Video: The Load play The William Tell Overture

Prog Archives on The Load

The website ProgArchives has a section on The Load, giving a solid biography of the band and providing a number of listener reviews of their two albums. Here is part of a review for Praise The Load:

The Load is keyboard driven blend of symphonic progressive rock generally in the vein of ELP, REFUGEE, early Rick Wakeman and Rick Van Der Linden (TRACE/EKSEPTION) very slightly touched by "American prog influence" that "infected" such American's bands as Kansas, Starcastle, Fireballet. The main feature is definitely virtuosity of keyboardist Sterling Smith using huge variety of keyboard units from Hammond organ to string synthesizer (that makes The Load's uniqueness), however exciting bass lines by Dave Hessler and very effective drumming by Tommy Smith create excellent support. The tracks very crafted primary instrumental numbers with complex themes influenced by baroque era of classic music. 

New Additions: Praise The Load by The Load

Part of the fun of unlocking the mysteries of Columbus music history is digging into the releases on Owl. Unfortunately, like with Raven, other original releases are hard to come by, including the 1976 album Praise The Load by The Load. Forget trying to get a vinyl version, the best option and what I opted for is the 1991 compact disc re-release on The Laser's Edge label, which includes two songs not included on the original album. From all the descriptions I had read, this was going to be a headtrip on par with the heavyweights of 1970s progressive rock, and they were right.

Know Yer Band: The Load

Band: The Load

Members
Vocals/Keyboards - Sterling Smith
Guitar/Bass/Vocals - Dave Hessler
Drums/Percussion - Tom Smith

Releases
1974 - Now We'll Say We Tried / She Calls My Name 7" single (Owl)
1976 - Praise The Load album (Owl)
1995 - Load Have Mercy album (The Laser's Edge)