Swedish heavy metal squad Ram presents their latest single and video for “Night Blade.” The track appears on their forthcoming new long player, Against, set to drop on October 9th through Metal Blade Records.
Comments vocalist Oscar Carlquist: “The return of the riff! Before writing this song, I had been contemplating the fact that ’70s and early ’80s metal was a lot more about the riff than what you hear and have heard for a long time. I wanted to bring that back and wrote a typical, super simple old-school riff to carry the song. A perfect song to headbang to.”
It has been nearly seven years since Ram‘s The Throne Within, an album defined by its spiritual and metaphysical themes. With Against, Ram takes a more grounded approach, focusing on the experience of being pushed beyond reasonable limits and refusing to comply. The album captures that moment of resistance, “that fire of defiance, which ultimately defines its title and message,” as the band collectively states.
Musically, guitarists Harry Granroth and Martin Jonsson continue to favor bridge pickups, maintaining a sharp and aggressive tone. The equipment used on Against reflects a classic approach, contributing to a sound that feels both timeless and direct. Sonically, Against was conceived as a return to classic recording philosophies. Drawing inspiration from the early works of Dio, MSG, and Sweet, the goal was to create an honest and unpolished sound. What you hear is what you get! In a music landscape increasingly divided into countless subgenres, the band positions itself deliberately outside of categorization. The title Against itself reinforces the band’s longstanding identity as nonconformists, viewing heavy metal as a form of sonic rebellion.
One of the most noticeable aspects of the record is its concise songwriting. Where earlier work may have leaned toward complexity, this album embraces clarity and precision. This evolution reflects a broader maturation, with the Swedes recognizing that restraint and focus can be more impactful than technical display.
The album artwork, created by Carlquist himself, also reflects a conscious shift toward simplicity. In contrast to previous covers filled with symbolism, the focus is placed squarely on the band’s iconic ram-horned skull emblem, ensuring that the identity of the band remains unmistakable.
Ultimately, Against stands as a statement of intent, a reaffirmation of identity and purpose. Or, as they put it themselves: “Fear the return of the Heavy Metal Tyranny!”
Ram‘s Against full-length will be released on CD and digital formats here, as well as vinyl, in the following color variants:
- 180g Black
- Clear Lilac Marbled
- Purple Melt (Ltd. 300)
- Crystal Clear Blackdust (Ltd. 300)
- Silver Black Splatter (Ltd. 250)
In related news, after 17 years as the bassist for Ram, Tobias “Tobbe” Petterson has decided to step down from the band. Petterson has been a pivotal part of both Ram‘s recordings and live shows, and his steadfast bass playing and ferocious stage presence will be missed.
The band comments: “Petterson will always remain a part of the Ram family, and we part as brothers, still united by the power of heavy metal. But the heavy metal tyranny must proceed; new horizons await, and these will be shared with our new bass player, Desekrator of Voodus and Stormdeath fame. Desekrator has been close to the band for decades, and through being a die-hard fan, he is already well-versed in the true spirit of Ram. This, combined with his bass skills makes him the perfect replacement for Tobbe. Onward Upon The Black Path!”
Petterson will perform his final show with Ram on October 9th in Gothenburg, the band’s record release show.
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