RAM
Lightbringer
Black Path Metal Recordings
2010
Keeping strong
the flame of NWOBHM revival that is burning in Sweden comes the sophomore effort
from RAM. A strong sense of melody lays into these tracks from the outset.
After the interesting intro the album's true opener, Lightbringer, thunders out
of your speakers like a squad of Harley Davidson's with Judas Priests at the
helms. Guitar solos are slithery and compliment the galloping tempo of the
track. A sorrowful melody quickly fades beneath the weight of epic US
traditional metal riffing not unlike Manowar on In Victory. There is even
a slight feel of tongue-in-cheekiness to this track. King Diamond vocal
parallels and riffing similarities arise like ghosts on Awakening the Chimera.
Oscar's vocal range are highlighted on this track as he bounces from
traditional, clean power, to high-pitched King Diamond antics, to even gruff,
near death metal animosity. More Judas Priest inspired anthemic metal
riffs are clenched like a fist on Ghost Pilot. Tackling an interesting
subject is Suomussalmi, RAM's ode to the Finnish resistance to the Soviet
Invasion during World War II. The songwriting is a mash-up of Iron Maiden
and Manowar, epic and melodic while remaining catchy and smooth. A slight
drawback within RAM's music when compared to their peers is they have a slightly
more modern feel to their songwriting and execution. A perfect example of
this is on Titan which has a modern power metal flair to the track.
Luckily The Elixir, the last real track on the album hearkens back to the spirit
of Mercyful Fate though somewhat muscled up. The initial vocal line has an
dreamlike, eastern feel to it before heading in a mystical King Diamond
direction. The whole song is like being lost in delirium and stands out as
my favorite on the album. While not as strong as some of their fellow
countrymen, RAM own a spot among the likes of Enforcer, In Solitude, and Wolf as
they belt out catchy, melodic heavy metal, that revives the glory days of metal
while continuing to make it fresh.