About this album
Sound:
"A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and anthemic choruses that epitomizes late '80s metal bravado."
Where they were
Released on May 17, 1988, 'Ram It Down' was Judas Priest's eleventh studio album, coming after the band's commercial peak in the early '80s. This album followed the ambitious but polarizing 'Turbo' and marked a return to a more traditional heavy metal sound as the band sought to reaffirm their roots.
Why it matters
'Ram It Down' received mixed reviews upon release, yet it solidified its place in metal history by reaching No. 26 on the Billboard 200. The title track and 'Blood Red Skies' became significant staples in the band's live repertoire, influencing a generation of heavy metal bands that followed.
Essential tracks
- "Ram It Down" — The title track encapsulates the album’s ethos with its high-octane energy and defiant lyrics, serving as a rallying cry for metal fans.
- "Blood Red Skies" — 'Blood Red Skies' showcases the band’s ability to blend melodic elements with heavy riffs, highlighting Rob Halford's powerful vocals and introspective lyrics.
- "Heavy Metal" — An homage to the genre itself, 'Heavy Metal' is a fist-pumping anthem that celebrates the culture and sounds of metal music, making it a fan favorite.
Release Date
May 17, 1988
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Ram It Down 4:48
- 2 Heavy Metal 5:58
- 3 Love Zone 3:58
- 4 Come and Get It 4:07
- 5 Hard as Iron 4:09
- 6 Blood Red Skies 7:50
- 7 I’m a Rocker 3:58
- 8 Johnny B. Goode 4:39
- 9 Love You to Death 4:36
- 10 Monsters of Rock 5:30