THE FERRYMEN

THE FERRYMEN are back with another great release, “Iron Will”.  For a band who’s members have so many other projects, they still manage to have put out four albums in approximately nine years.  And that is fine by me because each one of them is high quality with a consistent sound but never repeating themselves.  Vocal powerhouse Ronnie Romero was someone who came into my radar when he fronted the last incarnation of RAINBOW.  Ever since them I have been buying pretty much any disk that he is involved with whether it is RAINBOW, LORDS OF BLACK, SUNSTORM, or THE FERRYMEN.  I was also lucky enough to catch him live fronting the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP a few years ago.  Lucky for me, I got a chance to have a quick chat with him to discuss THE FERRYMEN and his solo career.  So let’s dive in!

 WORMWOOD CHRONICLES: Congrats on the release of “Iron Will”.  It will definitely make it into my Top 10 of 2025.  Take me back to the beginning, how did THE FERRYMEN become a band or project?

RONNIE ROMERO: That was 2017, I believe.  Frontiers Records asked me if I was interested in making an album with Magnus (Karlsson, guitar) and I said yes immediately! I was always a big fan of his work from LAST TRIBE and the ALLEN/LANDE albums. Then Magnus and I, we were talking about drummers and I suggested Mike Terrana and we agreed. Everything was very smooth and easy.

WC: How does the writing process come about for these disks?

RR:  Magnus normally writes everything, including vocals and lyrics. But anyways he always let me change things in the recording process. I have total freedom to perform the songs and vocal lines and backing vocals in the way I feel when I’m in the studio.

WC: Are there any songs that didn’t make the record?

RR: Not really. Magnus always send 10 songs written specially for THE FERRYMEN. We normally just decide after which one is gonna be the bonus track as  an acoustic version.

WC: While a lot of bands don’t pay much attention to the cover artwork, you guys really put forth some stunning covers with a cohesive theme.  How do you go about picking the album artwork?

RR: When the time comes to talk about the artwork, Magnus and I we discuss ideas and then I hand draw a sketch. This is sent to the graphic designer for the final result. We always want to have a cool and impacting cover with “The Ferryman” as the main character and usually we chose the album title related with a song we can put in images for the artwork.

WC: Do you feel that the resurgence of vinyl has brought back this need to put some attention into the whole packaging?

RR: Could be. For me, and all the projects I’m involved, it was always important to take care of the image and artwork because I grew up in the times when you were going to the record store and dive in the racks looking for new stuff.  Which most of the times were very attractive because of the cover art.  Even if you never heard about that band before or when you were waiting for your fav band releasing a new album.  It was no singles or any song released in advance so the first thing you always saw was the album itself and the cover art.

WC: Are there any plans to tour on this release?  Any plans to tour the U.S.?

RR: That would be very difficult at this moment, so I would say there are no plans. Magnus will be touring again with PRIMAL FEAR and I’m totally committed to my solo stuff. But you never know and we always had this door open, so when the right time comes, maybe we will be able to do some shows.

WC: A couple years ago you released “Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters” which was another vehicle for your powerful vocals.  Do you have plans for another solo record?

RR: Actually besides the Live album release this May, we are just finishing the production of the new studio album to be delivered to the record label very soon. I believe it will be released by the end of 2025 - beginning of 2026.

WC: Have you had any Spinal Tap moments on any of the numerous tour you have done?

RR: Oh many, haha. Most of them I can’t even tell. But I remember most of the times many funny moments were with any of the Johansson brothers involved, mostly Anders… they are so funny and crazy.

WC: What’s next for THE FERRYMEN and Ronnie Romero?

RR: For THE FERRYMEN nothing else at the moment.  We will see in the future if we are in the mood for another album.  For me, releasing the Live Album this May, finishing the new album in the studio, and working on the ELEGANT WEAPONS’ new music is the current priority.

WC: Any last words for your fans?

RR: Many thanks to all for the endless support to my music! And hope to see you all on the road.

THE FERRYMEN