Review | Ramonda – The Walls Are Crumbling Down

Frontiers Records Srl

With `The Walls Are Crumbling Down’, Argentinian vocalist Santiago Ramonda steps out from the shadows of his band Stormwarning and many tribute bands he is in, to deliver a debut solo album that’s as much a showcase of vocal prowess as it is a homage to the enduring power of melodic hard rock. Ramonda’s collection of tracks is a declaration: the walls of anonymity are, indeed, tumbling down!

THE MAGNETIC CORE

The great voice of Ramonda is the album’s magnetic core, as expected. Years of self-taught growth, recording and performing, refined by coaching from Ivan Sencion and countless hours fronting 80s and 90s tribute bands, have forged a singer with both range and character. His tone is a rare blend of power and warmth, channelling the bluesy inflections of classic rock while maintaining a clarity and extension that’s modern and fresh. Somewhere in the core he packs the power and appeal of energetic performers like Joe Lynn Turner, David Readman and Ronnie Romero. He is a true at heart melodic powerhouse that loves the classic era vocal performances.

On ,,Blue Heart of Stone”, the delivery of Ramonda is of spellbinding. His voice dips into a soulful register, then soars with effortless strength, evoking the spirit of Joe Lynn Turner but never lapsing into mere imitation.

Throughout the album, Ramonda’s versatility is on full display. He navigates the big choruses of the title track and ,,Don’t Look for Love” with ease, layering harmonies and dynamic phrasing that elevate each refrain. Unlike many debut vocalists who lean on bombast, Ramonda knows when to pull back, letting emotion and nuance carry the melody. It’s this restraint, this understanding of the song’s needs, that sets him apart from the pack.

STELLAR GUITARWORK

Melodic rock, at its best, is about hooks that linger long after the final note. Here, Ramonda and his band, anchored by the stellar guitar work of Suraz Sun (Girish and The Chronicles), deliver in bold font. ,,Under The Moonlight” opens the album with a punchy riff and a chorus that’s instantly memorable, while ,,High Voltage Hearts” reveals a more Whitesnake oriented stride, and ,,Gone” showcase a knack for crafting earworms without sacrificing substance. Here he breathes magic into the carefully crafted bodywork of the song, with Sun’s guitarwork being stellar as always. An earworm with nesting accolades.

Yet not every track land with equal force. ,,Bad Girl” (with a gripping and weeping guitar solo) and ,,The One to Blame” flirt with formula, their melodies competent but lacking the spark that ignites the album’s best moments. Hits and miss are close on the album, but the pleasure radiates through, saving the day. Still, even in these lesser tracks, Ramonda’s vocals inject life and identity, refusing to let the material slip. The title track has everything a rocker looks for, yet is also lands in the cliché areas, with Ramonda himself saving it with his bluesy soar.

RAMONDA – THE CONCLUSION

The album’s construction is classic Frontiers: big choruses, tight arrangements, and a glossy production. But what surprises is the effective use of space and dynamics. Songs build patiently, verses smolder before erupting into cathartic hooks, and solos are woven into the fabric rather than pasted on as afterthoughts. Suraz Sun’s amazing guitar work deserves special mention, providing both muscle and melody, always in service of the song. It lands with the vocal delivery of Ramonda, making the album stand tall.

`The Walls Are Crumbling Down’ is more than a debut, it’s a homage and tribute to melodic rock. Santiago Ramonda has arrived, not just as a vocalist of rare talent, but as an artist with the instincts and taste to match. It all flows well, the songs land immediately, but there’s no real surprises here. The song’s effective melodies and vocal highlights make it a great run for fans of melodic hard rock, even if a few tracks fall short of the high bar set by its best moments. Pleasant and at times memorable.

Release date: 18 July 2025

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