Formed in 1981 by guitarist Akira Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi, metal legends LOUDNESS have since been one of the most influential and prolific heavy bands in Japan and beyond.

They were the first Japanese metal act signed to a major label in the United States, and even reached the Billboard Top 100 during their heyday.

Their most recent studio album, Sunburst (我武者羅, Gamushara), was their 28th in total. Released under LOUDNESS' own label Katana Music, the epic double LP commemorated the band's 40th anniversary through earMUSIC.

This weekend, they bring their Greatest Ever Heavy Metal World Tour 2024 to the Esplanade Annexe Studio on 15 September. Tickets are available here.