RICTUS OF RAGE’S “VARIANT” ALBUM: A METAL MASTERPIECE AND EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE
3 min read
Life they say is unpredictable and therefore anything can happen, it’s a crazy how sometimes the loss of someone dear to our hearts can hamper our progress and affect the foreseeable future. I have got Rictus Of Rage here, a metal project driven by Mike Masser on all instruments and the late Jeff Watson on vocals who has got this beautiful album out titled “Variant”. The album is an 8 track album that talks about societal issues and how the media controls a lot of lives these days. This beautiful masterpiece wouldn’t have been birthed and heard but we get to listen and embrace it’s unique sound elements and beats and man sh** is f””king dope and brazzy. The band who are influenced by iconic acts like Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Metallica, and Tool has created something that’s gonna live on for generations to come to experience. The tragical incident that happened with the passing of Jeff Watson last year, adds extra depth of emotions into this album by the band. RIP 🕊️🕊️ Jeff your legacy lives on.
See eh sometimes life kicks you where it hurt most and that’s what happened Rictus Of Rage, but that setback really impacted them negatively and this masterpiece which is their latest release may also be their last. The passing of Jeff rendered them unable to play live performances or promote this piece actively since 2021. But here we are after all the challenges, Mike Masser has released this project as a tribute to the late Jeff for his musical contributions to the world and man, it’s soo emotional. You know what I want you to do? Go stream the hell out of this album and enjoy every track on it. So I’m not gonna say much on each track but let’s take a stroll through some of them.
The songs on the album are all crazy and has this heavy drums thumping in with those blazing guitar riffs, man the album is really a vibe but the unique thing here is each track comes with a message and that’s really what set this album apart. The first track on the album is Sepsis, this track begins Soo calm, kicks your emotions and takes this unexpected twist and teleport you to this blazing guitars and drums with roaring vocals haha, my goodness thats really a crazy feel. Now the next track “Misery,” is another track that captures your attention from start with those haunting voices speaking to you. The track talks about societal issues, laying emphasis on how the media controls a lot of our lives these days.
How everyone wants to live the life portrayed in the media and people not giving a f**k about each other and all they care about is to live the life the society and media portrays. The lyrics convey a sense of rebellion and defiance against external forces. Now the other tracks like “Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars” and “Dreams of Deathbed” are all beautiful songs that talks about conflicts and reflection on it’s effects. Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars comes with a music video that is a must watch for everyone. The content in there is a must see and believe you ain’t gonna be disappointed. Man this album is a must listen and let’s all grab this and pay homage to Jeff’s legacy.
One may argue that the absence of Jeff maybe a bittersweet moments cos now Mike is striving to preserve all of Jeff’s legacy alive and their recorded sessions. So does that mean we get to enjoy more of the band again?😭👀 Well can’t tell but be on the watch, but for now go ahead and give this album “Variant” a deep listen and enjoy some good music this week. Make sure to check them out on the links below to keep you updated;
https://www.instagram.com/rictusrage
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGf6fBfFvFW3jcpQlo53SFg
English