Norwegian progressive metal pioneers Ram-Zet return after more than a decade away, announcing the release of their upcoming studio album “Sapien”, due out worldwide on March 27th, 2026, via Swedish label ViciSolum Productions.
The album will be released as a double vinyl, CD, and digital. The first single, “Zerocane”, will be unveiled on January 30th, 2026.
After 13 years of silence following their last full-length release, Ram-Zet are officially back in action, reigniting their distinctive blend of progressive and avantgarde metal. What began as a renewed spark of inspiration has grown into a full-scale resurrection of one of Norway’s most adventurous metal acts.
Following the release of “Freaks in Wonderland” in 2012, the band entered a prolonged hiatus as members pursued different creative paths, appearing only sporadically on stage. In 2023, founder, guitarist, and primary songwriter Henning “Zet” Ramseth felt the time was right to breathe new life into the project. The band reunited, and over the past two years has worked intensively on new material, culminating in a triumphant return to the live stage in the summer of 2024.
The current line-up reflects both continuity and renewal. Longtime keyboardist Karoline “Ka” Amb stepped away as band activity increased, making room for Kai “Aazuu” Renton (Trollfest) on keyboards. At the same time, violinist Ingvild “Sareeta” Johannesen has returned after an extended break, once again adding her unmistakable signature to the band’s sound.
With “Sapien”, Ram-Zet deliver their trademark fusion of intensity, complexity, and atmosphere, infused with renewed focus, energy, and vision. The band’s next chapter begins now.
Tracklist:
01. Zerocane
02. Cranium
03. Sleepers
04. Bozzadevil
05. Peace25?
06. As Worlds Collide
07. Psychosis
08. In The Mirror
09. Catching Flies
10. Hangmans Jazz
Henning Ramseth about “Sapien”: “There has been a long break without new music from us, since we released ‘Freaks in wonderland’ in 2012. There has never been a doubt in my mind that there was going to be a new album by Ram-Zet, but it has been somehow hard to keep track of the development in the music industry, and I really needed to find the right motivation to start the process. But in 2020, I decided to collect all ideas, and start the real job, writing all material for a new Ram-Zet album, and during the process, we started to rehearse again, and felt the old spirit come back to us.
The writing did not stop until 9 new songs were done, and the recording could take place. Still, it took some years to complete the album, because all members had other projects going on, and we needed to re-write our schedule. Also, Miriam (sfinx) got pregnant during the process (yes, it is her ‘real baby’ on our cover) and we also had to plan some of the recording around that.
Also, we have spent a lot more time on the arrangements of the songs but still recorded everything with a much more live in studio approach, which makes this album, in my ears, more organic, than ever before.
It is some kind of a cliche to say that ‘the new album is our best’ but I swear that this album really feels like a big step further for the band. All fans of Ram-Zet will recognize both our sound, and my songwriting, and I could not be prouder than I am over this album”.
So keep your eyes and ears peeled for the first single, set to drop on January 30th, offering an initial glimpse into the upcoming album! “Sapien” will be released on March 27th, 2026, via ViciSolum Productions.
Ram-Zet released their debut album “Pure Therapy” in 2000. At the time, their bold fusion of contrasting genres within extreme metal was largely uncharted territory. The band quickly gained attention for their innovation, earning a Norwegian Grammy and performing at the very first Inferno Festival in 2001.
They went on to appear at Quart Festival and numerous other festivals, tours, and club shows, sharing the stage with acts such as Borknagar, Theatre of Tragedy, Madder Mortem, and Susperia, among others.
Following their debut, Ram-Zet released four additional albums: “Escape” (2002), “Intra” (2005), “Neutralized” (2009), and “Freaks in Wonderland” (2012).
Musically, Ram-Zet operate by one guiding principle: there are no rules. While rooted in heavy, technical metal, their compositions frequently detour into unexpected territories. The band’s sound blends clean and growled male vocals, female vocals, violin, and an extensive palette of synths and keyboards with aggressive riffing and strong melodic themes.
Often described as avantgarde metal, Ram-Zet’s music remains both challenging and accessible, with memorable hooks and melody serving as consistent anchors throughout their diverse sonic landscape.
Line-up:
Henning Ramseth / Zet – Guitar, vocals
Miriam Renvåg / Sfinx – Vocals
Lars A Lien / Lanius – Bass
Ingvild Strønen Johannesen/ Sareeta – Violin
Kai Renton / Aazuu – Keyboards
Kent Frydenlund/ Küth – Drums
Weblinks:
www.ram-zet.com
www.instagram.com/ram.zet.official
