Heavy Load - Riders of the Ancient Storm Review

I always say that is a totally different pleasure to get an album from the big guns bands. If they are pioneers it’s even better. Or if it’s an album to celebrate an anniversary it couldn’t be better. Heavy Load with “Riders of the Ancient Storm” is all of the above. A pioneer band releasing its album to celebrate its 40th career anniversary. If this isn’t relevant I really don’t know what is.

Long before any Viking Metal band could ever be born – or so – the pioneers of Heavy Load were writing songs about the thematic. They are not only the pioneers of Viking Metal, but also of Doom and Epic Metal. Now they’re back with “Riders of the Ancient Storm” which is celebrating their 40th anniversary album when in 1983 they released their debut album “Stronger than Evil.” The sound of the album may not strange Heavy Load diehard fans as it goes by the band’s book. Against all odds this means a lot because the album is pretty varied with many changes of heart all along its eight tracks. Well, in a nutshell, it’s a Heavy Load album, for metal’s sake. I’d only say that the band got a little ahead with their dramatic verve here with tracks as “Wahalla Warriors” with an emotional grip that won’t let any fan untouched. Just check it out and listen to its powerful chorus followed by a touching lead guitar. Heavy Load at their best.

“Riders of the Ancient Storm” commences with the powerful “Ride the Night” which even though the worn out tittle brings a freshness that makes the fan feel amazed. The guitar riffing here is simply one of the best of the year. There is some kind of Prog Rock grip in Heavy Load that amazes the fan. I can tell it by “Angel Dark” whose intent is pure Prog Rock despite its heavyness and power. That’s the finesse I tell about all the time. Here vocals lead the Prog Rock drive with hard and thick guitars. Again the lead guitars steal the show with lots of finesse and emotion. Ragne Wahlquist and Niclas Sunnenberg do an amazing work here. Then comes “Slave No More” to remind the fan that Heavy Load were one of the pioneers of Doom Metal. The track is slow, but with lots of power. Modern Doom Metal bands here is a lesson from the best. Take a look at the guitars. Feel each note, feel each emotion that each note gives. It’s not the number of notes, it’s the emotion that comes from them. Tell that to Yngwie Malmsteen… Rise, rise, rise…

I guess there was no better way to celebrate Heavy Load’s anniversary. “Riders of the Ancient Storm” is a hell of an album.

Heavy Load “Riders of the Ancient Storm” was released on December 15th via No Remorse Records / Thunderload Records.

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