Heavy Load
Heavy Load: Legends of Swedish Heavy Metal
In the annals of Swedish heavy metal, Heavy Load stands as a formidable force, their music resonating with rebellious spirits and epic tales. Their iconic anthem, "Stronger Than Evil," has become a timeless anthem among metalheads worldwide.
Formation and Early Years
Heavy Load emerged in the late 1970s amidst the burgeoning Swedish metal scene. The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist and guitarist Ragne Wahlquist, drummer Tony Mattsson, bassist Ulf Malmquist, and keyboardist Benny Jansson. Their raw and aggressive sound quickly garnered attention, landing them a deal with Sonet Records.
Breakthrough and Controversies
Heavy Load's self-titled debut album, released in 1979, cemented their status as rising stars. Its follow-up, "Death or Glory," solidified their position as one of the leading bands in Swedish metal. However, their lyrics, often tackling controversial themes of violence and rebellion, drew criticism from some quarters.
Departure of Wahlquist and Reinvention
In 1982, Wahlquist departed from Heavy Load, marking a significant turning point in the band's history. The remaining members recruited vocalist Tommy Lindal and embarked on a more melodic and progressive direction, exemplified by their 1983 album "Play Dirty."
Artistic Maturity and Hiatus
Throughout the 1980s, Heavy Load continued to release acclaimed albums, including "The Electric Eye" (1984) and "Thunder & Lightning" (1987). They toured extensively, building a loyal following that spanned generations. However, internal tensions and the changing musical landscape led to a hiatus in 1989.
Reunion and Legacy
In 2001, Heavy Load reunited with Wahlquist on vocals, marking a triumphant return to the stage. They continued to release albums and perform live, solidifying their legacy as one of the most influential bands in heavy metal.
Members
* Ragne Wahlquist (vocals, guitar)
* Tony Mattsson (drums)
* Ulf Malmquist (bass)
* Benny Jansson (keyboards)
* Tommy Lindal (vocals, 1982-1989)
Discography
* Heavy Load (1979)
* Death or Glory (1980)
* Play Dirty (1983)
* The Electric Eye (1984)
* Thunder & Lightning (1987)
* Victims of the New Age (2004)
* The Evil Within (2008)
* Live in Tokyo (2012)
In the annals of Swedish heavy metal, Heavy Load stands as a formidable force, their music resonating with rebellious spirits and epic tales. Their iconic anthem, "Stronger Than Evil," has become a timeless anthem among metalheads worldwide.
Formation and Early Years
Heavy Load emerged in the late 1970s amidst the burgeoning Swedish metal scene. The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist and guitarist Ragne Wahlquist, drummer Tony Mattsson, bassist Ulf Malmquist, and keyboardist Benny Jansson. Their raw and aggressive sound quickly garnered attention, landing them a deal with Sonet Records.
Breakthrough and Controversies
Heavy Load's self-titled debut album, released in 1979, cemented their status as rising stars. Its follow-up, "Death or Glory," solidified their position as one of the leading bands in Swedish metal. However, their lyrics, often tackling controversial themes of violence and rebellion, drew criticism from some quarters.
Departure of Wahlquist and Reinvention
In 1982, Wahlquist departed from Heavy Load, marking a significant turning point in the band's history. The remaining members recruited vocalist Tommy Lindal and embarked on a more melodic and progressive direction, exemplified by their 1983 album "Play Dirty."
Artistic Maturity and Hiatus
Throughout the 1980s, Heavy Load continued to release acclaimed albums, including "The Electric Eye" (1984) and "Thunder & Lightning" (1987). They toured extensively, building a loyal following that spanned generations. However, internal tensions and the changing musical landscape led to a hiatus in 1989.
Reunion and Legacy
In 2001, Heavy Load reunited with Wahlquist on vocals, marking a triumphant return to the stage. They continued to release albums and perform live, solidifying their legacy as one of the most influential bands in heavy metal.
Members
* Ragne Wahlquist (vocals, guitar)
* Tony Mattsson (drums)
* Ulf Malmquist (bass)
* Benny Jansson (keyboards)
* Tommy Lindal (vocals, 1982-1989)
Discography
* Heavy Load (1979)
* Death or Glory (1980)
* Play Dirty (1983)
* The Electric Eye (1984)
* Thunder & Lightning (1987)
* Victims of the New Age (2004)
* The Evil Within (2008)
* Live in Tokyo (2012)