Formed in 2013, CASTRATOR is an international, all-female death metal project based in New York City, with members hailing from the USA, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, and Colombia, CASTRATORS multinational lineup brings together a wealth of backgrounds and influences, united by a shared desire to carve out a vicious and socially conscious space in extreme music. Stylistically rooted in death metal, with their lyrics they take a strong stance against Feminism, Violence, Injustice and Suffering. The band made their first mark with the 2014 EP No Victim, which established their penchant for groove-infused brutality and a relentless vocal attack. Over the following years, CASTRATOR refined their lineup and sound, eventually releasing their debut full-length Defiled in Oblivion in 2022. The album was a thunderous statement of intent: packed with crushing riffs, suffocating grooves, and guttural precision, it showcased CASTRATOR as a band capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with death metal's elite. Now operating under Dark Descent Records, they release Coronation of the Grotesque.

Kicking this gem off is Fragments of Defiance (3.32) and straight up you relies this girls are not playing and not sure if its me but this has SUFFOCATION and DEICIDE vibes all over it. What a banger to start proceedings. I AM EUNUCH (3.41) One of the albums darkest pieces this songs talks about the ancient Sumerian practice of Eunuchization (the act of removing a males testicles). Mid-tempo groove pounds like a ritual drum before blast beats shred the air. Covenant of Deceit (4.08) Released as an advance single, I would imagine that this is going to go off in a Moshpit. The lyrics tear into predators who exploit trust and faith, directly referencing figures like Naasón Joaquín García. Musically, it's all about contrast: stuttering, IMMOLATION-style riffing giving way to wide-open grooves that feel like the floor opening beneath your feet.

Mortem Opeterie (3.17) More Brutality on the menu with this track very catchy and pit worthy and heavy as lead balloons tied to a group of elephants. Remnants of Chaos (3.17) Fast, furious, and violently precise this feels like the earth opening up at your feet and dragging you down to the bowels of hell. Sludgy riffs at its finest. Deviant Miscreant (3.14) Mid-tempo banger, the riffs swing with groove, locking into a suffocating rhythm that feels designed to make heads bang. Musically it reminds me of BOLT THROWER, thick and chunky, but laced with modern death metal technicality. Psalm of the Beguiled (3.40) is both one of the most atmospheric and one of the most devastating tracks on the record. Got that SUFFOCATION vibe to it and show cases drummer Carolina Perez skills and versatility behind the skins. Blood Bind's Curse (3.46) Menacing riffs and mid-groove laden tempo's, and tighter than a fishers A*#hole.

Discordant Rumination (4.20) The riffs are jagged, the rhythms intentionally fractured, as if it was intentionally to play with the punter's minds. Definitely worked ladies. The song closes in eerie fashion. Metal Command (Exodus cover) (4.12) A savage reinvention of EXODUS thrash classic and no doubt the lads would be as proud as punch. This track is a tribute to CASTRATOR metal roots but also cements them as a serious contender in the world of metal.

Verdict: With Coronation of the Grotesque, CASTRATOR have levelled up in every respect: tighter songwriting, sharper production, and themes that matter. They refuse to hide behind gore clichés, instead using death metal as a weapon against corruption, oppression, and violence. With their fearless lyrics, crushing performances, and newfound technical firepower, CASTRATOR have established themselves as leaders in a new era of socially conscious extreme music.

.