Black Reuss returns in 2026 to unveil ‘Death’, the fourth chapter in a river-of-life concept that began five years ago. This new album follows ‘Metamorphosis’, ‘Journey’, and ‘Arrival’ to complete the project’s first conceptual cycle. The river serves as the central metaphor for a life in constant motion and transformation. This record is a dense and emotionally-charged exploration of melodic gothic metal. Maurizio Dottore wrote, composed, performed, and produced the entire album to ensure a singular creative vision. He is joined by Diego Rapacchietti, the drummer of the Swiss thrash band Coroner, who provided the drum tracks.
The lead single “Oblivion” arrived on January 30, 2026, offering a first glimpse into this immersive soundscape. It was followed on February 13, 2026, by the darker and heavier track “Endgame”. The full album ‘Death’ is released on February 27, 2026, marking the closing of a major passage while hinting at new waters ahead. This music is a monumental and profound reflection on finality and transformation. Tracks like “Phoenix” and “Elysium” explore the spectral spaces where endings reveal a deeper essence. Dottore recorded the instruments at Black Reuss Studio to maintain emotional clarity throughout the process.
The sonic identity of the record was forged through the work of Roberto Macis and Giovanni Versari. Vocals were captured by Roberto De Luca at erreDIelle Studio while Tommy Vetterli recorded the drums at Newsound Studio. This production blends heavy-hitting instrumentation with deep introspection to define the Black Reuss universe. The project treats the concept of death as a threshold into deeper creative currents rather than a final ending. This approach allows the river to continue flowing through hidden and uncharted darkness.