You can't blame
Loudness vocalist
Minoru Niihara for leaving the band after the abysmal
Hurricane Eyes, but it's a shame he wasn't around for
Soldier of Fortune, a far more potent and focused affair than its muddled predecessor. Reunited with producer Max Norman,
Loudness thankfully stripped away the superfluous production gloss that sunk the band's last album and crafted a tight, lean set of toothy rockers. And truth be told, new American shouter
Mike Vescera -- while lacking Niihara's warmth and personality -- is quite a formidable successor, stepping into his new role with admirable chops and conviction on tunes like "You Shook Me." Guitarist
Akira Takasaki, meanwhile, appears to be reinvigorated by the new singer, as he unleashes his most ferocious performances to date.