Our 2nd portion of our trip through Japan began earlier this month with our look at The Birthday Eve, released by the legends known as Loudness. It may have been dated, but their first release was a hell of a record. It gave the band quite a bit of attention, and set them on the path to stardom. Now, we’re at the start of the 90s once again. How have the gang faired since 1981? Well, let’s take a look at 1991's On The Prowl, and see what’s been going on!
Background
Taken from Wikipedia:
“Following the Jealousy EP in 1988, singer Niihara left the band, after producer Max Norman's suggestion that an English speaking vocalist could help the band break through in the American market. The chosen American vocalist was former Obsession frontman Mike Vescera. Minoru Niihara continued his singing career in Japan as frontman of the metal bands Ded Chaplin, Sly and X.Y.Z.?A, besides releasing a solo album. The new Loudness’ line-up recorded two studio albums, Soldier of Fortune in 1989 and On the Prowl in 1991. The latter included only three new songs among remakes of older material translated and sung by Vescera. Despite extensive tours and strong support from their label, the new albums did not improve the band's status in America and, on the contrary, reduced further the Japanese fanbase of Loudness. After the release of the single "Slap in the Face", Vescera left Loudness during their 1991 American tour, to join Yngwie J. Malmsteen's band. He was replaced by former Ezo vocalist Masaki Yamada to finish the tour. The change of personnel did not influence the success of the band, because the sudden predilection of the American audience for the gritty and aggressive sound of grunge and alternative rock bands at the beginning of the 90s, had already de facto put an end to the American adventure of Loudness, as well as to the careers of many other bands from the glam and heavy metal scene.”
Basic Description
East meets West.
For a majority of their time in the 80s, Loudness was one of the definitive Heavy Metal bands from Japan. Decked out in the finest instruments from the west, the band played loud & hard while keeping a distinct Japanese edge to their music. With their album in 1989 (Soldier Of Fortune), and the change to Mike Vescera as their new lead singer, something changed. A more western feel crept into their work, but once On The Prowl came out, something happened. Loudness became an even balance between Japanese & American Heavy Metal, and never once did they slip into any one style. It’s really neat when both styles collide, and the resulting explosion is definitely something to witness.
Best Track
Before I say which song is the best, I must say that it’s refreshing to heard older Loudness songs sung in English for the first time! Mike Vescera does a bang-up job with each track, letting his voice come at you like Samurai on horseback. The rest of the band is no slouch either, with Akira Takasaki & Masayoshi Yamashita kicking ass on the guitar & bass respectively, and Munetaka Higuchi grabbing his drums by the balls. Granted, there is one fault to be had with these older re-recorded tunes, but I’ll get to that in a little bit. The point is, is that it’s refreshing to have older material comeback with better recording & production behind them, and I’ll never complain about that!
As for what I think is the best track? I’m kind of inclined to say the three original tunes as the top shelf material of On The Prowl. Down ‘N’ Dirty, Playin’ Games, and Love Toys all sound & feel like tracks from their own album, not just pieces of a compilation. It would have been neat to hear these alongside other newer tunes, but even so they act as appropriate gatekeepers to the rest of what On The Prowl has to offer.
Down ‘N’ Dirty
Playin’ Games (No Link)
Love Toys
Worst Track
On The Prowl’s only fault is that most of the music on here has been on prior releases. Much like Anthem’s 2000 & 2019 albums respectively, the music on here is stuff we’ve heard before. It’s not so bad this time around, as the three original tracks give this record a little more of it’s own identity. It doesn’t feel like things are being 100% rehashed, but once those original songs are gone, things are fundamentally familiar again.
Other
If you’re curious about listening to this album, then click on the link below:
On The Prowl (Download Only)
Overall Impression & Rating
On The Prowl is a fun start to Loudness’s time in the 1990. Sure, the majority of material on here is stuff that was on prior albums, but as with what Anthem did in 2000 & 2019, it is nice to hear older stuff with better production & recording. If you like hearing revised tracks with newer stuff mixed in to shake things up, then this album is for you!
On The Prowl gets a 8 to 9 out of 10.
And that was On The Prowl. A great way to start off the decade that supposedly “killed” classic metal, but would Loudness keep kicking ass in the 1990s? Well, come back next week, when I’ll take a look at their first steps into the 2000s. See you then!
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