Live-Loud-Alive: Loudness in Tokyo

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 metal 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, Loudness delivered a bombastic performance, igniting the spectators with a slew of their powerful metal 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 Loudness' 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