The new song by Rictus of Rage “Silent weapon for quiet wars” expresses deep sadness about the death of Jeff Watson but also sounds very sincere in music sense. This is more than a tribute to Watson; it is also the story of the relationship between the singer and his friend, Mike Masser, on the musical road that resounds in these haunting lines.
The depths of societal reflections are where rictus of rage draws his inspiration from. From childhood, music was very important to them, becoming in many ways part of lifelong addiction combined with recollections of air guitar practices and in search of happiness.
Although Rictus of Rage’s family is not musical, the song ‘Crazy Train‘ which is sung by Ozzy Osbourne started his journey into music and pushed towards a music career. They have learned by themselves in many musical aspects, they are constantly evolving their artistic process taking on emotions and versatile influences which reach across several genres from country ballad to doom metal.
Their style continues to be organic with the core remaining despite playing with it. Their sound is difficult to categorize – proof of the varied impact on their taste in music.
Join us as we get to know more about Rictus Of Rage.
Watch Silent Weapon For Quiet Wars below
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What is your stage name
Rictus of Rage
Is there a story behind your stage name?
Jeff was reading a book with a character named Rictus in it.
He wanted to name the band that, but we found out there was already and band named Rictus.
I suggested we put of rage at the end and go with that.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere. It is all over if you look for it. Rictus of Rage primarily get most of its inspiration from news and society.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Music has played a big roll in my life. I look back and music has been almost an obsession for me.
My earliest memory’s are playing air guitar and listening to my brother and sisters albums.
Just studying the music\lyrics and artwork.
I always accompanied music with trying to have fun, being the life of the party and girls.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Not really, My family loved music and there was always music playing in the house.
That was really the extent of it.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
Hearing Crazy train from Ozzy is what made me want to play guitar.
Once learned to play all I wanted to do was play music for a living.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
I taught myself everything.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I went to see Metallica.
How could you describe your music?
Man, I’m not sure how I would describe it. It is all over the place.
I have so many influences. One song will sound like a country ballad and the next will sound like a doom metal song. Depending on if you listen to my old band Hand Over Fist or my Solo work or Rictus of Rage it can sound like completely different styles.
Describe your creative process.
I wish I could. I don’t have a set process. It comes in various ways.
Sometimes something I see will spark inspiration. Sometimes it could be sitting in my living room playing guitar an something cool just comes out and I work off of that. It comes from everywhere if you are in that zone.
What is your main inspiration?
I know this sounds generic, but emotion. Whatever I am feeling at the time I roll with.
What musician do you admire most and why?
I don’t think I could narrow it down to one. I admire so many musicians for different reasons.
It could be the style of playing or musicianship, it could be how they have influenced or put their mark in music history. I am just a big fan of music. I don’t care what genera it is. It could be pop\R&B Metal\Hard Rock Rap\HipHop. If it is a good song it is a good song. I don’t care the genera or artist that did it.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
I don’t think I have evolved my style too much over the years. I tried to do that on my first solo album, but I think it was a failed experiment. After that I kind of went back to what I know.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
I don’t see anyone as a competitor. Music is subjective. Not everyone has the same taste in music.
Everyone that makes music does it the way they feel it should be done. No right way or wrong way, just the way they do it. You put it out there and hope people see and hear your version and relate to it.
What are your interests outside of music?
Right now it’s relaxing. I don’t get much down time, so when I do I try to relax.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
People trying to tell you how to think and what to do.
Egos and people that are doing it for the wrong reasons.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
Get away from worrying about a bands image and get back to the bands music.
Labels have spent too much time on how to market a band and the image instead of worrying about how good the music is. They have ruined the creative process.
We have lost so many good bands and songs because of that.
What are your plans for the coming months?
I still might do some solo work, but since Jeff passed away last year Rictus of Rage will be no more.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans
Nothing in the works right now.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Want to thank all of you that have supported us and encouraged us. I wish Jeff was here to see the result of what we made together. With that said I hope you continue to listen and keep his legacy alive.
