Now in its fifth year, Loud Park has carved out a reputation as Summer Sonic's noisy younger sister. Arguably more "loud" than "park," the festival amasses the heavyweights of metal over two days at Saitama Super Arena. This year the event also boasts a one-day leg at Kobe World Kinen Hall, giving metalheads in Western Japan a chance to join the frenzy.
And it's a frenzy worth joining. This year's Sunday headliner (Saturday in Kobe) is none other than Prince of Darkness Ozzy Osbourne, who will bring his revamped band to Japan for the first time. His latest album, "Scream," has been hailed by mostly favorable reviews as his best in a long time, with a bombastic sound thanks in part to new guitarist Gus G. of Greek power-metal band Firewind.
Ozzy will also play a headline show at Tokyo International Forum on Oct. 13. The former Black Sabbath frontman will turn 62 in December, so who knows whether he'll make another trip to Japan. Better catch him while you can.