Death is RAM's third full length, and first for Metal Blade Records, following the solid Lightbringer which came out on AFM back in 2009. Not much has changed for the band, as they still deliver enjoyable early 80's inspired metal that dips into the NWOBHM scene as well as some doom & thrash. Don't be fooled by the eerie 70's prog rock styled keyboard opening title track, as there is plenty of razor sharp riffs and chilling vocals to come from the Swedes.
"…Comes From The Mouth Beyond" is a killer cut, taking cue from vintage Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Iron Maiden, and Sanctuary, with Oscar Carlquist's high pitched vocals screaming into the heavens. Blistering guitar solos and crisp riffs from Harry Granroth & Daniel Johansson can be found on "Release Me" and "Defiant", and the moody "Frozen" forces the listener to launch into slow & doomy headbanging duty. I'm reminded a bit of the early 80's underground metal act Cirith Ungol on the raging "Under The Scythe", and "Flame of the Tyrants" is pure classic metal fun with no shortage of vintage sounding riffs that seem straight out of 1982.
Sweden just seems to be the country that houses all that is retro these days, and RAM certainly don't shy away from the fact that they live and breathe all that is early 80's heavy metal. Death by no means reinvents the wheel, but it damn well scratches that itch for classic sounds.
Track Listing
1. Death…
2. …Comes From The Mouth Beyond
3. I Am The End
4. Release Me
5. Defiant
6. Frozen
7. Under The Scythe
8. Hypnos
9. Flame Of The Tyrants
10. 1 7 7 1
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