Early Days of Swedish Heavy Metal: Ragne Wahlquist (1955–2025) (Heavy Load)

In Remembrance of Ragne Wahlquist (Heavy Load) (January 23, 1955 – January 2, 2025)

Given people's short attention spans and the constant churning of music fashions, trends, gimmicks, and subgenres, it is understandable that metal music fans might not know about a Swedish heavy metal band called Heavy Load that began in 1974.

The work of guitarist/vocalist Ragne Wahlquist (1955–2025)—and his brother Styrbjörn Wahlquist (drums and vocals)—is an important step for heavy metal in Sweden. The brothers helped bring a new heavy rock sound to a country where hard rock, in general, was not yet popular in a big way at that time. Formed in Stockholm in 1974, the brothers are a very important piece of early Swedish heavy metal. The band's foundational period, between 1978 and 1983, produced the recordings that are most interesting from the perspective of a student of heavy metal music from Sweden. Heavy Load brought Norse mythology into their music, using it as a central part of their album covers, imagery, and lyrics.

Full Speed at High Level (1978)

Metal Conquest (1981)

Death or Glory (1982)

Stronger Than Evil (1983)

Fans of the band were excited when Heavy Load returned to the stage in 2017. This comeback culminated in the release of Riders of the Ancient Storm in 2023, their first studio album in 40 years. Unfortunately, as the band was working on yet more new material, Ragne passed away on January 2, 2025, at the age of 69. Heavy Load is widely recognized as the first Swedish heavy metal band and a pioneer of Viking themes in metal music. The vision of the Wahlquist brothers represented a do-it-yourself spirit that helped build the Swedish metal scene from its humble beginnings.

Perhaps one way to put Heavy Load in perspective is to consider what Mikael Åkerfeldt, vocalist/guitarist for Opeth, wrote after Ragne's death:

"HEAVY LOAD are Sweden's first Heavy Metal band and also contributed to the scene outside of their own music by operating Thunderload Studios. Ragne also authored the two epic books 'The Wahlgaard Saga Pt 1 & 2.' A project I know he was incredibly fond and proud of, and is well worth investigating. Ragne (nor Styrbjörn) never compromised with anything related to his artistry and creativity. Despite the hardship that comes with this stance in the commercial world of music and art, it certainly demands one's respect. I experienced this determination when Ragne and Styrbjörn kindly invited me over to Thunderload Studios to hear a rough mix of their latest masterpiece 'Riders Of The Ancient Storm.' It was incredible! Just to sit there and eat cinnamon rolls and drink coffee with these two legends of heavy metal would have been well (or more than) enough for me. But to then get a pre-release listening to their first record since 1983!? It was awesome to the point of absurdity. The brothers were so proud (as they should be). They treated me with such respect and warmth that day (and every other time we met). I will never forget it. Ragne's music will surely continue to shake the very foundations of Valhalla! He will be sorely missed!"

If you have never heard their music, no doubt it will sound old because, well, it is. Their debut was released in 1978. That being said, speaking for myself (Metal Bulletin Zine), I would still recommend checking out their music. Their 1970s album is interesting as a diverse work of its time, while the early 80s work shows them going for a leaner, meaner, and more streamlined sound—more in line with the emergence of the new sounds of the 1980s heavy metal explosion.

Heavy Load (SWE) - Full Speed at High Level (1978) Full Album

Heavy load - Metal conquest (EP) - 1981

Heavy Load - Death or Glory (1982)

Heavy Load Stronger Than Evil full album 1983