Year : 2023
Style : Heavy Metal
Country : Sweden
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 114 mb
Bio:
Heavy Load is a Swedish heavy metal band from Stockholm. The band is often hailed as the first Swedish heavy metal band, and were known for their Viking themes. The Wahlquist brothers, who founded the band in 1976 along with Michael Backler, were later producers and owners of Thunderload Records in Sweden, were at one point producing Veni Domine, and also were considering releasing a new album, though that never occurred.Various touring and demo line-ups of the band have included UFO and The Damned bass player Paul Gray, Treat guitarist Leif Liljegren, and renowned architect Eero Koivisto. Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy played on one of the band's released songs.Misfortune struck when Thunderload Studios got severely damaged due to a water leakage in the 2000s, which meant a halt to its official existence. After the breakup, the members then went on and performed with other bands.The band reformed in October 2017 and announced a series of shows for 2018,including an appearance at that year's Sweden Rock Festival in June.On September 6, 2023, the band announced their first album in 40 years, Riders of the Ancient Storm, which was released on October 6.
Album:
No Remorse Records, ltd 1000, digipak CD, with one acoustic bonus track and 20-page booklet. 40 years have passed since Heavy Load released their latest all new album, "Stronger than Evil" (1983). Heavy Load's comeback album "Riders of the Ancient Storm" rings of their well-known sound and songwriting. Still, many songs echo these pioneers' famous Viking themes and existential lyrics. The compositions are dramatic and render a great variety of moods. At the same time, passionate innovation and creative fervour shine bright in every song on the comeback album.For decades, the White Whale of the European festival circuit, eventual live appearances, then the inevitable query, "What about new music?" Well, here it (finally) is! Between '78 and '83, the original output was limited to a trio of full lengths and an EP, then disappeared off the face of the Earth, just as the globe embraced the style of traditional/Euro metal the Swedes had perfected.First single "Ride The Night" kicks off the disc and serves as a primer, for those that might be unfamiliar with the Load: repetitive, simple lyrics, but an infectious anthem that owes a debt to ABBA, yet retains a basic metallic core. The accompanying performance videos, with the guys seemingly just older versions of their ‘80s selves (down to the same stage clothes), shows how "out-of-fashion" Heavy Load was, in the image conscious heyday. Yet, 40 years later, how many diehard metalheads are clamoring for new music from their contemporaries, who did/didn't enjoy greater success? Not many. The mysterious disappearance, on the verge of international stardom, may have initially relegated Heavy Load to a niche fan base, that's insanely loyal and rabid. In the intervening years, the legend grew and now they're pretty much universally lauded for what they started, decades ago.It's always a danger to "return" with new music after an extended "hiatus," fans living with the previous output for a lifetime. Can this material live up to expectations culled from repeated listens to a legendary catalog? The pre-pandemic reissues, also courtesy of No Remorse, included some energetic, previously unreleased bonus tracks. So there was hope going into this new studio recording. Unfortunately, the lead cut is the best of the batch and, in all honesty, the lone inclusion that approximates yesteryear. OK, there's a little bit too many poppy keyboard fanfares for my metal blood, but it's a minor complaint across the other half dozen newbies.The Wahlquist brothers (Styrbjörn, guitar/vocals and Ragne, on drums) are in their sixties and have been out of the music scene for a long time, but this is not their strongest stuff. "We Rock The World" is mid-tempo and grittier, with a ‘70s, Zeppelin-esque, hard rock vibe, albeit with keys. A mid-paced, fist thrusting stomper, meandering "Walhalla Warriors" is built around an extended bass solo/jam. "Angel Dark" is decidedly metal, and behind the single, hints at former (death or) glory, but fails to go off, or embrace the spark within most Heavy Load classics. About half way through its 6:11 running time, it switches gears (temporarily) reverting to the slower/glum speed of it predecessors. Thankfully short, it's happier sounds to the conclusion. Plodding "Slave No More" inhabits similar territory to the "Day Of Dream" extra, off the expanded edition of Stronger Than Evil. Once again Led Zep is a touchstone, whereas "Raven Is Calling" bounces atop Styrbjörn's high pitched sustain. The "Sail Away" finale rides a synth undercurrent and little guitar flourishes that recall a Blackmore/Rainbow piece.If this album gets them onstage, to play (mostly) oldies, at the expense of a couple of these, I'm all for it. Therefore, an extra/sympathetic point incorporated for nostalgic significance, but definitely NOT the place for the uninitiated to investigate Heavy Load.
Line Up:
Ragne Wahlquist - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards (1976-1985, 1987, 2017-present) - See also: ex-Tommy Mac Frees
Torbjörn Ragnesjö - Bass (1978-1984, 2018-present)
Nic Savage - Guitars (lead) (2018-present) - See also: ex-Jackal's Wrath, ex-Pain Killer, ex-Steelwing
Styrbjörn Wahlquist - Vocals, Drums (1976-1985, 1987, 2017-present)
Tracklist:
01. Ride the Night 05:18
02. We Rock the World 04:12
03. Walhalla Warriors 05:45
04. Angel Dark 06:11
05. Slave No More 08:17
06. Raven Is Calling 06:28
07. Sail Away 05:31
08. Butterfly Whispering 07:06
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