Ramming Speed is a Thrash metal / Grind / Punk / Rock n roll from Boston, MA, USA
The members are:
Peter Gallagher - Vocals
Kallen Bliss - Guitars
Blake Chuffskin - Guitars
Ben Powell - Bass
Jonah Livingston - Drums
RAMMING SPEED - DOOMED TO DESTROY, DESTINED TO DIE
Boston has a history for producing some gangs that are comprised of total road warriors (not the legendary tag team), and the latest motley crew (not the band) to take the torch and drive like they stole it are Ramming Speed. This is their Prosthetic debut, the seriously bitchin' 'Doomed to Destroy, Destined to Die'. It's produced by the legendary Kurt Ballou (he of Converge fame) at his Godcity recording compound, which is usually a sign of excellence in the first place. It's a beer bong filled with thrash. It's a party in a shot glass. It'll piss in the punchbowl and throw you the horns as it does.
Still down? THEN LET'S DO THIS FUCKING THING.
So where to begin? Best place is probably the title track that starts off this whole debauched effort. After a nice twin lead guitar intro it instantly descends into raging Thrash assault. Lightning riffs and demented drums. SPEED is the dish of the day, and you will like what you get. That was a command, not an estimation. This is beautiful mosh fodder, impossible to not completely lose your shit to. The gang vocals are the absolute icing on the cake. The slight DM influence is also more than welcome, and the fact that this is just the opening salvo bears great potential.
'Grinding Dissent' does exactly what it says on the tin. Confrontational to the max, while still retaining an element of healthy song structure. It's not just blind anger, and I am making this out to be a rolling party wagon at times, but these boys have serious chops. Let it be known: the Speed can most definitely lay it down musically. There are some healthy solos littered throughout this sucker. The vocals on this track descend to the lower end to show that they mean business. And the rhythm section is ALWAYS at war with your ears.
'Cretins and Cowards' is a short, sharp, grind laden burst of pure anger. Those DM riffs rear their ugly head again like a dear old friend, and they manage to transition effortlessly between good time 80s thrash and Floridian death cult antics. Who don't like Floridian death cults?
'Anthems of Despair' is probably my favourite pick of the bunch. Lots of hardcore gang backups and a great fist-pounding sense of agitation. Truly the essence of a great, raucous metal banger. I found myself chanting along behind my keyboard. Probably worrying my neighbours. Maybe even more than usual.
There are so many highlights here (trust me, Thrash album reviews are hard to do - so many tunes!) that it is hard to include everything. I'll bow out with 'Ministry of Truth', a great track that chugs nicely at the low end and speeds furiously at the other. They're always flipping out, like their fingers have ADD. Great track, great album.
In a year of badass releases overall, it seems crazy to just define this by it's sub-genre. Admittedly a monumental (primarily) Thrash album, definitely one of the best of the year, it transcends that tag because it's also one of the best metal releases so far in 2013. Grab 'DTD,DTD' immediately when it becomes available in your respective area. It'll make you wreck furniture, but hey, you can always buy new chairs.
Written by Matt Fitton
Thanks to Kelly at Prosthetic Records for sending us a copy to review. Really appreciate it.
Doomed To Destroy, Destined To Die will be available to buy from all good stockists everywhere from Prosthetic Records on June 25th 2013.
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