It has been nearly seven years since 'The Throne Within', an album defined by its spiritual and metaphysical themes. With 'Against', the band 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 RAM states it.
The songwriting process for 'Against' stretched over a long period, with ideas emerging sporadically and some material reaching back many years. One track in particular, “Leaving,” even contains elements dating as far back as 2006. Despite this long gestation, the creative process itself felt natural and unforced. Drawing on years of experience, the band leaned into a more instinctive approach while deliberately aiming for shorter, more direct songs. In their own words, the guiding principle became to “cut the bullshit,” a mindset that shaped both the structure and intensity of the material.
For the production, RAM reunited with their longtime collaborator Johan Reiven, who had previously worked with the band on Lightbringer. Without their own studio - having sold Black Path Studios - RAM recorded at Studio Recordia in Varberg, Sweden. “At first I was not really comfortable when not in my own domain“, comments singer Oscar Carlquist. “But Johan is a far better sound tech than me and he did a wonderful job. We recorded the solos in a new cool way, as we set up two amps, one wet with a lot of effects and one dry with no effects. They were both mic'd up separately and they played into the enormous recording room in Recordia that is 150 square meters, where we placed 2 room mics (left and right).” The approach resulted in a rich, organic sound that enhanced the album´s overall character.
Musically, there have been few changes in terms of guitar setups and playing styles. Both guitarists 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. What you hear is what you get! In a music landscape increasingly divided into countless subgenres, the band positions itself deliberately outside of categorization. “We stand against as we always have and we could not give a fuck about all these new strange subgenres popping up. We try to play Heavy Metal in its purest form, we try to hang on to the center of that energy and we are completely uninterested in 99% of the metal scene”, says Carlquist. The title 'Against' itself reinforces the band’s longstanding identity as nonconformists, viewing heavy metal as a form of sonic rebellion.
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. 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. “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.“
The album artwork, created by the singer himself, reflects a conscious shift toward simplicity. In contrast to previous covers filled with symbolism, the focus is placed squarely on the band’s iconic ram-horned skull emblem, ensuring that the identity of the band remains unmistakable.
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!”
Limited clear lilac marble vinyl pressing.
*Please note - image is a mock up only, actual colours may vary on finished product*
Tracklisting
Side A:
1. Obsession
Condition: NEW
Brand: 100% Official RAM 'The Final hour' (Black) T-Shirt printed on 100% cotton garment
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