Soldier of Fortune
Loudness · 1989
45 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal
A fusion of heavy metal grit and melodic hooks, blending power chords with introspective lyrics in a distinctively Japanese style.
Top tracks — play these first
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Soldier of Fortune — The title track encapsulates the album's blend of heavy riffs and emotional depth, showcasing both the band's technical prowess and lyrical vulnerability.
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Danger of Love — This song stands out with its intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, illustrating Loudness's ability to merge storytelling with powerful melodies.
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Lost Without Your Love — A ballad that highlights the softer side of the band, this track’s heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals offer a poignant contrast to the heavier themes present elsewhere.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends heavy metal with melodic elements, showcasing distinct Japanese influences while maintaining a solid structure.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a slow build-up, leading into a powerful chorus that showcases the band's melodic sensibilities.
- Several tracks incorporate dual guitar harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the introspective lyrics.
- The pacing varies significantly, with mid-tempo songs followed by faster tracks, particularly in the second half of the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 mid-tempo listening experience
- emotive vocals for reflective moments
- intricate guitar work appreciation
- engaging during evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- desire for rapid-fire tracks
- prefer upbeat party energy
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Loudness's evolution and international appeal post-breakthrough.
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Soldier of Fortune is Loudness's sixth studio album, coming after their breakthrough success in the United States with Lightning Strikes. This album showcases their ongoing evolution as they embraced more melodic elements while maintaining their heavy metal roots, reflecting a transitional phase for the band amidst changing musical landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- X Japan· Galneryus· Concerto Moon
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Soldier of Fortune 3:56
- 2 You Shook Me 4:42
- 3 Danger of Love 5:02
- 4 Twenty‐Five Days 4:22
- 5 Red Light Shooter 4:50
- 6 Running for Cover 4:21
- 7 Lost Without Your Love 4:56
- 8 Faces in the Fire 4:08
- 9 Long After Midnight 4:38
- 10 Demon Disease 4:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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