HEAVY LOAD Metal Conquest LP + CD Vinyl FWOSHM NWOBHM gotham city witch cross

$

34

Brand new LP. Unplayed.
Ships safely. Photos are stock images.
180gr black vinyl in gatefold sleeve, including 8-page LP-sized booklet and extra CD with bonus tracks. Remastered directly from the original analogue tapes by the Wahlquist Brothers.
Finally, the classic five song album "Metal Conquest" from 1981 is released in the form originally planned. At last, the sixth song is on the re-release. In addition, three bonus tracks are included on the accompanying CD.
EXTENSIVE BOOKLET AND GATEFOLD COVER
The re-release of "Metal Conquest" follows the tradition of the preceding re-releases of the Heavy Load catalogue. The booklet comes with the lyrics, a large number of authentic photos and the band members’ own words about each track. Moreover, the brothers reveal what is the origin of their songs’ and lyrics’ influence from the mythic Viking World.
FOR THE WELFARE OF MEN
The song "For the Welfare of Man" was originally planned to be the sixth track on "Metal Conquest". Due to the band’s very limited studio time, and the brother’s dire finances back in the day, the sixth song ended up not being recorded. However, while listening to some demo tapes, damaged in the great flood of the brother’s own studio in January 2001, the brothers was very surprised to hear a demo version of the song made by them in the mid-eighties. After time-consuming restoration and mixing in the brothers’ new studio, the song has now taken its place on the vinyl – more than forty years later. Now the album is a six-shooter as originally planned.
Tracks:
Side A (45rpm)
1. You’ve Got The Power
2. Dark Nights
3. Heavy Metal Heaven
Side B (45rpm)
4. Hey
5. Heathens From The North
6. For The Welfare Of Man*
CD bonus tracks:
7. Joe Stiletto*
8. Give It Time*
9. Hedningar Från Norr*
(*previously unreleased)
No Remorse Records & Thunderload Records, 2024.
All right here's the deal. HEAVY LOAD from Sweden were one of the earliest European metal groups (along with ACCEPT, TRANCE, TORCH, GLORY BELL'S BAND, and early SCORPIONS). Following the 1978 release of HEAVY LOAD's debut LP "Full Speed At High Level" (worth tons of $$$, but nothing like the beast which would be unleashed upon the frozen tundra of Scandinavia in 1981 called "Metal Conquest" and its two even more destructive follow-ups, 1982's "Death Or Glory" LP and '83's amazing "Stronger Than Evil" LP). Founding brothers of the band, Ragne and Syrbjorn Wahlquist, did some house-cleaning, eventualy arriving at the truly god-like classic four man line-up of the Walquist brothers (Ragne on vocals/guitar & Syrbjorn on drums/vocals), the incomparable Eddy Malm (vocals/guitar), and Tarbjorn Ragnesjo (bass). This classic line-up would survive until the bands tragic break-up in the mid-'80s.
By "Metal Conquest", HEAVY LOAD had developed into a true metal monster, especially considering we're still only in '81. "Metal Conquest" simply pulses with metal power and glory (without sounding like Priest, Maiden, Accept, or any of the mammoth up and comers) and sets a high bar for all European metal which followed. If you are unfamiliar with early '80s Euro-metal, the sound was characterized by an often overwhelming sense of melody and songcraft coupled with the aggression of the NWOBHM. HEAVY LOAD were the epitome of Euro-metal and, in my opinion, reign supreme as veritable gods.
All five tracks on "Metal Conquest" are amazing, ranging from the punky, fist-pumping metal anthem "You've Got the Power" to the blustery and wintery melodies of "Dark Nights" and "Hey" (truly two of the greatest vocal performances ever, courtesy of Eddy Malm), to vintage true metal tunes like "Heavy Metal Heaven" and the epic closer "Heathens From the North" (without a doubt one of the best early examples of power metal and in the context of 1981 metal, hugely innovative - way more so than Manowar who HEAVY LOAD is so unfairly often compared with).
So quite simply, the "Metal Conquest" EP is essential. Unfortunately, many have not heard HEAVY LOAD (in part due to poor record distribution and their tragically short career), making them one of the true lost legends of metal. This is truly sad because HEAVY LOAD had one of the most majestic, unique, compelling, dynamic, memorable, and truly well-played approaches in metal history (in large part due to the truly mind-blowing vocal arrangements of Eddy Malm and Ragne Wahlquist and simple, but hugely effective guitar work).
It will be a truly glorious day for heavy metal when a decent label officially releases the HEAVY LOAD back catalog in remastered form (with bonus tracks also please!!!). Until that day, however, you'll simply have to shell out the big bucks and either pay for the original LPs (granted they all feature some of the most stunning album art and layouts in metal history) or pick up a semi-legitimate (albeit usually quite well-made with great sound quality) CD releases.
One thing is for sure, however...with HEAVY LOAD I guarantee you will get your money's worth!!! With only a few listens you will become addicted to the brilliance of this Swedish metal powerhouse!
ALL HAIL THE GODS OF EUROPEAN METAL....HEAVY LOAD!!!!! A band who truly deserve a place in EVERY metalhead's collection!
Heavy Load – Metal Conquest (1981)
Heavy Load, formed in Stockholm, Sweden, is often hailed as the country’s first true heavy metal band. Fusing traditional heavy metal with heroic, Viking-inspired themes, they paved the way for the Scandinavian metal scene that would later explode in various directions. Their 1981 release Metal Conquest was originally an EP but has since gained legendary status. The record balances raw, energetic riffing with a sense of epic grandeur, capturing the essence of early 80s heavy metal at a time when the genre was still crystallizing. Featuring the Wahlquist brothers, alongside Eddy Malm and Torbjörn Ragnesjö, the lineup crafted songs that were simultaneously anthemic and unpolished—giving the music a primal authenticity. Though overshadowed in international recognition by bands like Iron Maiden and Manowar, Heavy Load carved out a cult reputation, and Metal Conquest stands as one of their defining statements.
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