1981 by Akira Takasaki, Munetaka Higuchi, and Hiroyuki Tanaka who were transitioning from rock band Lazy to trying their hand at a heavy metal band, unhappy with the musical direction of Lazy. Shortly after formation, however, Tanaka quit the band to pursue a career in anime soundtracks with the band Neverland. In turn, Takasaki recruited childhood friend Masayoshi Yamashita as the new bassist and shortly after hired frontman Minoru Niihara formerly of Earthshaker through an audition.

In 1985 following the band's first North American and European tours Twisted Sister's co-manager Joe Gerber helped Loudness ink a deal with Atco Records.

Thunder in the East is the fifth studio album by Japanese heavy metal band Loudness, and the first released by a major American label after the contract signed with Atco Records, then a subsidiary of Atlantic Records. Aside from being the band's first all-English release, it is the first Loudness album produced by Max Norman, best known for his previous work with Ozzy Osbourne, who also produced Lightning Strikes in 1986 and Soldier of Fortune in 1989. Thunder in the East features the single "Crazy Nights", the band's biggest hit in America, and the power ballad "Never Change Your Mind". This album marked the first time a Japanese band entered the US Top 100 chart, where it remained for 23 weeks, peaking at No. 74.

The album cover introduced the band's signature logo, which would be used in majority of their discography. The Rising Sun background would also be used in the band's albums Breaking the Taboo and The Sun Will Rise Again. The 2005 remastered version includes the bonus tracks "Gotta Fight" and "Odin", which were originally released as singles for the 1985 anime film Odin: Photon Sailer Starlight.

The chant of "M-Z-A!" featured in the single "Crazy Nights" came about when producer Norman asked lead vocalist Niihara to come up with something to sing over the main riff between the chorus and next verse. "M-Z-A!" means nothing, and it was intended to be replaced with another line in post-production. When Niihara couldn't come up with anything to replace it, the "M-Z-A!" chant survived.

Track listing

All lyrics by Minoru Niihara and all music by Akira Takasaki, except "Heavy Chains" lyrics and music by Masayoshi Yamashita.

Side one

1. "Crazy Nights" - 4:04
2. "Like Hell" - 3:44
3. "Heavy Chains" - 4:18
4. "Get Away" - 3:53
5. "We Could Be Together" - 4:35

Side two

1. "Run for Your Life" - 3:59
2. "Clockwork Toy" - 3:55
3. "No Way Out" - 4:01
4. "The Lines Are Down" - 4:57
5. "Never Change Your Mind" - 4:09

2005 remastered CD edition bonus tracks

1. "Gotta Fight" - 3:46
2. "Odin" - 5:16

Recording information:

Recorded at Sound City Studio, Los Angeles, CA, September and October 1984.

Mastered at Bernie Grundman Mastering, Hollywood, CA.