Thobias Wiklund hales from Stockholm, Sweden where he delivers up everything from Hard Rock to various different Metal genres.   Thobias is not new on the scene, already having a number of solo albums to his credit including his 2014 debut album 'To Remember The Forgotten' which featured vocalist Peo Pettersson(Axia, Leviticus). Then in 2017 Thobias Wiklund released an album titled Nozanopra-'Peace in our hearts' which was influenced by Greek Folk and middle eastern sounds & instruments. The album featured vocalists Chris Lanto & Peo Petersson on vocals, Mauritz Peterson on drums and Mats “Mally” Håxell as a guest drummer on the first track. In 2020 Thobias followed-up with the release of his sophomore solo album titled 'Playing Loud'. The album featured vocalist-Göran Edman(Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum), drummer-Richard ”Raptor” Holmgren(Wolf, Grand Design), Chris Lanto on keyboards and Peo Pettersson as guest vocalist on two different tracks.

       After the release of his 2020 album, Thobias showed no signs of stopping when he returned to the studios and began recording tracks for a 3rd solo album.

       In 2026 Thobias Wiklund released his 3rd full-length album titled 'The Gates Of Heaven' on Thobias' record label - XTC Productions via X5 Music Group. All physical albums of 'The Gates Of Heaven' are handled by TW Musik Productions. This latest release features soaring vocals, Neo-Classical elements, Hard Rock, and Power Metal with a European flare. The album was released on September 11 which holds a significant meaning due to his father passing on Sept 11, 2020. 'The Gates Of Heaven' is entirely dedicated to Thobias' father. this 2026 release was produced by Thobias Wiklund who personally performed every instrument on the album. Those who don't mind a little variance in their music will greatly appreciate this release. Thobias has included a mixture of Rock, Metal, Power Metal and Neoclassical flavorings. There are plenty of hooks throughout the album to keep one coming back for another spin. 

       Listening to this album and its concept of passing from this life to another, brings to mind another artist-Terry Scott Taylor and his 1993 album 'A Briefing For The Ascent'. The album was also inspired by someone no longer here. It was inspired by the passing of Terry Taylor's grandmother who he was very close to.

       The track-list for 'The Gates Of Heave' includes 1.The Light Streaks from the Sky (feat. Johnny Gioeli) 2.Waiting on a New Day to Dawn (feat. Johnny Gioeli) 3.The Gates of Heaven (feat. Johnny Gioeli) 4.Only You and Me (feat. Goran Edman) 5.I Will Always Remember You (feat. Johnny Gioeli) 6.Holy Water and the Holy Cross (feat. Johnny Gioeli) 7.Empty Room 8.The Harmonica Man (feat. Goran Edman) 9.Gather Your Strenght (feat. Goran Edman)

       As seen above, 'The Gates Of Heaven' features two different vocalists - Johnny Gioeli(Hardline, Axel Rudi Pell) and Goran Edman(ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum). Frontman-Johnny Gioeli's vocals here have a strong presence on this project. Gioeli delivery has plenty of grit and hooks that draws one in with every spin of the album. Frontman-Goran Edman gives a solid performance offering additional variance to the overall vocals on the album. I think that both Gioeli & Goran are perfect picks for this project giving it a timeless edge with the right amount of variance!

       Thobias Wiklund first got his hands on a guitar at the early age of three but really began focusing on music when he was about 12 years old. Thobias has a broad musical education through several different universities. He holds a degree as a music producer in Dalarna University and a composer education from Umeå University. As a musician, he has a wide range of knowledge with guitar and bass as his main instruments but also plays other instruments such as drums, keyboards and piano. Thobias not only plays Hard Rock, but also composes for Classical music, Folk music, Jazz music along with other genres. 

       Don't forget to check out trac-7 "Empty Room" where Thobias shows his prowess on a full-on instrumental track. 

Lyrics point to heaven and are encouraging for those who have had loved ones pass away.

THE LIGHT STREAKS FROM THE SKY

Never give up
Find the way to your heart
Follow the sign
The light streaks from the sky

Hear message from above
There is no end
Just follow the sign
You will find the way

WAITING ON A NEW DAY TO DAWN

Waiting on a new day to dawn

Waiting on things to get better

With hope to see you again

from my heart I sent to you 

The letter I wrote to you

Before and the words I want to say to you when you were here

THE GATES OF HEAVEN

You gave me life
You gave me strength
You are the only one I could trust

Your soul will always remain
You found the way
To the gates of heaven

HOLY WATER AND THE HOLY CROSS

Show me the way to the holy place
I’m begging you for a sign
Show me the way to the holy source

Which gives the water for eternal life

Holy water & the holy cross

Drinking from the holy water
Feeling rest in my soul
Standing by the cross

(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)

       Thobias Wiklund is for fans of Majestic Vanguard, Harmony, and Gloriam Dei. Looking for some solid Hard Rock/Metal to add to your collection? 'The Gates Of Heaven' does not disappoint, so do yourself a favor and pick up your copy of the album today!

Musicians:

Thobias Wiklund - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums

Guest Musicians:

Johnny Gioeli (Hardline, Axel Rudi Pell) - Lead Vocals

Goran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum) - Lead & Backing Vocals

Ulf Wahlberg - Harmonica on track-8