Interview with Rane Riikonen, Guitarist of the band Rhino Proof

May 18, 2026

Interview with Rane Riikonen, Guitarist of the band Rhino Proof

by Mick Michaels

Cosmick View: Hello, and welcome to The Cosmick View. Thanks for taking some time out of your day to speak with us. It's greatly appreciated.

Rane Riikonen: Hi, it is my pleasure!

CV: Do you think modern Heavy Metal music has evolved past its origins? Or are things relatively still the same?

RR: Music is constantly evolving in different directions, some choose to explore new paths, some stay the same.

CV: Does Metal still draw people to want to listen and engage the music while challenging the audience to imagine becoming a musician themselves?

RR: Metal music listeners are loyal to their choice and want to participate by both listening and making their own music.

CV: Many believe that success for a band relies on three major components; good distribution, good PR and good booking. In the new modern music industry, all of that is without a doubt achievable by the artist themselves. Do you feel more and more established acts will go the independent route and eliminate the middle man component?

RR: Yes, it can be seen, but mainly in the recording and production of music. In my opinion, good PR, distribution and booking require professionals if you want to operate on a larger scale.

CV: Do you feel that the idea of a band eliminating those second and third party partnerships; labels, management, bookers, etc., and doing things on their own, is a direct result of artists and bands being misled and taken advantage of for so long?

RR: Unfair treatment has certainly played a role. No one wants to be cheated their entire career.

CV: Do you feel there is a need or want for artists of any style or genre to rise above the past and to do more musically…artistically? Or can a level of comfort be reached and maintained as a means to sustainability?

RR: I've sometimes thought about an artist that once they've reached a certain level of popularity, they can apparently do whatever crap they want and it still sells. Luckily, there are many bands whose level remains high year after year.

CV: Many critics believe music is irrelevant today... just background noise. As a musician who is out there writing, releasing, and performing, from your perspective, do you still see music relevance in the world today? Is there a connection?

RR: It's true that music has also become background noise because people these days can't concentrate on listening to an album. Yes, good music is still meaningful and brings out your emotions.

CV: Has music in general split into too many genres and sub-genre classifications in an effort just to please an indecisive audience in your opinion? Is it just more of a marketing ploy to funnel buyers to a specific brand?

RR: The marketing department definitely wants to create new genres to sell, I personally can't tell the difference between different genres and I don't even care.

CV: What more can fans expect to see coming from you in 2026?

RR: The next single and video will be released on the last day of April and the twelfth of June the entire Light, Dark, The End album.

CV: Thanks again for taking the time to share with our readers. We wish you all the best and continued success.

RR: Thank you for asking me!

Check out Rhine Proof at:

• Website: rhinoproof.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhinoproof

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhinoproofinfo/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDTROFHkKlK65YWxApIfSOA?view_as=subscriber

• Bandcamp: https://rhinoproof.bandcamp.com/

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xoRh8HCIG8Bk9RFMVxD2F

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/id/artist/rhino-proof/1448285427

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, author, show host, big dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.