Doomed Confessionary: Maurizio Dottore (Black Reuss)

Black Reuss is a melodic gothic/doom metal solo project by Maurizio Dottore.

Stylistically, Black Reuss is at home in doomy, gothic heavy metal with a touch of melancholy and a certain heaviness, the heaviness that has accompanied Black Reuss in some chapters of his life. And as in the river that carries more and more water, the experiences and knowledge that Black Reuss gathers on his way become more and more, until one day the light goes out and disappears in the eternal sea.

Black Reuss will take the audience on this journey on the raven waters of the river of life in 4 chapters, »Metamorphosis«, »Journey«, »Arrival« and »Death«. The latest studio album »Arrival« was released on December 1st, 2023.

Can you say a few words about your band?
Black Reuss is my solo project. It sounds like a band, but I do nearly everything by myself. The current concept symbolizes the flow of my life. The change and the flow of life described in four chapters through music. The name comes from the river Reuss, a Swiss river that has its source in the Gotthard massif in central Switzerland, where I lived while writing the first album »Metamorphosis«. But I currently live in the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Black Reuss is stylistically in doomy heavy metal and gothic metal with a touch of melancholy and a certain heaviness.

What was the biggest challenge for the band?
As already said, it isnt a band. So for me the biggest challenge was to make Black Reuss sound like I have in mind.
Doing everything by myself brings me to some boundaries I needed to overcome and constantly go out of my comfort zone.

What can you be most proud of so far?
That I managed to make Black Reuss come true and that some people around the world are listening to it. Its a huge gift.

What was your biggest regret?
If I would tell it, it would not be a secret anymore…

What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
For the moment Black Reuss is only a record project. I am working on bringing it on stage in the next 2 years. So sorry…I stil cant tell you about concerts for the moment.

What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
One of the biggest surprises for me was Adele. I was working in the music industry for several years and I was invited to one of here first showcases. I think she was 16 at the time.
When she started singing it was like a steam roller would come over us. I immediately could feel that a huge future star and immense talent is on stage.

What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
At the moment I am listening a lot to the new Pearl Jam record »Dark Matter«, to the French band Klone, to the Danish band Kashmir, to Type O Negative and Mark Lanegan.

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Be yourself, live your dreams, be persistent and don listen to people who always tell you that your dreams cant come true….

What are your guilty pleasures?
Food and wine…

Can you say something more about the music scene in Liechtenstein?
I live in the principality of Liechtenstein. Here there isnt a big music scene. The good thing about the Alpine room is that there are a lot of rock and metal fans.

Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
As already mentioned… I was not touring so far. Maybe later…

What are your plans for the future?
I am currently working on the next album and on a live concept I would like to bring to live in 2025.

How can people best support you?
By listen to my music and share it, if you like it.

Do you have any message for your listeners?
Again…. Be yourself, live your dreams, be persistent and don listen to people who always tell you that your dreams cant come true….

Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well