This is the seventh album from Swedish heavy metallers Ram.
Ram are ferociously good, let’s get that right in the open straight away. They’ve been absent a good many years though, silent since 2019’s The Throne Within. Thankfully, they have now seen fit to return to us, gifting unto us a worthy heavy metal tribute in the form of the 44-minute Against. Buckle up, as this one’s a beast.
Against takes a less-is-more, song-focused approach, delivering heavy metal thunder that’s tight and well-defined. Ram’s personality oozes from every distorted pore, yet they only say what’s needed to be said, never straying too far from the heart of the matter. The songs are lean and mean, and more potent because of this.
Against benefits from a classic sound that fits the band’s stripped-back songwriting. The emphasis is placed firmly on the song and the performances of the band members, leaving nowhere to hide. This results in a collection of songs that feel honest and authentic, and seriously kick all kinds of behind.
Ram are so metal it hurts, which is why we love them. That and the fact that they know how to pen a damn good tune. The riffs are strong and the solos burn with passion. The vocals are moreish and catchy, while the bass pulses and gallops. It’s pure heavy metal heaven; anthemic in places, yet Against isn’t afraid to throw in a bit of speed metal or what have you into the mix when a bit more aggression is needed.
Against is classic heavy metal played extremely well by a band that know what they’re about. Ram rule. It’s as simple and as effective as that.
Very highly recommended.
