LOUDNESS 40th anniversary album
SUNBURST~我武者羅
Since its debut in 1981, the most famous Japanese heavy metal band "LOUDNESS" has continued to play in the world. They released the 40th anniversary album (the 29th original album), and I made the cover art illustration.
Making-of video
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/disp/b4b735133614969.61c1d29451167.png)
History & Concept
Loudness is a Japanese heavy metal band formed in 1981.
The current members are Akira Takasaki (Gt), Minoru Niihara (Vo), Masayoshi Yamashita (Ba), and Masayuki Suzuki (Dr). They expanded overseas in the mid-1980s and their album ranked in the Billboard TOP 100 (74th). In addition, they became the first Japanese artist to play on the stage at "Madison Square Garden" and became a rock band representing Japan in both name and reality. Since then, they have continued to play energetically. The members, fans, and I have special feelings for the 40th anniversary album (the 29th original album) released this time.
As one of the fans who has seen their challenges in real-time, I created this artwork with respect to their spirit and great music.
-The castle is attacked by monsters, flames, lightning and golden swells. In the sea of raging turbulent times, the samurais and warriors confront the monsters. The sunlight shines behind.
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/f82460133614969.61c1f553538a7.jpg)
At the direct request from Mr. Akira Takasaki himself, this project started and all the contents ( Concept, thumbnail, rough sketch, line drawing, coloring. ) were left in my direction. I showed him after the whole process and... he loved it.
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/fa59fa133614969.61c1f55354665.jpg)
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/ced28a133614969.61c1f5535400b.jpg)
Details
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/f64667133614969.61c2b65ae9483.jpg)
Burning castle and the monster
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/c14781133614969.61c2b65ae890f.jpg)
The Knight facing the monster
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/bc042c133614969.61c2b65ae9f4c.jpg)
The Samurai riding the waves
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/9151ad133614969.61c2b65ae7639.jpg)
The Sword fighter has wings
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/4544ef133614969.61c2b65ae7cbe.jpg)
The samurai wielding a big sword.
The decoration on the forehead is "Random star": Akira Takasaki's symbol in the shape of a guitar.
The decoration on the forehead is "Random star": Akira Takasaki's symbol in the shape of a guitar.
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/41164a133614969.61c2b65ae9ad7.jpg)
An approaching monster, the sunlights behind
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/a4e231133614969.61c2b65ae8df9.jpg)
Black / White version
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/22acbe133614969.61c2b65ae829b.jpg)
Gray Scale version
Products & Goods
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/fac232133614969.61c407d927b66.jpg)
Special version 2CD & DVD set
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/0d82e7133614969.61c407d9282de.jpg)
Featured in magazines
![band japan katana Loudness metal music rock samurai art monster](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/6dff23133614969.61c3d55cb5808.jpg)
Various goods - Poster, Mega-cd jacket, and more (reservation privilege)
LOUDNESS are:
Akira Takasaki / Guitar
Akira Takasaki / Guitar
Minoru Niihara / Vocal
Masayoshi Yamashita / Bass
Artwork & Design : IWATA ROOM / 7STARS DESIGN
Masayuki Suzuki / Drums
Munetaka Higuchi 1958-2008 R.I.P.
Artist Management : KATANA MUSIC KK
LOUDNESS - Official Website - : http://www.loudnessjp.com