ALBUM REVIEW
RAM - Against
Classic heavy metal, sharp riffs, melodic choruses.
Swedish heavy metal veterans RAM close the seven-year gap since "The Throne Within" with "Against". The guitar language inherited from traditional eighties heavy metal, melodic choruses and straightforward songwriting meet a more defiant, anger-fuelled outlook here. The JUDAS PRIEST influence that has been evident on previous albums comes through particularly in the twin-guitar harmonies and razor-sharp riffs. RAM's commitment to the genre's established conventions feels less like a conservatism that limits their creativity than a deliberate choice of foundation on which to build their songs.
Following the opening track 'Obsession', 'Ghost Emperor' sets the pace with fast-moving guitar lines and prominent melodic leads. Oscar Carlquist's raspy vocals lend the songs a hard edge without overshadowing their melodic contours. Harry Granroth and Martin Jonsson combine sharp-edged riffs with harmonised guitar lines, while Tobias Petterson's bass provides a solid foundation beneath the rhythmic framework. Johan Reiven's production reinforces this cohesion. The result is an organic sound in which the instruments have room to breathe, the drums retain their natural resonance and the guitars never disappear behind a polished surface. This approach allows RAM to present their vision of classic heavy metal without trying to mould it to contemporary production conventions.
Photo by Sanna Bäckström
With its mid-tempo pace and anthemic structure, 'One Vs. All' represents the album's most immediately memorable side. Its fist-raising chorus and the melodic lift of the twin guitars reinforce the song's directness. There is a risk of this approach becoming formulaic, however; particularly among the mid-tempo tracks, the similarities can blur their individual identities in places. Even so, when RAM give their melodic ideas enough definition, they manage to turn simplicity into an asset.
'Abattoir' is one of the album's closest encounters with speed metal. Its sharp guitar attacks and high-octane pace recall ACCEPT at their most aggressive, generating intensity without resorting to showmanship. 'Out of Control' leans further towards rock, with guitar harmonies and a driving rhythmic pulse lending it a distinct sense of vitality. The contrast between the two tracks demonstrates that RAM can create variety not just through speed, but also through the character of their riffs and rhythmic accents. 'Out of Control' is particularly effective at combining the stage-ready energy of classic heavy metal with a memorable chorus.
When the pace eases on 'Leaving', the album's melodic side emerges in a different light. The slower-moving rhythm gives the song's melancholy room to breathe, while the vocal melody and memorable chorus elevate it beyond a routine change of pace. The fact that some of the song's ideas date back many years does nothing to diminish their place on the album; if anything, it suggests that RAM's melodic approach has retained its relevance over time. By contrast, the title track 'Against' addresses the theme of defiance in a more direct and forceful manner, but despite a strong chorus, it falls short of the surrounding tracks.
'Night Blade' offers another example of just how effective straightforward riff writing can be. Its central guitar motif draws on the heavy metal tradition of the seventies and early eighties, pairing that familiar foundation with an instantly memorable chorus. The absence of technical complexity does not diminish the song's impact; instead, it keeps the melodic idea from being obscured by unnecessary detail. 'Rising Again' takes a more grandiose approach, driven by an energetic rhythm and harmonised guitar melodies. Its structure recalls eighties power metal, occasionally expanding into more flamboyant melodic territory without losing touch with the album's overall character.
'1984' stands apart from the other tracks through its rhythmic approach and unsettling melody. True to its title, which evokes George Orwell's dystopian world, it conveys ideas of control and oppression through the tension created by the music itself. The drums' distinctive rhythmic accents and the melody's dark character establish a more disquieting atmosphere within a traditional heavy metal framework. The track demonstrates that RAM can explore a different expressive territory without straying far from their familiar formula of riffs and choruses. Closer 'The Final Hour' brings the album to a close with dramatic guitar melodies and a determined forward drive; its impact rests on the cohesion of the arrangement rather than unnecessary technical flourishes.
"Against" finds RAM confident in the foundations of their songwriting, showing no need to redefine their identity after such a long absence. Not every track is equally distinctive, and some of the mid-tempo passages begin to blur together on repeated listens. Nevertheless, the sharpness of the faster songs, the melodic strength of the guitar harmonies and the natural character of the production largely compensate for these limitations. RAM make the case for traditional heavy metal not as nostalgic imitation, but through well-crafted riffs, strong choruses and measured arrangements. Without attempting to push beyond the genre's boundaries, "Against" serves as a reminder that there are still compelling, self-assured songs to be written within them.
