CASTLE RAT - The Bestiary review

 

CASTLE RAT - The Bestiary

King Volume Records

I first learned about this New York City act back in 2024. There was a lot of hype about em on the internet, mostly by hiptards. But I first checked out a live performance video they did at a hipster club in Brooklyn, New York City. Now despite the hype I thought they were decent. 

Their debut album Into the Realm from 2024 was pretty good. It was basically that whole NWOBHM meets Occult Doom style. I liked it especially The Rat Queen's (aka: Riley Pinkerton) vocal style. But that was then because on my first listen to this their second album I can say things have changed. After a few more listens you can understand the changes. 

Basically CASTLE RAT have become more atmospheric and bombastic in their overall sound. In other words it's like the difference between a club sound band and one that plays arenas. The NWOBHM style has been replaced with an almost Power metal influence. The Doom edge is still here and there. The production has been amped up especially on their drum sound which is thunderous. 

The collaboration of The Rat Queen's dynamic vocals as well as guitar riffs, The Count's (aka: Franco Vittore) cool lead guitar work, the thunderous bass by The Plague Doctor and newest member (Charley Ruddell) and drummer extrodinare The Druid (Josh Strmic) make this a powerful fuckin album. 

To me this feels like a concept album with instro interludes that break from the explosiveness conveyed musically. For me I do like the rawness of their first album. But after a few listens this one is an epic piece of work. How you surpass this one is another story and good luck to em. In the end it's a damm good release.

https://www.facebook.com/kingvolumerecords

LISTEN HERE:

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

LORD MOUNTAIN - The Oath review

 

LORD MOUNTAIN - The Oath

King Volume Records

As I've gotten older I sometimes equate my favorite music in the same vein as comfort food. Sure it's not fancy or dazzling but you're familiar with it. And obviously it makes ya feel good. So with that said here we have LORD MOUNTAIN a four piece doom / traditional metal act from Santa Rosa, California. This is the band's debut full length since starting out in 2014. If you're a classic doom metal fan then this is your comfort food.

Of the eight cuts on here (actually seven with one being a short instrumental) you've got mostly mid-paced songs with a few rockers. The vocals come across like a youthful Ozzy. The songs are all about mystical realms and sword / shield carrying fantasy. The riffs are not crushing and the guitar soloing is damm good. I like the real audible bass lines. I think the songs on here just have a great inviting tempo which is what you want with doom / traditional metal. 

I know others will name drop the classic doom heritage artists of the past in order to describe this one. But for me I think of GATES OF SLUMBER, PAGAN ALTAR and LORD VICAR as references. LORD MOUNTAIN fails into those ranks because they remind ya of the past, the band definitely shows talent as well as conviction to the source material. And of course their future is bright so I look forward to following this band's career. 

LISTEN TO & BUY HERE:

https://lordmountain1.bandcamp.com/album/the-oath