Will Ramos is American, born in the United States and raised in New Jersey, with Puerto Rican heritage. As the lead vocalist of the deathcore band Lorna Shore, he has quickly become one of the most recognizable voices in extreme metal due to his intense range, animalistic growls, and high shrieks. Beyond his citizenship, his cultural background and early artistic journey shaped the trajectory that brought him to front one of the genre's biggest acts.
Understanding his origins involves looking at where he grew up, how his family roots connect to Puerto Rico, and the path he took through the underground metal scene before stepping into global prominence with Lorna Shore.
Early Life and New Jersey Roots
William Ramos was born on May 31, 1994, and grew up in Edgewater and Leonia, New Jersey. He graduated from Leonia High School in 2012. Growing up just outside New York City, he found his way into extreme music during his teenage years after a high school friend introduced him to the metal band Lamb of God.
Before fronting major deathcore projects, Ramos spent years cutting his teeth in various smaller underground bands. He performed with groups like Secrets Don't Sleep, Flawed Saviour, and A Wake in Providence, touring the local and regional circuit. Before joining Lorna Shore full-time, he was also singing for Monument of a Memory and Euclid. Similar insight on the subject has been published by BBC.
Puerto Rican Heritage and Cultural Identity
While Ramos holds American nationality and identifies strongly as a New Jerseyan, he is of Puerto Rican descent. Born to Puerto Rican parents, he has openly embraced his roots in interviews and discussions about his life outside of music.
He has noted that while extreme metal isn't typically a space heavily populated by Latin American frontmen, he values his background deeply and has considered incorporating cultural elements into future musical projects as an homage to his family's origins. At the same time, he remains anchored to his upbringing, often joking about his East Coast identity and life on the road.
Rise to Prominence with Lorna Shore
Ramos joined Lorna Shore initially as a touring vocalist in early 2020 during a European tour. Shortly after, the band entered the studio to record a three-song EP titled ...And I Return to Nothingness.
Released in June 2021, the lead single "To the Hellfire" became a massive viral sensation. Reviewers and fans praised Ramos for his dynamic vocal control, featuring deep gutturals alongside piercing high shrieks that pushed extreme metal boundaries. The track earned Loudwire's 2021 Song of the Year, cementing his status as a permanent member.
Following the EP's success, Ramos contributed lyrics and lead vocals to Lorna Shore's fourth studio album, Pain Remains, released in October 2022. The album received widespread critical acclaim, expanding the band's international fanbase and taking them on major global tours.
Vocal Technique and Scientific Curiosity
Ramos isn't just known for his heritage and band history; he is also famous for demystifying how extreme metal vocals work. In 2022, he appeared on the YouTube channel The Charismatic Voice, run by vocal coach Elizabeth Zharoff.
During the session, Ramos performed harsh vocals while undergoing a laryngoscopy (a medical camera inserted through his nose) so viewers could watch his vocal cords react in real time. The video went viral, providing a rare educational look inside the physical mechanics required to produce deathcore growls without destroying one's throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Will Ramos's full name?
His full birth name is William Ramos, though he is professionally known across music and his popular YouTube channel simply as Will Ramos.
Where was Will Ramos born?
He was born in the United States and raised in New Jersey, where he spent his youth and early career developing his musical style.
What bands was Will Ramos in before Lorna Shore?
Before joining Lorna Shore in 2020, Ramos performed with several underground metalcore and death metal acts, including A Wake in Providence, Monument of a Memory, Euclid, and Secrets Don't Sleep.
Does Will Ramos speak Spanish?
While he is of Puerto Rican descent, Ramos primarily grew up speaking English in New Jersey, and he has noted in fan communities and interviews that English is his primary language.
