Ramming Speed is a band I have been following for a couple of years now mainly due to the fact that they are an awesome band who hails from none other than Boston, Mass. I am a huge thrash fan, and most of the great modern thrashers hail from outside of the New England region which always bewildered me because Mass and the rest of New England has been a huge contributing factor to the last 5 years of American heavy metal. Ramming Speed’s fantastic debut, Brainwreck, which technically came out last year was picked up earlier this year by Candlelight Records. This is a huge deal for the band, and a much deserved step forward.

As I stated, Brainwreck is a kick ass record. It has elements of D.R.I. crossover, The Accused’s gruffness, as well as a bit of a refined style  courtesy of old school NWOBHM (but not a Metallica clone!), which can clearly be heard on the closing track, “Heavy Metal Thunder.”

Drummer Jonah Livingston is really the highlight for me on this album. His fills are filled with snare which I love. Simple pleasure, I know, but I come from a  classical symphonic band and marching band education where snare was my life, so anyone who harnesses the lovely power of a drum roll amidst a fill earns points in my book. “Shane Embury Is the Brad Pitt of Grind” may cite the long time Napalm Death bassist by name, but to me its really more of an ode to original drummer Mick Harris and his introduction of blast beats to metal. I also have to give props to the mad dueling guitar work of Ricky Zampa and Kallen Bliss who can blister and stay together at the same time! YEEHAW! Vocalist Pete Gallagher earns a passing grade simply because this type of music doesn’t require a pedigree in either melodic singing or harsh vocals; he doesn’t detract from the music, and even contributes on and off with his gruff style.

This is one of the best thrash albums of the year for sure. Many will say this is just another 80’s rehash, but I think we all know I’ll just say fuck off to the haters, and enjoy the thrash-tastic bones Ramming Speed hath delivered unto us. Its a beautiful thing when home grown New England thrash makes an impact.

VERY GOOD

1.    Speed Trials
2.    The Threat…
3.    Lazer Assault
4.    All in All
5.    Shane Embury is the Brad Pitt of Grindcore
6.    Bogus Facade
7.    Sound the Alarm
8.    Immigrant Song
9.    Political Party
10.    Man vs. Machine
11.    Arrested Development
12.    A Modern Myth
13.    Heavy Metal Thunder

Pete Gallagher – Vocals
Ricky Zampa – Guitar
Kallen Bliss – Guitar
Phil Harwood – Bass
Jonah Livingston – Drums

Candlelight Records

http://www.myspace.com/officialrammingspeed

Review by CODY