by Nico Marrone

Now in its second year, RAM It Down Festival returns to Aberdeen from the 20th-21st May.

Hosted by the University of Aberdeen’s Rock and Metal Society (RAM), RAM it Down is a celebration of the best up-and-coming rock and heavy metal acts that the UK has to offer and is the only festival of its kind in Aberdeen.

Former President of RAM, Mark Chalmbers told reviewsphere: “RAM It Down Festival was an attempt to bring more touring bands to Aberdeen. I personally got a bit fed up of people talking-down Aberdeen and believed that people could do something about the things they are dissatisfied about, rather than simply complaining. I wanted more touring bands to come to Aberdeen, so this was part of the solution.”

This goal has certainly been achieved, with 60 per cent more musical acts from all over the UK and a variety of sub-genres performing this year than at last year’s festival.

This year’s headliners include progressive metal band, Cambion and the Manchester-based Winterfylleth whose fourth studio album, ‘The Divination of Antiquity’ ranked 18th on Kerrang’s Best Albums of 2014. Alongside these touring bands will be several local Scottish bands are set to appear on the main stage including Edinburgh favourites Ramage Inc. and Aberdeen’s own Orytnthia.

RAM It Down will also be introducing new artists from across Europe to Scottish audiences, with Swedish metal band, Sanctrum -whose style is a combination of Death, Thrash and Hardcore- being the first international band to grace the festival’s stage.

While the main stage features several bands from all corners of the UK, the second stage will be playing host to an eclectic mix of bands from across Scotland, including The Amorettes, who –aside from being described as ‘the female Motorhead– are set to play at this year’s Download Festival in June. Also in attendance will be King Witch, a band that formed from the remains of the popular Edinburgh-based heavy metal band, Firebrand Super Rock as well as local punk trio The Rats of Reality and hard rock band, Frelsi.