Ram Sudden Impact CD (Slipcase, 2024, High Roller Records)

Sudden Impact is the debut EP from Swedish New Wave Of Traditional Heavy Metal torchbearers RAM, originally released in 2003 and now reissued in a premium slipcase edition by High Roller Records. Presented in a deluxe slipcase and expanded with the bonus track “Disturbing the Priest,” this reissue offers an essential look at the raw beginnings of one of Scandinavia’s most important modern traditional metal bands.

Formed in Gothenburg in 1999, RAM quickly became part of the new Scandinavian metal vanguard alongside bands such as Portrait and In Solitude. Frequently compared to a younger, more aggressive incarnation of Judas Priest, the classic line-up of Oscar Carlquist on vocals, Daniel Johansson and Harry Granroth on guitars, Leif Larsson on bass and Morgan Pettersson on drums made an immediate statement with the six-track mini-album Sudden Impact. Originally released on CD by Black Path Metal, the EP features the title track alongside “Judgement And Punishment,” “Machine Invaders,” “Blessed To Be Cursed,” “Infuriator” and “Black Path,” all driven by speed, razor-sharp riffing and unmistakable heavy metal conviction.

While not as refined as later full-length albums such as Forced Entry, Lightbringer, Death or The Throne Within, Sudden Impact captured the unfiltered energy and youthful hunger that set RAM apart at a time when traditional heavy metal was still largely dominated by genre veterans. Its urgency, pride and power turned heads on release and firmly established RAM as a rising force in the NWOTHM movement.

Long unavailable apart from a limited tenth anniversary pressing, this High Roller Records reissue finally makes Sudden Impact accessible again for collectors and fans eager to explore the roots of modern Swedish heavy metal. 

Recommended if you like: Judas Priest, Accept, Enforcer, Air Raid, Wolf, Ambush, Striker, King Diamond, Saxon, In Solitude, Riot City, Portrait, Steelwing and other New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal bands (NWOTHM) .

Artist: Ram
Title: Sudden Impact
Label: High Roller Records
Cat Number: HRR 938CD
UPC: 4251267718306
Release Year: 2003/2024
Duration: EP
Format: CD
Packaging Type: Jewel Case, Slipcase
Condition: New & Factory Sealed
Special Attribute: Reissue

Tracklist:

1. Sudden Impact
2. Judgement And Punishment
3. Machine Invaders
4. Blessed To Be Cursed
5. Infuriator
6. Black Path
7. Disturbing The Priest