Author: Turborock

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Glory or Agony – the end of an era

Glory or Agony – a closing chapter

New EP from Watcher

Glory or Agony was finished recording in June 2024, shortly after the release of the debut album Key to the Unbreachable. Heavier than the debut, this EP shows the different musical realms that Watcher explores, but also masters. Just like the single (Beyond the Iron Gate, 2024), the EP holds a more progressive style to it and this time you can surely hear influences from both Fates Warning and Icon.

Initially, Glory or Agony was intended to be a full-length album, but 3 songs and an intro have been cut off and left for the archives. Why this sudden change? Well, after Viktor Gustafsson got together with four live members to play a gig as support for Helvetets Port, his vision of Watcher was once again taken to another level. From singing, playing, writing and producing all music himself, he now saw the increased potential Watcher could achieve if becoming a band with talented musicians mastering their own instruments. In a matter of fact, music in the new shape of Watcher is already brewing in a cauldron full of ingredients that make up the recipe for Heavy Metal. Due to this, at some points it seemed like Glory or Agony would not see the light of day at all, but that would have been a shame, and therefore the EP has been available on streaming platforms since the 6th of February. 

Due to all positive feedback of the new EP, Turborock Productions is today, on the 19th of February, proud to announce that there will be an extremely limited cassette edition of this 6-track EP (yes, the physical copy will include the additional song Like a Cherokee*). 50 hand numbered copies on black marble tape is now available for pre-order. The tapes are already in production and will ship during March 2025. Be quick on this one!

Glory or Agony is a closing chapter of Watcher as a solo project. STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE HEAVY METAL!

*Like a Cherokee, Eddie Meduza cover.

Cover art by Max Warnby. Additional layout by Turborock Productions.

Posted on February 6, 2025.
Updated on February 19, 2025.

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In memory of Ragne Wahlquist of Heavy Load

In memory of Ragne Wahlquist of Heavy Load

Photo by Manfred Thanner. Graphics by Turborock Productions. 

From the TurboBoss, with a heavy heart:

I’m absolutely devastated. Ragne Wahlquist, not only the guitarist and vocalist of Heavy Load, but a dear friend and the godfather of Swedish Heavy Metal, has suddenly left us.

In the autumn of 2023, Turborock was asked to create and produce merchandise for Heavy Load. The band has been one of my favorite bands for years, so I was of course honored to be requested. Since then, me and Ragne had a lot of contact and he was so excited and filled with ideas for the band and its future. Not only with merchandise, but for the continued work with Heavy Load, with gigs and perhaps a fanclub. He was just as keen to view everything from my perspective and listen to my thoughts and suggestions. He usually always ended our conversations with: ”Thank you for being here, and for being you.”
 
When we met at the end of September 2024, I never thought it would be our last meeting. Just as always, he was happy, in great condition, funny and inspiring. That weekend, I had the pleasure to enjoy lunch, dinner and a lot of laughter and lovely conversations with Ragne and Styrbjörn Wahlquist. We were talking about upcoming shows for Heavy Load, and I recommended different places in Gothenburg which could be possible venues for a Swedish tour. The brothers visited some of them during their stay. The dream of Heavy Load playing clubs was getting closer to reality. But now, reality is without you, Ragne.
 
I can’t really think of any more humble or kind-hearted person stepping into my life, just like that. Ragne’s words about me were always beyond most compliments I’ve ever received, so overwhelming. I can’t believe he is gone. Ragne, you will never be forgotten. Your kind, poetic words will echo within me forever, just like the art you’ve created – the music of Heavy Load and your authorship with the Wahlgaard Saga. You were so full of life and joy, dedication and power of action. A perfectionist who mastered the making of music in the most uncompromising way and see what you’ve achieved: Some of the best and most epic music ever. A pioneer who had so much more to give.
 
From what I’ve learned from Ragne, he surrounded himself with love and passion, had a clear vision, will and goal. Always following his dreams. With his warm heart, he embraced each and every fan of Heavy Load with kindness and gratitude. We all salute you. I feel relieved that the band made a comeback so Ragne, and the rest of the band, got to experience Heavy Load’s greatness and the grandiose appreciation from fans all around the world. I know it meant everything for Ragne, and he treated them all like close friends. I’m also extremely grateful for having experienced the band live four times.
 
Thanks for wishing me all the best in life (his last message to me on New Years Eve).
Thanks for letting me work with you, one of my favorite bands of all time.
Thanks for becoming my friend and getting to know you as the beautiful person you were.
Thanks for the music history you’ve created; like singing swords it will resound forever.
 
Great hall awaits a fallen brother.
Rest In Power, Ragne.
We’ll meet again in Valhalla.
 
In memory of Ragne Wahlquist
January 23rd 1955 – January 2nd 2025 

Posted on January 12, 2025.

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Turborock Magazine 5 (SWE) out now!

Turborock Magazine 5 (SWE) is out now!

A new issue of Turborock Magazine in Swedish is now in stock! This fifth issue contains interviews with the German Heavy Metal band ACID BLADE, with the traditional Heavy Rock duo DRIFTER from America, and a 6-page diving into the Swedish cult band ONYX with former guitarist and songwriter Björn Holm. Additional to this, there are also reviews, a Heavy Metal crossword and competitions. Limited edition, so what are you waiting for?! 

Don’t miss out Turborock Magazine 4 when you purchase this new piece of collector’s item.
Issue 4 is available in both Swedish AND English!  

View all available issues of Turborock Magazine here: https://www.turborock.se/product-tag/watcher/
Turborock Productions Turborock Magazine 5 Swedish Heavy Metal

Posted on August 29, 2024.

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Two new songs from Watcher

Two new songs from WATCHER

Watcher’s debut album ’Key to the Unbreachable’ was released on the 6th of June, exactly two months ago. Viktor Gustafsson, the brain behind the band, is discovering the wide realms of Heavy Metal and this single contains two brand new songs that show his range within the genre. The title track ’Beyond the Iron Gate’ is more in the vein of USPM like Fates Warning with a progressive touch to it, while the Swedish song ’ÖB:s Klubba’ is a speedy one over the limit. But the thing is, Viktor has no boundaries. A vocalist and musician exploring and challenging his own ability in his dedication to Heavy Metal. Watcher is simply here to stay.

Blast the songs NOW on streaming platforms! 
 
Purchase the album digitally via our Bandcamp and also make sure to listen to the debut album ‘Key to the Unbreachable’: https://turborockproductions.bandcamp.com/
 
View all Watcher items here: https://www.turborock.se/product-tag/watcher/

Cover art by Kian Hellberg and Viktor Gustafsson. 

Posted on August 6, 2024.

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United with Living Fast

United with LIVING FAST
Turborock Productions are proud to announce that we have signed a deal with the new traditional Heavy Metal band Living Fast from Florida, US. Anyone already familiar with the Wall Breaker EP knows that this band is a hungry force of full underground metal dedication. If you are into straightforward metal and enjoy catchy melodies carried up by a driving chorus, this is for you. For fans of the traditional sound of the 80s, especially Scandinavian Heavy Metal and NWOBHM. Expect some heavy news regarding this soon!
 
WELCOME TO THE TURBOROCK POWERHOUSE

Statement from the TurboBoss:
“As people should know by now, Turborock Productions is a production agency dedicated to Heavy Metal. This means that we are specialized in layout and graphic design for album releases, merchandise and anything else really that a band or label may need for their promotion of their music or company. It wasn’t really my plan to sign bands, but when Viktor from Watcher asked me if I wanted to release his debut album, and the music fitted me like a leather glove, I just couldn’t say no. When James from Living Fast reached out to me and introduced me to the band, it took a while until I decided to sign another band to Turborock Productions, since I’m a person who wants to do it with full power and not half-hearted, so I must be sure I’ve got the time. The more I talked to James, the more obvious it became that this collaboration is going to happen. Just like working with Viktor from Watcher, James turned out to have the same personality with high ambitions, a driving force and a hungry need to feed the underground metal scene. Personal qualities and mentality that I have myself, and which I value. These are the kind of people I want to work with. These are the kind of people I want in my life. We share the same dedication for what we love, which is Heavy Metal. We share the same energy and we are passionated about what we do, and we are eager to make things happen. I’m really looking forward to what we will achieve together. It’s gonna be loud, proud and heavy!”

Viktor from Watcher, and James from Living Fast. 

Posted on July 3, 2024.