Heavy Load

Heavy Load from Sweden were one of the earliest European Metal groups along with Accept, Trance, Torch, and early Scorpions. Much like other high quality but under appreciated European traditional metal bands (220 Volt, Overdrive, Ostrogoth, Avenger) Sweden’s beery Vikings Heavy Load slugged it out in the trenches long before anybody bothered to notice ‘em. Partially to blame were ludicrously small and poorly distributed pressing of their records, but no metal this good should go unheard for any reason, damn it. Bringing the energy and passion of Motorhead to bear on Scorpions derived clever guitar stylings, Heavy Load embody a hopeful, anthemic sound evoking Viking anthems sung after a lost but well fought battle.

Since releasing their self-titled debut album in 1995, Gov't Mule have remained close to their trademark bluesy hard rock roots. While they cover classic blues tunes regularly, they apply that musical signature. Heavy Load Blues marks the first time the quartet have recorded an album devoted strictly to blues. They cut it in one small room in a New England studio standing very close to one another – without headphones – using small vintage amplifiers. The band played stripped-down blues live from the studio floor; the few overdubs were added later. The 13-song standard version of the set offers six excellent Warren Haynes originals alongside covers by masters such as Ann Peebles, Howlin' Wolf, Elmore James, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and others. Haynes co-produced the set with John Paterno.

This is a Holy Grail of late 70's heavy rock - due both to rarity (200+ Euro for original vinyl in pristine state) and awesome quality of the progressive-tinged and heavy as hell music. Being inspired by Black Sabbath, early Judas Priest, Budgie and Neon Rose and pressed privately in Sweden - this album 'nearly invented' the whole genre like The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal! It was recorded and released in 1978 - full year ahead of Iron Maiden and Tygers Of Pan Tang! This release was carefully mastered from the original source and sounds better than ever! Enjoy!