Watch RAM’s “Against” video HERE.
Today, Swedish heavy metal goliaths RAM present their video for “Against,” the title track of their latest full-length, out now on Metal Blade Records.
The title track was written in a burst of inspiration, driven by a personal sense of facing overwhelming opposition; a David And Goliath scenario. This intense emotional energy fueled a rapid writing process, resulting in one of the album’s most direct and powerful statements.
Comments vocalist Oscar Carlquist, “‘Against’ is a real belter of a track, super old school. This is not your fresh 2026 MacBook metal; this is straight from the gutter. The lyrics are pure defiance, a tale about not backing down.”
Watch RAM’s “Against” video HERE.
Watch RAM’s previously released video for “Abattoir” HERE, “Ghost Emperor” HERE, and “Night Blade” HERE.
While RAM’s previously released The Throne Within full-length was defined by its spiritual and metaphysical themes, Against 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. In a music landscape increasingly divided into countless subgenres, the band positions itself deliberately outside of categorization.
One of the most noticeable aspects of Against 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.
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 is out now on CD and digital formats 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)
Preview/purchase Against at metalblade.com/ram.
Against Track Listing:
- Obsession
- Ghost Emperor
- One Vs. All
- Abattoir
- Out of Control
- Leaving
- Against
- Night Blade
- Rising Again
- 1984
- The Final Hour
RAM Live:
12/04/2026 Spectrum – Murcia, ES
12/05/2026 Peter Rock – Valencia, ES
12/06/2026 Upload – Barcelona, ES
12/07/2026 Urban – Vitoria, ES
3/12-13/2027 Heavy Metal Thunder Fest – Pisek, CZ
4/08/2027 Don´t Panic – Essen, DE
5/20-22/2027 Iron Fest – Ohmbachsee, DE
“After all these years, RAM still perfectly embodies what real metal must be; passionate, Luciferian, antagonistic, and musically overpowering. Oscar’s vocals are some of the best in the genre; fearless and full of intent. A heavy metal soundtrack for the twilight of the world.” – Erik Danielsson, Watain
”Just when you thought it was safe to be dead, RAM resurrects you only to kill you again. I have loved this band since the very start, and Against contains some of their strongest material to date, in terms of both lyrics and music. This is thinking man’s metal of the highest order!” – Christian Lindell, Portrait
“There’s only one band in Sweden making classic heavy metal without it sounding like a pastiche or tribute act to the old days. Oscar is Sweden’s best and most charismatic singer and frontman. Why isn’t this one of the leading bands in the genre? Probably because they are completely uncompromising and refuse to bend the knee or kiss the asses required to reach the biggest stages. Against is every bit as good as everything else they’ve done. Elite!” – Sebastian Ramstedt, Necrophobic/Nifelheim
“After seven years, RAM are finally back with another anthem-fueled album. While remaining true to their roots, they are opening their sound and manage to show a few new angles to their classic heavy metal. Can’t wait to bang my head to ‘Night Blade’ at a show of one of the best live bands of our times!” – S. Castevet, Vulture
“Pure heavy metal, raw and unfiltered. Just my cup of tea!” – Niklas Stålvind, Wolf
“The Gothenburg-based outfit continues to craft stunningly beautiful, traditional anthems… It is a mystery why RAM aren’t already playing on bigger stages. Anyone with a heart for honestly forged heavy metal who hasn’t yet checked out this band really ought to do so immediately. It doesn’t get much better than this.” – Metal Hammer
“It offers everything one could want from classic heavy metal: catchy, high-energy hooks, driving twin-guitar harmonies, defiant lyrics, and—of course—riffs, riffs, riffs. What’s more, Against is anything but monotonous: there are songs for an adventurous highway drive, tracks for rocking out and letting loose, and—in the ballad-like ‘Leaving”—something that speaks to the heart. Held together by Johan Reiven’s organic production, this is heavy metal through and through.” – Rock Hard
“…arguably the best RAM album since Svbversvm… Anyone into real heavy metal won’t want to miss this record.” – Powermetal.de
“…this record oozes with a fun, sleazy, raw and fiercely energetic spirit that makes it nearly impossible not to immediately gravitate toward. This is the exact type of old-school album that makes me wish I still had a shitty old-school boombox to blow the speakers out while smoking cigarettes and drinking a cold 40 oz on my front porch. Crank that glorious noise up.” – The Metal List
“…a metal album that sounds exactly the way a metal album should: powerful, positive, and anthemic. Guys, you nailed it.” – Rock It
“As always, the musical craftsmanship is beyond reproach, and with this release, RAM once again proves itself to be a high-quality standard-bearer for the New Wave of Swedish Heavy Metal.” – Rock Tribune
“RAM stays confidently within the genre they have mastered so convincingly, ensuring that classic heavy metal is alive and well.” – Metalized
“RAM means business and with the music in this release showcase their caliber, as all songs are explosive, catchy, and very varied, making this release have huge replay value.” – Infernal Masquerade
RAM Recording Lineup:
Oscar Carlquist – vocals
Morgan Pettersson – drums
Harry Granroth – guitar
Martin Jonsson – guitar
Tobias Petterson – bas
RAM Live Lineup:
Oscar Carlquist – vocals
Morgan Pettersson – drums
Harry Granroth – guitar
Martin Jonsson – guitar
Desekrator – bass
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