One of the Greatest Live Records in the Band's Impressive Career - A Review of Loudness' Japan Tour 19 - Hurricane Eyes + Jealousy - Live at Zepp Tokyo 31 May, 2019

Live records have become less appreciated in the age of digital access to music via streaming platforms and the likes. However, some veteran bands have stayed faithful to this type of release and Japanese heavy metal legends Loudness are an excellent example. This generous double live record that offers two CDs and a DVD includes nineteen songs and was recorded four years ago to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of records Hurricane Eyes and Jealousy. Instead of just blandly playing songs from those albums, this output also includes four songs from most recent studio album Rise to Glory -8118- as well as a few cuts from classic records Disillusion and Thunder in the East as an encore.

The final result is a wonderful release for fans of old age, new followers and even occasional listeners alike. This live record shows the relentless energy, vibrant pride and technical skills of the quartet for almost two hours. 

Niihara Minoru might not be the most technically impressive singer in the genre but his charismatic mixture of melodic elegance and rough energy has stood the test of time for four decades and counting as it sounds impressively timeless and youthful.

Bassist Yamashita Masayoshi is often considered the most underestimated member of this legendary band. However, his domineering, playful and vibrant style makes the band's music so catchy, energetic and euphoric. He is able to support the drums in the rhythm department with much feeling, duel the ecstatic guitar passages to balance the band sound organically and even provide a few short solo spots showcasing his impressive technical skills.

Guitarist Takasaki Akira is one of the greatest heavy metal guitarists of all time. This has been true since the early years of this legendary band, is still a fact in this day and age and will go down in history long after this outstanding band has gone. This charismatic musician finds the perfect balance between emotion and technique which is something more limited heavy metal guitarist simply can't achieve while guitarists from more ambitious progressive metal bands can't comprehend it. While listening to Loudness, you feel like banging your head and playing air guitar in certain moments while you are just leaning back in awe and observing how every single note is played when Takasaki Akira presents innovative chord progressions and improvised solo sections. In this regard, his talents come even more to life on live records than on studio outputs.

Drums on this release are mostly provided by a new face in the band with Nishida Ryuichi. Some people might know him form Marty Friedman's solo material but he has only been playing live shows with Loudness for the past five years. His drum play is energetic, precise and tight. He might lack charismatic elements but is able to imitate the style of his predecessors very accurately. Regular drummer Suzuki Masayuki makes an appearance in the encore section which might be considered this release's shining highlight and satisfactory climax.

This record's production sounds exactly the way a live record should. It's authentic, energetic and raw, showcasing small mistakes such as missed notes and mumbled lyrics while also highlighting creative improvisations and extended solo sections that unfold a hypnotic kind of magic.

Most importantly perhaps, this live album includes many songs that have very rarely been played by the band and might not be performed on stage again anytime soon. For those who attended this tour, this live release is a most wonderful souvenir while those who couldn't make it now discover old songs in a new light. Both perspectives certainly justify the release of this timeless live record.

Pointing out highlights on such an excellent output isn't an easy task at all. Even though elitists consider describing individual songs in great detail unnecessary, most fans are looking for exactly these descriptions. In order to satisfy both parties, let me simply point out a few of my personal highlights. 

''S.D.I.'' is a wonderful aggressive, fast and relentless opener that doesn't take any prisoners and makes the band sound half as old as its members actually are. 

''This Lonely Heart'' is a catchy, melodic and memorable anthem that convinces with the singer's wonderful interactions with the energized crowd. This song is an excellent example for the band's mixture of energy and melody. 

New single ''Soul on Fire'' is an instant classic, finding the perfect balance between creative musicianship and catchy sections you won't be forgetting about anytime soon. 

The bouncy, fast and playful ''I'm Still Alive'' is followed by a wonderful solo section showcasing the masterful performances on drums, bass and guitar. 

Heartfelt ballad ''So Lonely'' is performed with much passion in the vocal department as the singer delivers his greatest performance of the night here and is even given some instrumental breaks to let his voice shine. 

Band anthem ''Crazy Nights'' hasn't lost any of its infectious charme in three and a half decades and leads to excellent fan participation with some extended jam passages. 

Closing classic ''Esper'' finds the perfect mixture between feeling and technique and might turn out to be the best possible final song to an impressive Loudness show. The band should certainly keep this charismatic tune as a closer for future tours.

I'm well aware that purchasing this record from Japan is quite complicated, expensive and lengthy. However, the quality of the product is so excellent that it's worth all these efforts. Loudness' Japan Tour 19 - Hurricane Eyes + Jealousy - Live at Zepp Tokyo 31 May, 2019 shows a veteran band that is still delivering the goods in full strength and turns out to be one of the very best live records the quartet has ever recorded in its long and successful career. Faithful fans, occasional listeners and new followers who appreciate heartfelt heavy metal should get their hands on this amazing release as soon as they can. M.Z.A.!

Final Rating: 95%