As much as I love standing in the back corner of a dark club watching a black metal band flatten time, I still do like to catch more theatrical acts, even if that means going to a big shed to do so. Maiden, for example, spreading their fantastical glory always is something to see, and seeing a spectacle with great visuals can be just as devastating.

They’re not playing arenas quite yet, but Castle Rat belong in the category of bands that deserve to do their thing on a bigger stage, and perhaps their great second record “The Bestiary” will help get them there. If that’s even their ambition. No matter where they play, the band—vocalist/guitarist Riley Pinkerton (The Rat Queen), guitarist Franco Vittore (The Count), bassist Charley Ruddell (The Plague Doctor), drummer Josh Strmic (The Druid)—is sure to stun you with their chainmail, sword play, spat blood, and drama that does not just inhabits their songs. These 13 tracks that spill over 47 minutes explode with vintage metal electricity and charisma that is undeniable, with the story about mythical creatures that exist far from here, and The Wizard trying to preserve the souls that remain.

“Phoenix I” opens with a slurry synth blanket, whispers spreading as the guitars rise, twin leads chewing into dreams, slowly merging into “Wolf I” that explodes with powerful leads and vocals to match. The guitar work blazes as the drums thunder, the verses compelling, the chorus rushing, the energy pulsating. Burnt riffs encircle as the intensity spikes and fades. “Wizard” is dark before the riffs begin to swagger, the singing driving into heat and chugging power, the sleek organs making heads spin. The temperature turns cold as speaking chills, twin leads utterly rule, and the soloing floods the streets. “Siren” arrives amid rousing drums, more killer riffs, and the singing sweltering, guitars chugging before Pinkerton gruffs, “Ooh!” a la Tom Warrior. The pace takes off and thrashes harder, the attack bakes, and the singing rings in your ear. “Unicorns” starts ominously, the singing luring into a psychedelic fever dream, the aura bringing the heat and spindling. The playing is wonderfully mesmerizing in spots, the guitars ramp up more aggressively, and the final moments glisten on the grass. “Path of Moss” is a quick interlude, twin guitars swimming through tributaries, a classic metal feel chilling, the synth sitting in murmur. “Crystal Cave” feels folkish at the start, softer singing landing as the sentiment feels mind-bending. Power kicks in as the drama flourishes, a daring tempo makes blood jolt, and then strings rouse, giving off a classic New Age 1970’s atmosphere.

“Serpent starts with the drums galloping, fiery riffs causing impact, and Pinkerton’s voice making the fantasy vibe come to life. Keys melt as the guitars tangle, the chorus acting as a strong center point, bluesy soloing taking over and aggravating the flames. “Wolf II” starts with acoustics, the melody lines a subtler reflection of the first part of this song from earlier in the record. Blood streaking through wolves’ teeth makes the song feel more deadly and feral, the strings glazing. Clouds collect in a canopy, guitars chime, and the singing ripples as if moving between dimensions. “Dragon” has smoking guitars and a spirit that stomps through the room, the singing flexing its muscles as the humidity spills. The playing is energetic and catchy, dashing through the air, slowly tightening its grip on your neck. “Summoning Spell” basks in noise and more delicate singing, a castle fantasy playing out in front of you as Pinkerton’s voice interplays with the strings. The melodies drizzle and flutter, the bass thickening before everything turns to ashes. “Sun Song” pulls you in with Pinkerton’s voice, the playing buzzing and going grungy, the force gutting and chugging. The guitars electrify as the attitude catapults, the drums pummeling through wiry riffs, guitars scorching, the final smoldering moments slashing. Closer “Phoenix II” is a final, quiet coda, acoustics and mellotron numbing, hazy golden rays warming your flesh.

“The Bestiary” takes metal back to an era when fantasy and storytelling were at the forefront of the genre, back before there were subgenre distinctions. Castle Rat commit all the way, on stage and on record, and it’s impossible not to get completely swept up in the stories they’re telling. This is metal that remembers to be fun, approaches with a sword of fire, and takes you down with them, your heart pounding the entire time.  

For more on the band, go here: https://castlerat.bandcamp.com/

To buy the album (U.S.), go here: https://kingvolume.8merch.us/

And here: https://castlerat.bandcamp.com/album/the-bestiary

Or here (Europe): https://bluesfuneralrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/the-bestiary

And here: https://kingvolume.8merch.com/

For more on the label, go here: https://www.kingvolume.com/

And here: https://www.bluesfuneral.com/