Black Reuss return in 2026 with “Death”, the highly anticipated fourth chapter of the “River of Life” concept that has defined the project since its inception. Following “Metamorphosis” (2021), “Journey” (2022) and “Arrival” (2023), the new album completes the first conceptual cycle — not as an ending, but as a passage toward deeper creative currents that still lie ahead.
The river remains the central metaphor in the universe of Black Reuss: a life in constant motion, shaped by transformation, hardship and the silent gravity of experience. With “Death”, the river reaches a realm where identity dissolves and silence reveals truths too deep for words — a chapter of release, surrender and profound introspection. It marks the closing of a cycle, while at the same time hinting at new, unseen waters yet to come.
Musically, “Death” pushes further into the expressive territory of melodic gothic metal, blending weight with inward intensity. Its sonic landscape is dense, immersive and emotionally charged. Tracks such as “Endgame”, “Oblivion”, “Phoenix” and “Elysium” explore the spectral boundaries between endings and transformation, where conclusions shed their old skin and reveal the essence beneath.
The first glimpse into this world arrives on January 30, 2026 with the release of the lead single “Oblivion,” a descent into loss and transcendence. On February 13, 2026, “Endgame” follows — a darker and heavier composition that confronts collapse not as defeat, but as transformation. The full album “Death” is set for release on February 27, 2026, completing the four-part journey that began five years ago.
True to the spirit of Black Reuss, “Death” is a deeply personal creation. Maurizio Dottore wrote, composed, performed and produced the entire album, shaping it with singular vision and emotional clarity. Joining him is Diego Rapacchietti, drummer of the legendary Swiss thrash band Coroner, whose power, precision and musical instinct lend a commanding pulse to the record.
The sonic identity of “Death” was crafted through the technical expertise of Roberto Macis (mixing, Solid Twin Studio) and Giovanni Versari (mastering, La Maestà Mastering Studio). Vocals were recorded by Roberto De Luca at erreDIelle Studio, drums by Tommy Vetterli at Newsound Studio, while all other instruments were recorded by Dottore himself at Black Reuss Studio.
“Death” stands as a monumental conclusion to the four-part journey that began five years ago. It is the end of a cycle — but not the end of the river.
Tracklist:
1.Wasteland
2.Endgame
3.Oblivion
4. Liberation
5.Continuum
6.Phoenix
7.Love You to Death(cover of Type O Negative)
8. Death
9. Reborn
10. Elysium
