Editing Loudness (section)

===American Breakthrough (1985–1988)===

Through the management of Joe Gerber, co-manager of [[Twisted Sister]], Loudness secured an international deal with [[Atco Records]] in 1985 — a historic first for a Japanese heavy metal band. Their fifth album, ''[[Thunder in the East]]'' (1985), was produced by [[Max Norman]] and recorded in the United States. It peaked at No. 74 on the [[Billboard 200]] and generated the band's signature song, "Crazy Nights," which received rotation on [[MTV]]. The follow-up, ''Lightning Strikes'' (1986, released in Japan as ''Shadows of War''), climbed to No. 64 on the Billboard chart and further solidified Loudness as an international draw. During the American touring cycle, Loudness opened for [[Mötley Crüe]] and on August 14, 1985 became the first Japanese band to perform at [[Madison Square Garden]].

Their 1987 album ''Hurricane Eyes'' was produced by [[Eddie Kramer]] and charted at No. 190 in the US. Seeking broader commercial appeal, the band began incorporating more melodic pop-metal elements, including the single "Let It Go." In 1988, at the suggestion of their label, Niihara was replaced by American vocalist '''Mike Vescera''' to improve marketability in the United States. Vescera recorded two albums with the band, but the experiment yielded diminishing returns.