Swedish heavy metal stalwarts RAM have unveiled a video for "Abattoir," the latest single from Against — their first full-length in nearly seven years, out October 9 via Metal Blade Records.
"'Abattoir' is pure speed metal," comments vocalist Oscar Carlquist. "To me it sounds like a mixture of Bonded By Blood-era EXODUS and ACCEPT. A super aggressive song. The lyrics deal with the fact that when push comes to shove the guillotines will be built again."
Where The Throne Within was defined by spiritual and metaphysical themes, Against is grounded in the experience of being pushed beyond reasonable limits and refusing to comply — "that fire of defiance," as the band puts it, or more bluntly: "Fear the return of the Heavy Metal Tyranny!" Inspired sonically by early DIO, MSG and SWEET, the album aims for an honest, unpolished sound. Metal Hammer calls it "stunningly beautiful, traditional anthems... It doesn't get much better than this," while Powermetal.de rates it 9/10 as "arguably the best RAM album since Svbversvm."
Against arrives on CD, digital and five vinyl variants.
In related news, after 17 years bassist Tobias "Tobbe" Petterson has stepped down from RAM. His replacement is Desekrator of VOODUS and STORMDEATH fame. "Petterson will always remain a part of the RAM family and we part as brothers, still united by the power of heavy metal," the band comments. Petterson plays his final show with RAM on October 9 in Gothenburg at the record release show.
"Against" track listing:
- Obsession
- Ghost Emperor
- One Vs. All
- Abattoir
- Out of Control
- Leaving
- Against
- Night Blade
- Rising Again
- 1984
- The Final Hour
RAM live:
October 9 — Gothenburg, SE @ Skjulet (record release show w/ PORTRAIT) December 4 — Murcia, ES @ Spectrum December 5 — Valencia, ES @ Peter Rock December 6 — Barcelona, ES @ Upload December 7 — Vitoria, ES @ Urban March 12-13, 2027 — Písek, CZ @ Heavy Metal Thunder Fest April 8, 2027 — Essen, DE @ Don't Panic May 20-22, 2027 — Ohmbachsee, DE @ Iron Fest
Pre-order: metalblade.com/ram