CASTLE RAT started showing up in my feed about two years ago, an obvious result of an algorithm that combined my interests in gaming with my interests in metal and, viola, a metal band that would feel as comfortable at GenCon as they would at Wacken Open Air. So, of course, I had to check them out. Was this a legit band or someone lip-syncing in cosplay? I'm pleased to say CASTLE RAT is indeed legit. While they may have captured everyone's attention with their 2024 debut, Into the Realm, the release of their sophomore album, The Bestiary, on September 19, 2025, confirms they are not a curiosity but are here to stay and to raise some medieval hell while they're at it.   

CASTLE RAT formed back in 2019 in Brooklyn, NY. They seem like the metal cousins of STARBENDERS, but with a fantasy slant. Both bands have a female vocalist who also play rhythm guitar, and both are often featured together on curated playlists. And that's about where the similarities end. Both are good within their own spheres, but they are different spheres.

Musically, CASTLE RAT indulges in a light-hearted, performative Doom/Stoner Metal. Never too dark, never too heavy, one might categorize them has simply hard rock, which is not by any means an insult. They just play more to the middle than to the extreme with clean vocals, pleasing harmonies, and more melody than dissonance. Lyrically, it's all fantasy narratives. In the band's words, The Bestiary "is a conceptual book of beasts containing a collection of mystical creatures from a world forgotten. The last remaining souls of each have been gathered and preserved by 'The Wizard.' Cautionary tales of each beast and The Wizard himself are woven through the power of traditional heavy metal song and spell."  

While the band is formidable in the studio, you get the feeling where they really shine is on the stage . . . and not just for the unfiltered power but for the theater of it. In fact, the band lists The Rat Reaperess (Madeline Wright) as a member. Madeline plays no instrument but rather plays a stage role as the band's nemesis. So, I expect a bit of theatrical comes with the CASTLE RAT stage show. 

If you were on board for Into the Realm, you'll find CASTLE RAT has returned with more focus, more db, and more songwriting finesse. The album opens and closes with instrumentals, "Phoenix" and "Phoenix II" which leaves 11 standard tracks, one of which is an obligatory instrumental interlude, so, 10. There are 10 standard tracks. The good news is most of them are pretty damned good. Best tracks include "Wolf I" which combine a sonorous, monotone Riley floating just above some seriously distorted, down-tuned riffs. If you're curious, yes, there is a "Wolf II" and no it's not nearly as good as its sister. Sorry. Another scorcher is "Wizard." This track is filled with epic vibes, bristling with fireball energy. "Siren" is another heavy hitter with serious Thrash inferences. My final entry on the standout list is "Serpent" which puts Franco front and center with some Blackmore-esque solo work.  

Word is CASTLE RAT will be out in force supporting this album. Looking forward to catching them on the circuit. I love their balance between serious heavy music and light-hearted theatrics. Somewhere there is a Venn diagram with metal and medieval-fantasy geek culture and cosplay/theater as the three main circles and right in the center space is CASTLE RAT.