https://www.facebook.com/blackreuss
From: Switzerland
Sounds like: Doom Metal
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound?
My journey with music started when I was a kid. I picked up a guitar at the age of 12, and from that moment, something opened up in me that never closed again. Music became a way of expressing everything I couldn’t say in words. Over time, I played in several bands, performed live across different stages, and learned how to channel energy and emotion into sound.
Eventually, I wanted to create something that reflected 100% of who I am—without compromise. That led to the birth of Black Reuss, a solo project where I compose, write, produce, and perform everything myself, except for the drums. I never aimed for a particular genre. The sound developed organically from what I felt—melancholic, heavy, melodic, atmospheric. That mix became the signature of Black Reuss.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
I want them to feel seen. To feel like they're not alone in whatever they're going through. My music isn’t designed to entertain—it’s meant to reflect the inner world we often keep hidden. If someone hears Black Reuss and feels a sense of release, or recognition, or simply finds space to breathe—that’s all I could ask for.
Each album is part of a larger journey, and I hope listeners can find parts of their own story within mine.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
I’d describe it as melodic gothic doom metal, but that only scratches the surface. Black Reuss is about atmosphere and emotion. The sound blends heavy guitars with haunting melodies, layered textures, and a deep sense of introspection.
It’s music for people who feel deeply. It has weight, not just sonically, but emotionally. Think of it as music that invites you to sit with your shadow instead of running from it.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
If I had the chance to tour with some of the bigger names whose music aligns emotionally and atmospherically with Black Reuss, my top choices would be:
Ghost – Their theatrical energy and melodic darkness are a strong match for the emotional tone I aim to create. Their performances are immersive and visually powerful, something I also strive for.
Opeth – Their dynamic range, from crushing heaviness to delicate, progressive moments, reflects a deep emotional spectrum. Touring with them would be an incredible creative pairing.
Paradise Lost – As legends of gothic and doom metal, their influence on the genre—and on me personally—is undeniable. Sharing a stage with them would be an honor.
Katatonia – While perhaps not as commercially massive, they are emotionally unmatched. Their melancholic beauty and atmospheric depth mirror much of what I express in Black Reuss. They’d be a perfect fit.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
AI is a powerful tool, but it's not a creator. It can simulate music, but it can’t feel. What I do with Black Reuss is deeply human—it comes from pain, hope, transformation. AI can’t replicate that.
That said, AI might assist in certain workflows, but I believe music must remain rooted in authentic emotion and personal experience. That’s where the soul lives. Without that, you’re just producing noise.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Doom Metal?
I think Doom Metal is in a very interesting place right now. It’s no longer just slow riffs and heavy sounds—it has evolved into something much more expressive and multidimensional. There’s a growing space for experimentation within doom. Bands are blending it with post-rock, ambient, gothic, and even electronic elements. That openness is exciting. The genre is becoming more emotionally rich, and I think there’s a hunger for that kind of authenticity in today’s world.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Swizterland?
Switzerland—and Liechtenstein, where I’m based—has a small but passionate music scene, especially in metal. It’s not as large or industry-driven as in countries like Germany or Sweden, so resources and exposure can be limited. But the talent is absolutely there.
Still, there is a small scene of people who are deeply committed. From time to time, bands from this region manage to break through internationally—groups like Eluveitie and Cellar Darling are great examples of that success. And of course, we have the legends who paved the way, like Celtic Frost and Coroner. These names proved that it's possible to create something impactful from a small country and gain recognition on a global scale. That’s something I deeply respect—and draw inspiration from.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
The current model is completely unsustainable for most artists. Streaming is convenient for listeners, but the payout system is deeply flawed. You can have thousands of plays and still not earn enough to buy a cup of coffee.
Independent artists carry the full weight of creating, promoting, and distributing their music. When the platforms benefit more than the creators, something is broken. Until this is fixed, I’ll always encourage people to buy music directly from the artist when they can.
9. What’s next for Black Reuss?
The final album in the four-part concept, Death, is finished and will be released in fall 2025. It explores the emotional and existential themes of what could come after life—not in a morbid way, but as a philosophical reflection on transitions and endings.
I’m also preparing for live performances. The goal is to bring Black Reuss to the stage in a way that reflects the immersive nature of the music—visually, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s the next chapter.
10. Any shoutouts?
Absolutely. To everyone who has supported Black Reuss—thank you. Whether you've listened to a song, shared it, written me, or just felt something in the music—you’re part of this journey.
Also, a huge thank you to the incredible people who contributed to Arrival:
Diego Rapacchietti, David Vetsch, Tommy Vetterli, Roberto Deluca, Roberto Macis, Giovanni Versari, and the wonderful Anna Murphy, whose voice on Souls Awakening brought something truly special to life.
