“Abattoir” is the latest single from Swedish heavy metal stalwarts RAM. The track comes by way of the band’s impending new full-length (and first in nearly seven years), Against, set for release on October 9th through Metal Blade Records.

Comments vocalist Oscar Carlquist, “‘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 RAM‘s “Abattoir” video HERE

Watch RAM‘s previously released video for “Ghost Emperor” HERE and “Night Blade” HERE

Against Track Listing:
01. Obsession
02. Ghost Emperor
03. One Vs. All
04. Abattoir
05. Out of Control
06. Leaving
07. Against
08. Night Blade
09. Rising Again
10. 1984
11. The Final Hour

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.

Writes Metal Hammer in part in an advance review of the record, “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.”

Rock Hard echoes the sentiment, “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 ‘Leavin’”-something that speaks to the heart. Held together by Johan Reiven’s organic production, this is heavy metal through and through.”

In a 9/10 review, Powermetal.de lauds what is “arguably the best RAM album since Svbversvm,” adding, “Anyone into real heavy metal won’t want to miss this record.”

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 will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:

In related news, after 17 years as the bassist for RAM, Tobias “Tobbe” Petterson has decided to step down from the band. Petterson has been a pivotal part of both RAM‘s recordings and live shows and his steadfast bass playing and ferocious stage presence will be missed. The band comments, “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 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!“

Petterson will perform his final show with RAM on October 9th in Gothenburg, the band’s record release show.

RAM Live:
9/12/09/2026 Candelabrum Metalfest – León, MX
10/09/2026 Skjulet – Gothenburg, SE *Record Release Show w/ Portrait
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