Ronnie Romero has done just about everything there is to do in hard rock. He’s lent his talents to acts such as Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, The Michael Schenker Group, Lords of Black, The Ferrymen, Sunstorm, and most recently, Elegant Weapons alongside Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest. Given that pedigree, it’s no surprise that “Backbone” feels like the culmination of all he’s learned — a solo record that stands tall and proud in the classic tradition.
Let’s be honest, the title track is pure Dio. Huge riffs, thunderous drums, and a solo that absolutely rips. “Bring The Rock” does exactly what you’d expect — it’s big, it’s brash, and Romero sounds like he was born to front a stadium band. “Lost In Time,” meanwhile, slows things down for a big old ballad that could have fallen straight out of the 70s, while “Never Felt This Way” carries that same muscular, melodic weight with those trademark towering choruses.
“Hideaway (Run)” proves that if Bob Catley ever retires, the natural replacement is right here — but given that it was written with Russ Ballard, it’s got more of a Rainbow shimmer about it. There’s a proudly 70s feel to much of this album: “Lonely World” channels Deep Purple, while “Keep On Falling” could’ve easily lived on an 80s-era Whitesnake record.
As ever, the band Romero has surrounded himself with is top class. “Eternally” sounds like a million dollars — lush, layered, and anthemic — while “Running Over” shifts gears into pure arena-ready rock. Closer “Black Dog” has a race about it, a galloping edge that drives home just how commanding Romero’s voice is across styles.
He’s hard rock’s most versatile singer, no question. And if he’s picked up a little from each of those legendary bands he’s worked with, is it really surprising that it all forms the “Backbone” of his solo work?
Rating: 8/10
