BLACK REUSS “Metamorphosis”

Black Reuss Music, 2021

Music: Doom Metal / Doom Rock
Website: http://www.blackreuss.com/
Duration: 66:00 (13 tracks)
Country: Liechtenstein

Who would have thought that a band from a small country, Liechtenstein, with roughly 62 sq miles of the built-up area would occupy the entirety of my June playlist! Yes, that’s correct, for a week or two, I have been listening to a masterpiece of an album, entitled “Metamorphosis” written by Black Reuss, a solo project spearheaded by Maurizio Dottore. So what’s so special about this album?! Well, we got to start right from the basics. First of all, this is the very first release of Maurizio under the Black Reuss banner, and a brave one as it was released under his label, Black Reuss Music.

Maurizio demonstrates the very best of menacing Doom Rock with a tinge of Metal riffage – creating a brilliant fusion of genres, sonically, and elevates the atmosphere when mixed with brooding vocals. The album opener, “Incomplete” shows off the distinct sound and puts the theory to paper – making it clear that Maurizio knows what he is doing, and the resulting composition is dark enough when compared to your standard Doom Act. At some point, the album seems hypnotic – dragging you right into the imagination of Maurizio – something that is deep and delves into the very purpose of life.

Speaking of the theme, the album is all about experiences. “Metamorphosis” is about a person’s(Maurizio’s) transformation – all while drawing a comparison with the river. He says life is like a flowing river, adding that its course is mostly downwards as it progresses. “All is one, all seems to be in balance. All is one, the journey can begin now” – Maurizio further adds on “Metamorphosis”. While the first half of the album introduces who Black Reuss is, and what the band is all about, stylistically – the second half solidifies the sound and creates a long-lasting impact that compels listeners to get back into the album. Songs like “Zeal”, “Love” and “Inspiration” only grow the more you listen to them. Especially the former, starting with a haunting doom metal-esque riff, Maurizio’s vocals drive the song forward with a mellow background riff – which switches back to the main riff during Chorus.

The album has a lot of influences – you have the cinematic chords, Asian strings, heavy riffs, catchy choruses – and the list goes on. It’s surprising to see how Maurizio came up with all these, alone. Yes, an artist feels comfortable working alone, but the thought process is often restricted by the lack of diversity among the opinions. That’s not the case here, despite writing the songs alone, Maurizio found a leeway to get the most out, and explore what could otherwise be considered as an impossible ingredient to a project like this!

Overall, “Metamorphosis” is nothing short of a masterpiece – perhaps one of the best albums I have heard this year. There are times I find myself questioning the age of the band – the project doesn’t sound like a new one at all – matured, fearless to include as many as influences possible and of course the creativity and diversity among the songs. A perfect album for the year – one we have all been waiting for! I’m looking forward to what the project has to offer next – and, of course, I am pinning Black Reuss on my radar – you should be too!

Tracklist:
1. Incomplete
2. Grief
3. Fear
4. Anger
5. Pride
6. Lifeblood
7. Zeal
8. Acceptance
9. Mind
10. Love
11. Joy
12. Inspiration
13. Exodus (Outro to Journey)

Line-up:
Maurizio Dottore – instruments, production and vocals

Rate: 9.5/10