RAM Returns With New Album "Against" and Unleash “Ghost Emperor”

RAM Returns With New Album “Against” and Unleash “Ghost Emperor”

Foix Marsé

2–3 minutes

Swedish heavy metal band RAM are set to make their return this autumn with “Against,” their first new album in almost seven years. The record is scheduled for release on October 9 through Metal Blade Records.

The band’s last album, “The Throne Within,” arrived in 2019 and explored a number of spiritual and metaphysical ideas. This time around, RAM have taken things in a more direct direction. “Against” is built around themes of resistance, frustration and standing your ground when you have been pushed too far.

The album was recorded at Studio Recordia in Varberg, Sweden, with Johan Reiven behind the production. Reiven is no stranger to RAM, having previously worked with the band on “Lightbringer” back in 2009. The recording process also meant a change of environment for the group, who had previously worked out of their own Black Path Studios.

One of the more interesting elements of the sessions came during the recording of the guitar solos. Rather than relying on a single amplified signal, the band used two amps — one heavily effected and another completely dry — with separate microphones capturing each sound. Additional room microphones were placed throughout Recordia’s large 150-square-metre recording room. The result, according to RAM, is a fuller and more natural sound.

That approach fits the band’s musical direction on “Against.” RAM have looked towards the classic heavy metal records that influenced them, with names such as Dio, MSG and Sweet among their reference points. Instead of chasing modern production trends or fitting themselves into one of metal’s many sub-genres, the band wanted the new record to sound straightforward and unapologetic.

For vocalist Oscar Carlquist, that attitude is central to what RAM are about. The band has little interest in following the latest movements within the metal scene and instead remains focused on what they consider the core of heavy metal: energy, aggression and rebellion.

Fans can now get their first taste of the album with “Ghost Emperor”, which serves as the opening track on “Against.” The song has arrived alongside a new music video and sticks firmly to RAM’s classic heavy metal roots. Lyrically, “Ghost Emperor” takes a darker look at power and control, questioning who is really behind the structures that govern society. Carlquist describes the song as being about unseen figures operating behind the scenes and manipulating events without ever being fully visible.

With “Against,” RAM appear to have no intention of reinventing their sound. Instead, they are doubling down on the traditional heavy metal formula that has defined the band throughout their career — and doing it on their own terms.