MAURO GUGERLI (VICIOUS RAIN): “Once We Started Talking And Writing, The Chemistry Was Undeniable”

Vicious Rain band photo

Swiss Metalcore band Vicious Rain are set to release their debut album entitled There Is Beauty In Letting Go on October 11th. The band’s vocalist/guitarist Mauro Gugerli took the time to talk with Metal Express Radio about their debut album, the band’s formation, playing the Summer Breeze Festival, and more. Check out the chat below!

Metal Express Radio: How did the formation of your band come about?

Gugerli:
The formation of Vicious Rain was a pretty organic process. Some of us had been playing in other local bands, and we connected through the local music scene in Switzerland. We all shared a passion for heavy music and came from different musical backgrounds that complemented each other well. Once we started talking and writing, the chemistry was undeniable, and we quickly realized that this was more than just a casual project.

MER: You’ll be releasing your debut album entitled There Is Beauty In Letting Go on October 11th, what can you tell fans about the upcoming release?

Gugerli: Our debut album There Is Beauty In Letting Go is a very personal album for us. It’s really a journey through emotional highs and lows, with each song drawing from our own experiences. Exploring themes like loss, acceptance, and growth. Each song has its own dynamic, blending heavier breakdowns with haunting melodies, and we experimented a lot with atmosphere to create a sense of both chaos and beauty. Fans can expect a mix of intense, driving riffs, powerful vocals, and more introspective, emotional moments. We wanted the album to feel like an experience from start to finish, and we’re excited for everyone to hear it.

MER: What was the writing and recording process like, being your first album?

Gugerli: The writing together was very organically where we’d bring in riffs, melodies, and ideas. Some tracks came together quickly, while others needed more time to develop, especially as we worked on making the lyrics deeply personal. Once we hit the studio, our producer, Manuel Renner, was a vital part of the process. He understood our vision and helped bring these songs to a new level. His guidance in shaping the sound, experimenting with tones, and layering effects pushed us to deliver the best performances possible. The whole recording process was intense, but incredibly rewarding as we saw the songs evolve and come to life.

MER: You’ve released some singles from the album so far, do you feel those songs represent the album well? 

Gugerli: The singles we’ve released so far definitely represent the album well. Each single reflects a different aspect of the album’s sound and themes. We chose them because we felt they showcased the blend of heavy, emotional, and melodic elements that run throughout the record. However, the full album offers even more diversity. Some tracks are more aggressive and in-your-face, while others are more atmospheric and melodic.

MER: What do you see as plans for you and your band after the album is released?

Gugerli: After the release of There Is Beauty In Letting Go, our immediate focus will be on promoting the album and connecting with fans. We’re eager to hit the stage and go on tour and share the energy of these songs in person.

MER: Who do you hope to tour with and why?

Gugerli: One of our favorite artists to tour with would definitely be While She Sleeps. We have a huge admiration for what they’re doing — both musically and in how they’ve built such a strong connection with their fanbase. Their energy on stage, the raw emotion in their music, and the way they’ve carved out their own space in the scene really resonates with us. Touring with them would not only be an amazing experience but also incredibly inspiring for us as a band.

MER: Last year, your band played the Summer Breeze festival, how was that experience being a fairly new band?

Gugerli: Playing Summer Breeze last year was an incredible experience for us, especially as a fairly new band. Being on that stage, surrounded by so many amazing bands and such a passionate crowd, felt surreal. Our vocalist David even had the chance to perform “Silence Speaks” with While She Sleeps on the main stage at Summer Breeze. That moment was a huge highlight for us and solidified our connection to their music. It was such a surreal experience, and seeing him being up there with one of our favorite bands was something we’ll never forget.

MER: How is it playing a club versus an open air festival?

Gugerli: I think both offer two completely different experiences, with their own unique energy. Club shows are more intimate and raw. You’re closer to the crowd, and there’s this intense connection that comes from being in a smaller space. The energy bounces back and forth between the band and the audience, and it feels like you’re all in it together. On the other hand, open-air festivals like Summer Breeze have this massive, overwhelming energy. You’re playing to a much larger crowd, and the scale of everything is just bigger — sound, lights, the adrenaline.

MER: What have been some of your favorite releases of 2024?

Gugerli: From the top of my head — anything from Half Me. I really dig their sound and the way they balance heaviness with groove. I’m also currently into House of Protection; their music has been hitting the right vibe for me lately. It’s safe to say that this year has been packed with incredible releases and I’m sure I’m forgetting a lot of them right now.

MER: What are your hopes for your band’s future?

Gugerli: I’d love to see us continue to grow both musically and as a band. We genuinely hope that There Is Beauty In Letting Go resonates with people; it’s a deeply personal album for us, and we’re excited for it to connect with listeners on a meaningful level. And of course, we’re eager to hit the road and perform it live.

Author

  • Matt Zaniboni

    Matthew is an interviewer here at Metal Express Radio. He started his passion for music journalism back in his college radio days serving as the Heavy Metal Director at WKKL out of Hyannis Massachusetts. During Matt’s tenure in radio, he has had time working for commercial stations in Boston Massachusetts such as WAAF, WZLX AND 98.5 The Sports Hub before landing with Metal Express Radio. Anytime you want to talk heavy Metal, hockey, Guiness, and dad life, Matt is your guy m/

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