Sophia Mengrosso

Opera-trained Sophia Mengrosso opens up about Unforgiven, tracing her leap into rock and metal, confronting trauma through music, honoring influences, and transforming vulnerability into strength, connection, and empowerment worldwide listeners.

1. You’re classically trained in opera, yet Unforgiven lives firmly in rock and metal. What was the turning point where you knew this heavier world was where your true voice belonged?

The turning point for me was when I heard Metallica, Nightwish and Evanescence for the first time! I loved the sound of heavy instruments! And instantly fell in love with these bands. After that ca,e other bands that I loved. Less heavy or more, but they all had in common one thing that I was attracted to. It was the power of the message that they put out in the world. So, for me it was not only the sound, but more of empowering myself and getting out of the box with standards that I had to love in and follow. I remember listening nonstop to Evanescence!

2. Unforgiven is deeply introspective and emotionally raw. Was there a particular song on the album that was hardest for you to write or record, and why?

Demonizer was the hardest, because I exposed myself to my old wounds I tried to bury for so long. But writing and releasing this song helped me to deal with that trauma and I was finally released emotionally and physically, because all of our traumas show up in the physical world one way or another. My goal with Demonizer was not only dealing with my own issues but also, and most importantly helping others to deal with the same stuff. I want to bring awareness of domestic violence, and I want to support people who went through this. You are not alone in it. You are not alone in your journey of healing. Do not bury your fears and emotions, it is ok to feel rage, leaving through your rage is healing.

3. You speak openly about vulnerability and the fear of being misunderstood. How did turning personal trauma into music help you reclaim strength rather than relive pain?

I learned to focus on my strength, and I look at my pain today very differently than years ago. This process for me took time. And it is ok. This made me who I am today. I reclaim my strength through being open to the world and every person who I meet in this journey. And everyone who listened to my music and we never met. By  not hiding and closing in my dark state of mind, but instead finding light in my darkness. I accept every lesson life has given to me, and I take it with pride. I always want to move forward stronger each day. Music transmutes every negative episode into strength. And a lot of times it is not obvious at first, and might take years, but this is the direction. And not only music, any other form of art is designed to do that. The world without artists would be so empty.

4. Bands like Evanescence and Nightwish are often cited as influences. How did you work to honor those inspirations while still carving out a sound that feels uniquely yours?

I love my inspirations! But I do not copy them! I take my feeling that  they helped me to create and the visions that they gave me! So feelings and emotions. I go back in time to remember and bring up what feelings I had when I listened to those amazing artists, and how they helped me to change my life.

5. The album encourages listeners to speak up instead of burying their feelings. What kind of conversations or reactions from fans have meant the most to you since the release?

People reached out to me with similar stories and we talked for hours on the phone and we continue to keep in touch through emails and texts! I love meeting people in person too and have that deep emotional connection to support each other. Once you start feeling comfortable to open up it is a huge release for the soul!

6. Now that Unforgiven is getting renewed attention, how do you see this album fitting into your future work, and what can we expect next from Sophia Mengrosso?

Next bI want to focus on defining my Identity and encourage my listeners to do it! Do not let anyone else define you. Since I worked through my past and now I can focus on becoming a stronger woman and kick ass!  My advice to everyone is Glow up and Kick Ass!

Sophia Mengrosso – Listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music – Linktree