Ramming Speed – No Epitaphs (Prosthetic)

Tuesday, 25th August 2015
Rating: 8/10

For every band that strives to offer up a little something different with each release, there are plenty of others who establish their style early and do not veer from those principles in their entire career. Check out the discography for acts like AC/DC, Motörhead, and Running Wild as examples of tried and true, give the people what they want records. Ramming Speed can be another quintet to put in this category – their third studio album No Epitaphs serving up another concoction of thrash meets NWOBHM riffing, crustcore oriented blast beats against conventional metal grooves, and crossover death/hardcore screams along with gang vocals that rival D.R.I. meets Nuclear Assault.

As a listener the versatility ensures less burn out propensity – the band willingly shifting gears from track to track making “Beasts of Labor” and the harmony-oriented basher “Don’t Let This Stay Here” early favorites on the front half of the record. Fans of Di’Anno-era Iron Maiden will be head over heels at the Kallen Bliss/Snake Chuffskin twin spider web guitar parts that close the quick hitting two minute “The Life We Choose”, as drummer Jonah Livingston switches up the blistering speed spots with progressive tenacity and flair. Twenty different influences come to mind when taking in this 11 song release – everything from early Entombed and Discharge to Metallica, Judas Priest, and the aforementioned D.R.I./Nuclear Assault combination- just know that Ramming Speed is all about their namesake first and foremost, providing quick hitting 2-4 minute bursts that aim for raw adrenaline power.

As a vocalist Peter Gallagher can scream and growl like the best in the business – his work in songs like “Truth to Power” or the follow up “Super Duty” has that razor bleed, caustic ferocity sure to appease their following and have parents running for cover. The last ringing feedback for “Momentary Masters” ends abruptly – almost ensuring a quick return to the front of the record for another spin. In comparison to the last album Doomed to Destroy, Destined to Die, one could think the band went for an even more natural, live feel with No Epitaphs – and that’s a good thing.

Grab a six-pack, dust off the denim and leather, and prepare for a slamming time.

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