Swedish heavy metal stalwarts RAM have presented “Abattoir,” the latest single from Against, their first full-length in nearly seven years, out October 9 through Metal Blade Records.
“‘Abattoir’ is pure speed metal,” says vocalist Oscar Carlquist. “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.”
Where their previous album The Throne Within leaned into spiritual and metaphysical themes, Against takes a more grounded approach, focusing on 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 puts it.
Guitarists Harry Granroth and Martin Jonsson stick with bridge pickups for a sharp, aggressive tone, and the gear throughout reflects a deliberately classic approach. Sonically the record was conceived as a return to older recording philosophies, drawing from the early work of Dio, MSG and Sweet in pursuit of an honest, unpolished sound. In a landscape carved into endless subgenres, the band positions itself outside categorization entirely.
Or as they put it: “Fear the return of the Heavy Metal Tyranny!”
The Response
Metal Hammer wrote that the Gothenburg outfit keeps crafting stunningly beautiful traditional anthems, calling it a mystery why RAM are not already playing bigger stages. Rock Hard highlighted the twin-guitar harmonies and defiant lyrics held together by Johan Reiven’s organic production, and Powermetal.de gave it 9/10, calling it arguably their best since Svbversvm.
Peers have weighed in too. Erik Danielsson of Watain called it a heavy metal soundtrack for the twilight of the world, while Sebastian Ramstedt of Necrophobic and Nifelheim argued they remain the only Swedish band making classic heavy metal without sounding like a tribute act, suggesting their refusal to compromise is exactly why they have not reached the biggest stages.
Pre-order Against: metalblade.com/ram
Out on CD, digital and vinyl in 180g Black, Clear Lilac Marbled, Purple Melt (limited to 300), Crystal Clear Blackdust (limited to 300) and Silver Black Splatter (limited to 250).
Against Tracklist
- Obsession
- Ghost Emperor
- One Vs. All
- Abattoir
- Out of Control
- Leaving
- Against
- Night Blade
- Rising Again
- 1984
- The Final Hour
Bass Player Change
After 17 years, bassist Tobias “Tobbe” Petterson is stepping down.
“Petterson will always remain a part of the RAM family and we part as brothers, still united by the power of heavy metal,” the band says. “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 with the true spirit of RAM. Onward Upon The Black Path!”
Petterson plays his final show October 9 in Gothenburg, the band’s record release show with Portrait.
RAM Live
- Oct 9, 2026 – Skjulet, Gothenburg, SE (record release show with Portrait)
- Dec 4, 2026 – Spectrum, Murcia, ES
- Dec 5, 2026 – Peter Rock, Valencia, ES
- Dec 6, 2026 – Upload, Barcelona, ES
- Dec 7, 2026 – Urban, Vitoria, ES
- Mar 12-13, 2027 – Heavy Metal Thunder Fest, Pisek, CZ
- Apr 8, 2027 – Don’t Panic, Essen, DE
- May 20-22, 2027 – Iron Fest, Ohmbachsee, DE
RAM Recording Lineup
- Oscar Carlquist – vocals
- Morgan Pettersson – drums
- Harry Granroth – guitar
- Martin Jonsson – guitar
- Tobias Petterson – bass
Photo by Sanna Bäckström
