Crazy Nights

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the volume at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the electrifying "Crazy Nights" by Loudness from their album A Lesson in Loudness for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, a cornerstone of the band’s 1985 album Thunder in the East, marked a pivotal moment for the Japanese heavy metal pioneers. One fascinating piece of trivia about "Crazy Nights" is the origin of its iconic "M-Z-A!" chant. During the recording process, producer Max Norman asked lead vocalist Minoru Niihara to improvise a line over the main riff between the chorus and the next verse. Niihara came up with "M-Z-A!", a spontaneous chant that meant nothing but was meant to be replaced later. When Niihara couldn’t find a better line, the chant stayed, becoming a defining feature of the song and a rallying cry for fans. This serendipitous moment, as noted in a Wikipedia entry, helped cement "Crazy Nights" as Loudness’s signature anthem and their breakthrough in the American metal scene.

Another intriguing story about "Crazy Nights" comes from its impact on the global stage. Released as the fourth single from Thunder in the East on December 1, 1984, in Japan and November 1, 1985, in the U.S. through Atco Records, the song’s music video gained traction on MTV, a rare feat for a Japanese band at the time. The track’s infectious energy and Akira Takasaki’s shredding guitar riffs resonated with audiences, propelling the album to No. 74 on the Billboard 200, where it stayed for 23 weeks. Fans on Reddit have praised its Scorpions-like vibe, with one user noting how Niihara’s enunciation and the song’s wicked riffs make it a standout. The song’s legacy endures, with covers by bands like Therion and HammerFall, and Loudness themselves re-recording it for their self-cover albums RockShocks (2004) and Samsara Flight (2016), showcasing its timeless appeal.

Loudness began their journey in Osaka, Japan, in 1981, emerging from the ashes of guitarist Akira Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi’s previous band due to creative differences. Takasaki, determined to carve a new path, recruited his childhood friend Masayoshi Yamashita on bass and hired Minoru Niihara as vocalist, forming the core of Loudness. Their debut album, The Birthday Eve, released in November 1981 through Nippon Columbia, defied the limited presence of heavy metal in Japanese media at the time. Despite the lack of a lead single, the album and its supporting concerts were a hit, establishing Loudness as a force in Japan. Takasaki’s flashy shred guitar work and the band’s solid musicianship became their trademark, leading to four studio albums in quick succession. By 1983, after their third album The Law of Devil’s Land, Loudness embarked on their first U.S. and European tours, catching the attention of Atlantic Records, which signed them as the first Japanese metal act to a major U.S. label.

The band’s relentless drive and Takasaki’s solo ventures, including his 1982 album Tusk of Jaguar, fueled their early success. Despite numerous lineup changes over the decades, with Takasaki as the sole constant member, Loudness has released over 30 albums, maintaining a prolific career. The tragic loss of original drummer Munetaka Higuchi to liver cancer in 2008 was a blow, but the band persevered, reuniting their classic lineup in 2000 and continuing to release music, including their 2021 album Sunburst. Fans can connect with Loudness through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts. For those craving more, the Loudness Fan Club on Facebook offers a vibrant community for fans to share their love for the band’s enduring legacy.