Search - Loudness :: Shadows of War

Solid metal record

Wyldephang | Prince Frederick, MD | 01/16/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In 1985, Loudness burst into the American metal scene with Thunder In The East, an album that solidified the band's presence as a full-frontal '80s metal band with a unique approach to the genre. A year later, Shadows Of War (which is essentially the same album as Lightning Strikes disguised in a different wrapper) was released, and proves to be a fitting follow-up to the band's debut in the United States.



While it's true that Loudness underwent a style change after experiencing success in the U.S., Shadows Of War still contains the edge that characterized their previous albums. In fact, I find Shadows Of War to be a perfect blend between pop metal and heavy metal; the music still contains the hard-driving riffs and the blazing fast (yet tasteful) guitar solos, but now included are poppier-sounding choruses, often resulting in memorable hooks that will stay in your head fresh for months.



I give this album a 4.5 out of 5. The only thing I feel is missing is perfect consistency; some choruses are catchier than others, and some riffs are stronger than others. For me, none of the songs ever come close to crossing into the "intolerable" zone. That's better than I can say for many other albums that I've heard. This is definitely one of my favorite albums. If you're a fan of 1980s metal (especially '80s metal with a pop and commercial edge to it, though refer to the "consistency" comment above), then this album should interest you."

Money well spent

progdog | East Coast USA | 08/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Shadows Of War is an early Loudness work (orig. released in 1986), that, while dated, remains timeless. If you are familiar with Loudness, you know what this band is capable of. If you are not, simply give it a listen to find out what all the hype is about. This album is a showcase of Akira Takasaki's amazing talents, as nearly every song is centered around his mind-blowing solos. As part of the Remastered Loudness 20th Anniversary, the quality is awesome, making this well sought after release even better. A perfect companion to the 1988 release Jealousy!"

Great CD, and not the same as Lightning Strikes

G. Burns | St. Louis, MO USA | 04/11/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"To set the record straight, Shadows of war and Lightning Strikes are not the same CD with a different cover. Shadows of War is the original Japanese mix, although sung in english. Lightning Strikes is the made-for-America mix that was put out. Lightning Strikes is the one that was played on the radio and other places in the USA. Shadows of War was the first one put out in Japan, and it is heavier and has more guitar work than the other one. They both sound alike, but Shadows has a different mix (the original one), track order, and updated sound (thanks to the Wounded Bird label, it sounds like it is remastered, but I don't know for sure) and is heavier than Lightning. They tried to make Lightning more USA pop friendly. Try both and see which one you like better. I think I like Shadows better. It has more guitar. They both rock, though.



Edit: I must edit my review a little bit. Lightning Strikes has more guitar parts in it. Shadows of War feels a little unfinished when comapared to Lightning, now that I have listened to both real well. I say pick them both, or try them both to see which mix you like best. Lightning Strikes has guitar parts and vocals that Shadows of War does not have. I don't believe Lightning is missing anything. Shadows of War has "heavier" guitar, though."