By: Maria Williams
A delicate piano arpeggio opens Sophia Mengrosso’s new album Unforgiven, but any thoughts of a soft, serene listening experience are quickly shattered. Heavy metal guitars and pounding drums soon flood the soundscape, while Mengrosso’s layered operatic vocals cry out: “I can’t see / I can’t believe / I’m lost inside your dream / You’re taking over me.” This opening track, “Dream,” sets the stage for the entire album—an intricate blend of classical melody and heavy metal force, with fierce vocals narrating stories of internal conflict, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
Independently released in 2024, Unforgiven is a 13-track fusion of heavy metal and opera, influenced by bands like Evanescence and Metallica. Mengrosso, who composed and wrote the lyrics for every track, describes the album as a reflection of her life journey, overcoming personal struggles and embracing imperfections. “The album is about looking back and realizing there’s nothing to regret,” she explains. “Every experience, good or bad, is part of your journey, and that’s what makes you stronger.”
One of the album’s most striking tracks, “Demonizer,” was inspired by survivors of domestic violence. The song opens with a relentless drumbeat, over which Mengrosso’s lyrics—“These voices, they won’t sleep. My fears, they say they’ll keep”—express the raw emotion of battling inner demons. The song urges listeners to speak up and confront their anger as part of the healing process. “Society teaches us to forgive and forget, but sometimes anger is necessary for healing,” Mengrosso says. The fierce guitar solos toward the end of the song sonically embody that rage.
The title track, “Unforgiven,” delves even deeper into the album’s central theme of self-reckoning. While an acoustic guitar intro echoes Metallica’s song of the same name, Mengrosso’s unique sound quickly asserts itself. With lyrics like “A symphony of pain and grace, in this abyss, I find my place,” Mengrosso illustrates the constant struggle and ultimate redemption that defines personal growth. “There’s no success without pain,” she notes. “Growth always involves discomfort.”
With a background in classical music, Mengrosso’s transition to metal may seem surprising, but she’s always been drawn to its energy. “I’ve always loved rock,” she says. “I found a way to blend operatic vocals with metal; it feels natural.” Mengrosso’s sound is a true fusion of genres, pushing boundaries while staying grounded in her love of both melody and heaviness.
Unforgiven marks a bold new direction in Mengrosso’s career, though she continues to pursue a variety of musical projects, including international performances and recordings across genres. Later this year, fans will be able to experience Unforgiven live in New York and Texas, with more performances planned for 2025.
Mengrosso’s ultimate message is one of resilience and self-acceptance. “I want listeners to embrace their imperfections,” she says. “It’s okay to be flawed. That’s where real strength comes from.”
With its soaring vocals, heavy riffs, and emotional depth, Unforgiven promises to resonate with fans of all genres of music. Available now across all streaming platforms, it offers a powerful message for listeners navigating their own journeys of growth and self-forgiveness. Listen now.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
