Whilst the New Wave of Traditional Metal (NWOTHM - for all you lot who need an acronym!) is riding high in the popularity stakes, RAM from Sweden are amongst the best of them in recent times, those who have heard Earache’s recent ‘Heavy Metal Killers’ compilation album track will know all about this band. Their new release ‘Lightbringer’ is a breath of fresh air, and if you’re a fan of anything by Mercyful Fate ever did or similar bands like Portrait, you will love this kinda music. Harry Granroth (founding Guitarist) took the time to answer some questions from me about the recent buzz, the new album, their new record deal, and things about metal in general.
PM: How did the band get together? Can you give our readers a brief history of the band?
HG: Well, I wanted to form a heavy metal band for a long time but the scene
here in Gothenburg was all about 'the Gothenburg sound'. I was not into
that at all. Through a common friend I found Daniel (guitar) and we started
to work together. Later I found Oscar (vocals) who lives in the same town
as I. We talked about the metal scene and I told him I had some demo songs.
He listened to those and wanted to be part of the band. Now a trio, we
finished the material for our 2003 EP and started to look for a rhythm
section. Both Oscar and I knew Morgan (drums) so he was a natural choice.
Oscar brought in Leif (bass) as he'd been on the road with him before. Leif
is no longer in the band though.
PM: What have you been up to between the releases of ‘Forced Entry’ and ‘Lightbringer’?
HG: We kept on playing live most of 2006/2007, festivals, as support acts and our own shows. In 2006 we participated on a 7” split single with two songs
a different version of 'Sea of skulls' and a Venom cover, 'In league with Satan'. In 2007 the song 'The Hidden One' was released on a 'New Iron Age Records' compilation. In April 2008 RAM entered the studio to record 'Lightbringer' which will be released on June 19th in 2009 through AFM Records.
PM: Everything now seems to be at a higher profile for you guys now with the release of the second album. How did the AFM deal come about?
HG: Yes, absolutely. Well, we contacted them regarding our upcoming release.
It feels good to work with a serious label and I think they are doing a great job.
We want to focus on the music and we're not really interested in running
our own label, it was just that earlier it didn't feel right. We had proposals from
smaller and bigger labels. Now it felt right.
PM: What inspires you lyrically? Is this solely done by Oscar, or does the whole band have input into the topics you choose to sing about?
HG: Oscar is the main writer but we discuss subjects Oscar and I. Sometimes I
have a title or a few words. Well, inspiration has many sources; it could be
philosophy, science fiction, injustice or hardships of the individual in today's
world. We are not about dragons & swords.
PM: Has your writing process changed since the ‘Forced Entry’ album?
HG: Not really as many of the songs or parts of them are as old or older than 'FE' but a big difference is that we finished many songs in the rehearsal room. The earlier material was most often written and arranged before rehearsals.
PM: Many journalists and fans have sited that your music is influenced by Mercyful Fate and early Metallica. Are you happy with these comparisons and what are your thoughts on those classic bands?
It is of course flattering if compared to bands we like, sometimes it gets a little
tiresome but it is still a compliment. Personally I was never a Metallica fan but
I can appreciate their early stuff.
PM: Traditional metal is having a huge resurgence lately. How do you see the scene growing in your native Sweden and around the world? Are there other bands that you’re fans of producing similar genres of music?
HG: It seems it growing very fast both in Sweden and in the rest of the world.
We we're part of the 'Heavy Metal Killers' compilation earlier this year with
cool bands from around the globe. I try to catch new bands but I'm still into
my old heroes. 'Portrait' from Sweden are cool I think.
PM: Obviously you are fans of this music, why did you choose this genre over other styles? What artists do you look up too?
HG: Well, this is simply what I and everyone else in the band grew up listening
to and it comes naturally. Heavy Metal is the father of all-metal and we don't
want to limit ourselves. We can draw inspiration from different genres but
we will still be a Heavy Metal band.
PM: Are there any touring plans in support of ‘Lightbringer’? If so, would the UK be a part of this?
HG: Yes, a tour is planned and the first dates we're just recently announced.
UK was not included in those but I hope we can announce some dates
in the future.
PM: Can you name your top 3 albums of all time that you cannot live without?
HG: That's a tough one to pick only three but....I'd say 'Sad wings of destiny' by Judas Priest, Iron Maiden s/t...'Phantom of the opera' says it all..And something with mighty Black Sabbath...I'm both an Ozzy and a Dio fan..
'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath'.
PM: Can you summarise RAM in one short sentence/statement?
HG: Stubborn, individualistic, heavy metal with forceful impact.
PM: Thanks for your time and all the best for the future.
For more on the band check out http://www.myspace.com/rammetal
Interviewed by Paul Maddison
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