Japan means half way around the world for just about anyone in Europe and North America, but this weekend it is the place to be for hard rock and metal. In 2006, Saitama’s Loud Park Festival got its start as one of the world’s heaviest music gatherings with the likes of Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer. That trio returns for the 2009 installment of the festival, along with the more melodic stylings of Judas Priest, Dokken, Lynch Mob, and Ace Frehley. Just yesterday Anvil, a band undergoing a massive revival after more than 30 years together, was signed to play on Sunday, October 18. Even tribute act Steel Panther is joining in on the fun with their mix of parody and real rock antics.
Two more reasons to keep an eye on the festival are Dokken and Lynch Mob. As discussed by frontman Don Dokken in our recent interview, the pairing of both bands at Loud Park will likely make or break the recent rumor that a full tour will occur. The re-united Lynch Mob features original vocalist Oni Logan, Whitesnake alumnus Marco Mendoza, and of course George Lynch – well known for his feuds with Don Dokken. Will the two forces join once again for a semi-Dokken reunion? Only time will tell.
