»-(¯..v..¯)-» «-(¯..v..¯)-«..
Rictus Grin translated means the grotesquely askew smile on the face of a corpse. In this spirit of arcane morbidity the story begins. Through the chaos of underground warehouse parties to the staggering heights of European tours and mainstage mayhem Rictus Grin remains a true and grim force. Ascending from the tombs of the underground metal scene their steadfast focus lies in not only showcasing their own dark creations, but also unearthing other local talent and unifying the scene one show at a time.
In the early days of cavernous warehouse concerts vocals/guitarist Larry Weeks, coupled with drummer Wade Bergeron and bassist Larry Gammill formed Rictus Grin in a state of vehement creation. The metal trio drew people toward the band with an unexpected and curious magnetism. Realizing the music induced moshing pandemonium and unforgettable emotional upheavals the act moved to perform at venues beyond the darkened recesses.
Even with member changes and an evolving and growing crowd Rictus Grin continues to easily cross the lines between unforgettable underground parties and rabidly intense shows. Now that their reputation has spread, the community expects from Rictus Grin an unconventionally gripping and unique performance and a stage show that evokes pits, body passing, and band-encouraged prop demolition. Remembering their goals to reach beyond themselves, Rictus Grin organizes an annual Doomsday metal festival to showcase the talents of underground bands from all over the US, a festival that has occurred annually in dead of winter for 8 years. Also always immersed in the scene, Rictus Grin vigilantly books WI dates for touring acts from all over the world.
Now with the unmistakeable and uniquely heavy sounds of Craig Nagel on drums, the powerful and decidedly hard hitting music of Dave Moran on bass and the grim lunacy of Larry Weeks on guitars/vocals Rictus Grin is reaching new heights of talented musically inspired pathological seduction and humor. Abiding their course they pursue unification of the scene and an ever pursuant determination to leave behind a timeless earthly immortality.
Major Achievements:
Opened for Motorhead and COC
Voted as a Sickmetal.com Metal Band Contest Semi-Finalist!
"Living the Dream" Voted One of Metal Net Radio's top 10 Indie Albums of 2005
Opened for Obituary, Napalm Death and Dead to Fall at The Rave
Opened for Therion at House of Blues in Chicago
Toured Iceland in June 2005
Toured Romania in October 2006
Opened for Metal Church and 3 Inches of Blood
Supporting Act for Ministry, Thrill Kill Kult
Summerfest 2004 Opening for Damageplan
Performed at Minneapolis Mayhem with Morbid Angel, Suffocation, and Satyricon
Performed with Iced Earth, Exodus, King Diamond & Anthrax
Performed with Meshuggah & Strapping Young Lad
Headlined Tony's Annual Birthday Bash 2004
Performed LSMF 2K3 Fest
Performed and Setup Allenton 2003 (we hit 1000 people)
Performed and Setup Doomsday 2004 w/Novembers Doom
Performed at Summerfest 2002 Opening for Judas Priest
Performed at Funky 420 Metal Meltdown at Vnuks 2003
Featured on Descent's Last Show Comp
Featured on AFB Indie Promotions Sounds from the Ground Volume 1 Comp
Performed at Eardrum Armageddon IV 2002
Featured as 'Band of the Month' on AFB Indie
Promotions Site
Voted 'Most Helpful Member' AFB Indie Promotions Site
Originators of Annual Doomsday Event at The Rave 2000-2005
Performed Death Denied Benefit Show
Featured on Metal Harmonies Magazine in Belgium 2000
Featured as 'Band of the Week' on WLZR Lazer 103 Site
Endorsed by Coors Company
