By: Maria Williams
Sophia Mengrosso showcases her uniquely powerful vocals in her debut album, Unforgiven. It is a 13-song compilation of metal tunes with subjects that are bound to hit home with listeners who have struggled with abuse in any form.
Unforgiven was inspired by the experiences Mengrosso has had throughout her life and those around her. It goes way back to when she was growing up, with Mengrosso saying she saw what people were going through with emotional and physical abuse. These things were silenced, and there was no help, so when Mengrosso looked back, she thought about what she could do to support them.
“All those friends gave me permission to write that and use it as inspiration,” she said. “It gives them a voice. It is about speaking out, standing your ground, and being powerful. Don’t let anyone silence you. Your voice matters. I am trying to empower people. Be loud and speak up.”
Mengrosso is a classically trained opera singer with a voice that is about as unique as it gets. It is beautiful and goes right along with the heavy guitar and ethereal soundscapes that fit the album’s overall mood. Since she has been involved in music her whole life, it was the perfect way to display her emotions. It was her way of creating something as an artist. Music is a job for her and a way to grow.
“The whole album is about my journey and personal growth,” Mengrosso said. “I would say it is like a healing process and I wouldn’t change anything. All the steps I went through made me stronger, and made me grow, and gave me the experience to be the person I am today.”
Being her first album, she said it is like a “baby that took a while to grow.” Mengrosso said it was like a “shout out or scream” that she had inside her throughout her life, and she found a place for it on this album.
“Unforgiven” is very special for that. It was a lot of work but it happened organically, throughout,” she said. “It just became what it is, step by step. I had a lot of inspiration.”
Mengrosso feels that the powerful track is “Demonizer,” saying that this was inspired by the tragic story of her friend. It is a song she released ahead of the album, and one that is about “speaking up and taking your power back.”
The popular track so far is “Under,” with Mengrosso saying it is about someone dragging you down in an abusive relationship. Another track of note is “Ship of Shattered Dreams,” which she said speaks for itself, and relates to a relationship where you need to stand your ground.
“Otherwise the ship is just going to sink,” she said. “You have to choose yourself and not let anyone bring you down.”
This is an album where Mengrosso gave it everything she had and left it all on the table.
“It was something I had to do and now the next step is new music, and a new journey,” Mengrosso said. “I’m not afraid to speak up and have more inspiration again. I am taking things step by step to continue this never ending journey. Whatever direction it takes me, I’m just going on the flow.”
Mengrosso also has a single called “Fallen Angel” that has been recorded and will be released within the next month. This is a metal track and the story is of a soul who is misunderstood. It is another situation where someone needs to push forward and not look for approvals. It reflects directly back to her personal story, and she said this would not have happened without the work that she put in with Unforgiven.
Be sure to check out the album Unforgiven and keep up to date with Sophia Mengrosso, with her music available on all platforms. Youtube: Spotify Instagram Apple Music
Published by: Martin De Juan
