Swedish heavy metal band RAM have unleashed “Abattoir,” the latest single from their forthcoming album Against, arriving October 9 via Metal Blade Records. The record marks the band’s first full-length release in nearly seven years.
Accompanied by an official video, “Abattoir” finds RAM embracing an aggressive speed metal attack while drawing inspiration from some of heavy metal and thrash’s formative sounds.
Vocalist Oscar Carlquist comments:
“‘Abattoir’ is pure speed metal. 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.”
Watch the official video for “Abattoir” now.
The track follows previously released singles “Ghost Emperor” and “Night Blade,” offering another preview of the eleven-song Against.
Against Marks RAM’s Return After Nearly Seven Years
Where RAM’s previous full-length, The Throne Within, explored spiritual and metaphysical territory, Against shifts its focus toward resistance and the experience of being pushed beyond reasonable limits.
According to the band, the record captures the “fire of defiance” that ultimately defines both its title and message.
Musically, guitarists Harry Granroth and Martin Jonsson maintain the sharp, aggressive guitar tone central to the RAM sound, while the record takes inspiration from classic recording philosophies rather than chasing a heavily polished modern production.
Drawing sonic inspiration from early works by Dio, MSG, and Sweet, RAM approached Against with the goal of creating something direct, organic, and deliberately difficult to confine to the increasingly specific subgenres surrounding contemporary heavy metal.
The album was produced by Johan Reiven.
Against Track Listing
- “Obsession”
- “Ghost Emperor”
- “One Vs. All”
- “Abattoir”
- “Out of Control”
- “Leaving”
- “Against”
- “Night Blade”
- “Rising Again”
- “1984”
- “The Final Hour”
Against will be released digitally, on CD, and across several vinyl variants, including 180g black, Clear Lilac Marbled, Purple Melt limited to 300 copies, Crystal Clear Blackdust limited to 300 copies, and Silver Black Splatter limited to 250 copies.
Tobias Petterson Announces Departure From RAM
The new album also arrives as RAM prepare for a significant lineup change.
After 17 years as the band’s bassist, Tobias “Tobbe” Petterson has announced his departure. Petterson has been an integral part of RAM both in the studio and onstage and will play his final show with the group on October 9 at Skjulet in Gothenburg — the same day Against is released.
RAM commented on his departure:
“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, a longtime friend and fan of the band, will take over bass duties moving forward.
“Desekrator has been close to the band for decades and through being a die hard fan he is already well versed with the true spirit of RAM. This combined with his bass skills makes him the perfect replacement for Tobbe. Onward Upon The Black Path!”
RAM Recording Lineup
Oscar Carlquist — Vocals
Morgan Pettersson — Drums
Harry Granroth — Guitar
Martin Jonsson — Guitar
Tobias Petterson — Bass