EARTHSHAKER emerged as a pivotal force in the heavy metal landscape upon its formation in 1978, leaving an indelible mark on the Japanese metal genre. The band’s original lineup included the talents of Minoru Niihara, who would later rise to fame with Loudness, on vocals and bass, alongside Shinichiro Ishihara on guitar and Yoshinobu Watanabe on drums. Following Niihara’s exit in 1980, the addition of Masafumi Nishida on vocals and Takayuki Kai on bass led to a redefined classic lineup that also featured Ishihara and drummer Yoshihiro Kudo. The unique sound of EARTHSHAKER is distinguished by a compelling fusion of melodic undertones and traditional heavy metal, highlighted by powerful vocal performances and intricate guitar arrangements. Their inaugural self-titled release, Earthshaker in 1983, marked a significant milestone, asserting their presence within the competitive Japanese metal scene, further demonstrated by their acclaimed performance at Nippon Budokan in 1986, underscoring their widespread acclaim and popularity.