Stephen
With twenty-five albums under their sleeve definitely made Loudness the most productive Japanese heavy metal band ever, and 'Eve To Dawn' represents the 2011 version of Loudness, where even though they're still sound very modern, I sense a hint of coming back to the traditional heavy metal style. It's a good sign, but still not enough to drag my interest back like when Vescera is still on board. I long for a melodic-but-heavy record, commercial-but-subtle release, and 'Eve To Dawn' has couple of great tracks to please my appetite, but shame that's just about all.
'Come Alive Again' is a pure heavy metal beast, the riffs are fantastic and Takasaki is awesome as usual. 'Survivor' is more furious, leaping to the power metal territory, somehow reminds me of X Japan, another good track, and 'Keep You Burning' is also nice. The chaotic intro which turns quickly into a superb track, topped with Takasaki's firey solos. If I have the option to grab only these three tracks and created an EP, I'll gladly do it as the rest are disposable.
'The Power of Truth' is too modern even though the chorus is melodic and 'Gonna Do It My Way' is averagely okay, but 'Hang Tough' and 'Emotions' are weak, and came 'Pandora', the worst of the bunch, it ripped off any good mood I have on the first half. Stripping down the modern element and throwing back to their real heavy metal roots is actually the best path for them but I don't understand what they are trying to achieve with this. Idealism is good but this is clearly not the fans wanted, and if you want express the freedom of creativity, solo albums could be better.
I just hope that Loudness will veer back to its glorious days in the next effort, otherwise, it might be wise to call it a day.