Black Reuss is a name that resonates deeply within the gothic metal scene. A project that began as a personal expression of one man’s journey through life, Black Reuss is a reflection of transformation, struggle, and resilience. Inspired by the Swiss river Reuss, which flows from the Gotthard Massif and symbolizes the perpetual motion of life, Black Reuss channels the somber, melancholic essence of life’s inevitable changes through his music.
The project is helmed by Maurizio Dottore, who writes, produces, and records every element of Black Reuss’ sound. What began as a solitary exploration of his life’s most intimate moments has evolved into a full-fledged musical journey, capturing the raw emotions of life’s twists and turns. From composing his own melodies to playing all the instruments (except drums), Black Reuss is the epitome of an independent artist—a one-man band bringing gothic, doom, and melodic metal to life.
The Metamorphosis and Journey
Black Reuss’ first two albums, Metamorphosis (2021) and Journey (2022), serve as chapters in his story. Metamorphosis explored the transformative power of life’s hardships, while Journey took listeners through the turbulent yet necessary path towards personal growth and understanding. With themes of reflection, change, and hope, these albums became the foundation of Black Reuss’ sonic identity.
“I have perceived the sign, it was a natural denial. Through the darkness of the divine, I creep to the arrival. Got rid of ancient preferences to give up the bad demeanor,” says Dottore, echoing the profound introspection found in his work.
Arrival: The Third Chapter
Released on October 2024, Arrival marks a pivotal moment in Black Reuss’ narrative—reaching the state of peace and acceptance after the journey. It’s the realization that life, though often difficult, brings valuable lessons. With tracks like “Soul Awakening,” featuring the powerful voice of Anna Murphy (ex-Eluveitie), Arrival reflects the strength gained through adversity.
The music itself has grown more expansive, adding layers of emotional depth to Black Reuss’ signature heavy, doom-laden sound. On this album, Dottore collaborated with renowned musicians like Diego Rapacchietti (Coroner) and David Vetsch (ex-The Beauty Of Gemina) to create a richer, more textured sound.
Arrival is the culmination of all the lessons learned throughout the journey. It is a celebration of life’s resilience and a reminder that, while problems may never fully disappear, they can be approached with wisdom and grace. “Life’s flow is heavy, but there’s light at the end of the river,” says Dottore.
A One-Man Project with a Universal Message
Black Reuss is a deeply personal project for Maurizio Dottore, yet the messages within resonate universally. With his ability to blend dark, melancholic themes with the heaviness of metal, Black Reuss offers listeners a soundtrack for reflection, growth, and acceptance. Whether you’re a fan of doom metal, gothic metal, or melodic metal, the journey of Black Reuss is one worth following.
“If you are a fan of gothic metal, this is a must listen to,” says Dottore. His music is not just for metalheads—it’s for anyone who’s experienced the inevitable waves of life, from sorrow to joy.
The Future of Black Reuss
Looking ahead, Dottore’s goal is simple: to share his music with a wider audience. “I want to play live, tour, and reach more people who connect with my sound,” he shares. Arrival marks the next step in that journey, and Black Reuss is now more prepared than ever to bring his music to the stage, allowing fans to experience the deep emotions and cinematic soundscapes of Black Reuss live.
With the foundation laid and the music speaking for itself, the future for Black Reuss is one of continued growth and discovery. As long as life flows, Black Reuss will continue to flow with it.
Listen to Black Reuss’ Arrival and join the journey of self-discovery and transformation:
