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HEAVY LOAD
Riders Of The Ancient Storm

No Remorse (2023)
Rating: 8/10

I never thought one of heavy metal’s greatest yet unsung acts would return 40 years after their last album. Swedish warriors Heavy Load were one of the purest examples of fist-pumping, chest-pounding metal and responsible for a trio of classic albums, Full Speed At High Level (1978), Death Or Glory (1982) and Stronger Than Evil (1983).

Throughout the mid-80s the band flitted in and out of activity – an album was recorded in 1987 but never released – before becoming silent. And so, decades later, Heavy Load has returned, and the most impressive detail is that brothers and original members Ragne (vocals, guitar and keyboards) and Styrbjörn Wahlquist (vocals and drums) remain. It’s also great to see bassist Torbjörn Ragnesjö present too as he joined the band back in 1978. The line-up is completed by lead guitarist Niclas Sunnerberg, formerly of Steelwing.

But let’s cut the crap and get to the music because I just know that deep down the metalheads, in rather regressive manner, are gonna be hoping that this album sounds like the old stuff. Well, first and foremost, Riders Of The Ancient Storm doesn’t disappoint. It drips with the same anthemic notions and foams with the same raging tides as before. You get served seven tracks (with an additional bonus instrumental track ‘Butterfly Whisperings’ on the CD version) and all but one run for over five minutes, so there is always that epic feeling present.

Opener ‘Ride The Night’ is a thunderous slice of galloping metal that showcases the range of Ragne Wahlquist, who, even into his late sixties, gives Judas Priest’s Rob Halford a run for his money. This is confident, striding and striking heavy metal fuelled by the pummeling drums and fizzing axe work and it most certainly signals the return of this glorious band, a band that I just hope the kids latch onto as they plunder the dark depths of heavy metal history.

‘We Rock The World’ follows with a Led Zeppelin strut where the groove is clean n’ cool and oozing swagger, although it’s arguably the most simplistic track on the album and one that doesn’t necessarily boast that heroic nature. Even so, it’s still a track that showcases a variety because although you still get the 70s and 80s whiffs of, say, Deep Purple (‘Walhalla Warriors’) or Rainbow (‘Sail Away’), there are plenty of poppier moments particularly in the keyboards which drift through the record.

With these ingredients in mind one occasionally gets a sniff of Black Sabbath circa Headless Cross (1989), more so on ‘Slave No More’, while ‘Angel Dark’ has a sprig of Scorpions alongside Rainbow. However, don’t be shocked when you hear flecks of ABBA, or Eloy too, but it all makes for an organic and authentic stew even if it doesn’t quite capture the spirit of old. I can’t say I’m a fan of the album cover, but let’s just be thankful for another Heavy Load offering. I’m just hoping we don’t have to wait this long again until the next one!

Neil Arnold

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