On this day May 17, 1988, Judas Priest released their eleventh studio album Ram it Down. The album reached number 31 on the Billboard 200 and marked the end of an era before the band fully embraced a heavier sound with their next release. Known for its mix of traditional metal riffs and experimental elements, Ram it Down served as a transition between the band’s earlier style and the more aggressive tone that would come with Painkiller.
The album featured tracks like the title song Ram it Down, Blood Red Skies and a metal cover of Chuck Berry’s Johnny B Goode. While it received mixed reviews at the time, the record showcased the band’s commitment to evolving their sound while staying true to their metal roots. Rob Halford’s vocals remained as powerful as ever, and the album’s production reflected the digital influences of late 80s metal.
Ram it Down was the final Judas Priest album to feature longtime drummer Dave Holland and set the stage for the band’s revitalization in the 1990s.
Fun fact: Some of the tracks on Ram it Down were originally written for the abandoned follow up to Turbo, making the album a blend of two distinct creative periods.
The album featured tracks like the title song Ram it Down, Blood Red Skies and a metal cover of Chuck Berry’s Johnny B Goode. While it received mixed reviews at the time, the record showcased the band’s commitment to evolving their sound while staying true to their metal roots. Rob Halford’s vocals remained as powerful as ever, and the album’s production reflected the digital influences of late 80s metal.
Ram it Down was the final Judas Priest album to feature longtime drummer Dave Holland and set the stage for the band’s revitalization in the 1990s.
Fun fact: Some of the tracks on Ram it Down were originally written for the abandoned follow up to Turbo, making the album a blend of two distinct creative periods.
