Four decades have passed since the thunderous chords of “Death Or Glory” and “Stronger Than Evil” shook the Metal world. Now rejoice as Swedish Metal pioneers HEAVY LOAD are back with their first new album in 40 years. Formed in the late ’70s, HEAVY LOAD helped kickstart the Swedish Metal scene with trailblazing albums like 1978s debut “Full Speed At High Level” or 1983s influential “Stronger Than Evil”. Their blend of Classic Metal, Viking lore and thunderous riffs was hugely influential. It’s easy to hear their imprint on bands like CANDLEMASS, HAMMERFALL and countless others that followed their footsteps. And, biting the challenges of time, original members, Ragne and Styrbjörn Wahlquist are still at the helm, joined by longtime bassist Torbjörn Ragnesjö and guitarist Niclas Sunnerberg to forge this return. From the get-go, “Riders Of The Ancient Storm” erupts from the gates with ‘Ride The Night’, a face-melting opener that throws you back to Heavy Metal’s golden age. Ragne Wahlquist’s soaring vocals pierce the sky, riding atop razor-sharp guitars and pummelling drums. It’s vintage HEAVY LOAD, yet fresh and exciting, infused with the same warrior spirit that captivated fans in the early ’80s. Throughout the album, the riffs reign supreme. Tracks like ‘Walhalla Warriors’ and ‘Raven Is Calling’ have memorable intricate melodies, driven by Styrbjörn Wahlquist’s thunderous drums and the band’s trademark Viking power. These songs tell tales of ancient battles and mythical heroes, each note echoing the spirit of their classic records. ‘Slave No More’ the album’s longest song, will come up with something outwardly doomy, offering haunting guitar work and emotional, moving singing by Styrbjörn, while ‘Raven Is Calling’ is faster and angrier with Ragne’s distinctive vocals still reigning supreme. But this record isn’t just about brute force. Things slow down beautifully on ‘Sail Away’. Ragne’s vocal transforms like a mournful poet complemented by ethereal keys and shimmering guitars. It showcases the band’s versatility and emotional depth beyond force and heaviness. As well, what stands out is how fresh the compositions sound despite the band’s extended hiatus. From the opening anthem ‘Ride The Night’ to the mind-haunting ‘Sail Away’ every track is a taker. The bonus number for the CD edition, ‘Butterfly Whisperings’, a serene acoustic ballad, will finally leave a lasting impression. These all say it loud that, this record isn’t just a nostalgia and celebration of HEAVY LOAD’s past, but it’s a bridge to the present. It’s also demonstrating, that the raucous Swedes are still in great shape and in a very good mood. Recorded and mastered at the old Thunderload studio in Stockholm, Sweden with analog techniques, the album boasts a warm, organic sound throughout. It’s also a perfect blend of past and present as the record was produced and mastered during the whole period between 1986 and 2023. This perfectly preserved the signature sound of the Wahlquist brothers and their troops all over this record. And those still unaware would never be able to guess that almost 40 years had passed from how tightly they play off each other. The production is that flawless where each element is meticulously crafted to create a cohesive whole without losing any spirits. Similar goes on the visual aspect, as the jaw-dropping cover art by Mario López and Martin Gustafsson should capture anyone’s mind before exposed to the sound inside. Overall, “Riders Of The Ancient Storm” isn’t just a comeback album, it’s a statement. It’s a return that will delight longtime fans and also it can be a fascinating gateway for newcomers to discover the raw power of classic Heavy Metal. No wonder, these guys refused to believe “Hardrock is dead” all those years ago, and their passion still burns strong today. With that, HEAVY LOAD reminds us why they’re considered pioneers, proving that true Metal legends never fade. In an era of fleeting trends, they stand tall, offering a masterclass in songwriting, musicianship and sheer sonic power. So, crank up the volume, raise your fists and prepare to be blown away by the triumphant return of HEAVY LOAD. To find out more about the band and label, please visit www.facebook.com/heavyloadofficial or www.facebook.com/noremorserecordsgreece