RAM was created back in '99 by Harry Granroth who wanted to form a real Heavy Metal band. He was sick of the misinterpretation of metal that ruled the scene back then, and had a pile of material that he wanted to bring to life. He soon found Daniel Johansson, a young but experienced, and very talented metal guitar player, with a traditional metal guitar style. The two started working on some of Harry's earlier material as well as writing new songs. After a long and tiresome search Harry then found Oscar Carlquist, a powerful Heavy Metal vocalist with a mutual hatred for the current metal scene. Oscar quickly became involved in the songwriting process and started writing interesting lyrics. The backbone of RAM was formed. Oscar brought in drummer Morgan Pettersson, one of the few drummers left who still played the 70/80's hard and heavy drum style. They then recruited the legendary Leif Larsson, an icon in Gothenburg metal as he had previously been a member of Frozen Eyes. The 5 started to rehearse and write new songs and in 2003 they released their first E.P, 'Sudden Impact', through partly their own label "Black Path Metal Recordings". The EP truly created a sudden impact on the Underground metal scene, the first 1000 copies were sold out in a few months. The band was recognized by German Rock Hard magazine as one of the best newcomers of the year in 2004. RAM kept on playing live through out most of 05 and started working on their full-length debut album, 'Forced Entry', which was released in late 2005.

HEAVY METAL TYRANNY!

LIGHTBRINGER (2009) AFM RECORDS

After the European power metal explosion in the late 90's, and the revival of  old school thrash metal in the mid 2000's, it is now time for the old school heavy metal to have a second coming. And once again it is the Swedish town of Gothenburg that leads the way. Because it is from this legendary town that RAM hails. After hitting the underground with much success, they are now signed to a bigger label, and unleash their second full-length album on us, named 'Lighbringer'.

When I first read about RAM, they were hailed as purveyors of old school heavy metal. Their sound was described as a total throwback to the heavy metal of the 80's. So in my head, I conjured up images of a band close to the sound of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and other big names from the heydays of metal. And while RAM do resemble some of the earlier work from those bands to a degree, I find that they are taking on a sound closer to the lesser know acts, but still bands with a very strong impact on the genre, namely bands such as Mercyful Fate, early Manowar and a whole slew of NWOBHM acts. However, I find that RAM are not only trying to revive the metal of days forlorn as much as they are creating something that is their own. Thus the namedropping can only be looked upon as references rather then trying to liken RAM to anyone else.

'Lightbringer' delivers songs that are mid-paced to fast, with no ballad what-so-ever in sight. This is music that is very well crafted, and the songwriting is thorough, without being forced. There are some long songs present, but they don't feel dragged out for the sake of creating epic-length songs, much thanks to the variation within each composition. That is true for all of the tracks. Everything from the production, to the riffs and the passionate vocals scream old school metal. The riffs are varied, and so is structure of the songs. In fact, I think RAM is touching base with everything from slower doom-like parts, to nearly thrash metal speed on this album. There is no forced double bass drum use. Instead the drumming is incorporated with the music, creating a more interesting backbone to the music. Oscar's vocals is another high point. His range goes from passionate and ballsy mid-range, to a powerful high pitched falsetto, ala King Diamond. The riffing is never taking away the focus of the song. Rather every instrument is working together in driving the music forth.

'Lightbringer' is a sterling product. I doubt that there are many long standing metalheads that doesn't fall in love with what is presented on this CD. I have to admit that is took some spins to really sink into the material. But once there, I was not going to leave for a while. So look for this album on my top 20 releases from 2009.

Killer tracks: Lightbringer, In Victory, Awakening The Chimera, Ghost Pilot (Machine Invaders II)