With so many Western artists recording live albums in their backyard (usually at the famed Budokan theater), it was only fair that Japanese
metal
pioneers
Loudness
should get a crack at it too. And while they were still mostly unknown to Western
fans at the time, 1983's double vinyl
Loud-Live-Alive
finds the quartet basking in full-fledged stardom while performing before an absolutely rabid hometown crowd. Rising to the occasion,
delivered a bombastic performance, igniting the spectators with a slew of their powerful
hits, including
"In the Mirror,"
"Black Wall,"
"Sleepless Night."
What makes this live album truly special, however, is the inclusion of various outstanding numbers (
"I Was the Sun,"
"Road Racer,"
"Fly Away"
) which would never make it onto any of
' studio records. Oh, and you also get the typical live album perks, such as the sing-along, the drum solo, and, of course, a massive guitar solo showcase for six-string giant
Akira Takasaki
. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia