Loudness cover

Loudness

Loudness · 1992

46 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

Thunderous riffs and soaring vocals deliver a relentless assault of melodic heavy metal that defines the genre's early '90s sound.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Pray for the Dead — The opening track sets a powerful tone with its aggressive riffs and haunting lyrics, showcasing Loudness's signature blend of melody and heaviness.
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    Love Kills — This track features an emotional depth with its poignant lyrics and dynamic shifts, illustrating the band's ability to weave storytelling into their music.
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    Hell Bites (From the Edge of Insanity) — With complex arrangements and intricate solos, this track exemplifies Loudness's progressive metal influences while maintaining their heavy sound.
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    Black Widow — Displaying a darker lyrical theme, this song combines fierce instrumentation with captivating melodies, highlighting the band's versatility within the genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid heavy metal craftsmanship but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down slightly in the latter tracks.
  • Each song features prominent guitar solos that are interwoven with powerful vocal lines, creating a dynamic interplay between instruments and vocals.
  • Several tracks incorporate tempo changes, shifting from aggressive riffs to melodic choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for focused sessions
  • aggressive riffs for high energy
  • soaring vocals for epic moments
  • consistent intensity throughout listening
  • relentless drive for workout motivation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer softer, melodic sounds
  • seek immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Loudness's global presence after prior U.S. success.
Career context
Released in 1992, Loudness marked the band's seventh studio album and a notable point in their trajectory after achieving significant success in the U.S. with their previous album, 'Lightning Strikes'. At this time, the band was experiencing a resurgence as they adapted to the changing landscape of heavy metal in the early '90s.
Stylistic neighbors
X Japan· Galneryus· Concerto Moon

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Pray for the Dead 4:16
  • 2 Slaughter House 3:54
  • 3 Waking the Dead 3:54
  • 4 Black Widow 4:50
  • 5 Racing the Wind 4:05
  • 6 Love Kills 5:15
  • 7 Hell Bites (From the Edge of Insanity) 5:55
  • 8 Everyone Lies 4:42
  • 9 Twisted 5:20
  • 10 Firestorm 4:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata