Brooklyn’s medieval fantasy doom metal band Castle Rat have unleashed their new single, “Wizard,” on June 10, 2025, as the lead track from their sophomore album, The Bestiary, set for release on September 19, 2025, via King Volume Records (North America) and Blues Funeral Recordings (UK/Europe). Premiered exclusively through Decibel Magazine, the single is accompanied by a mesmerizing music video that immerses listeners in the band’s mythical “Realm.” The track, showcasing their evolution from 2024’s debut Into the Realm, blends fuzzy doom riffs, and fantastical storytelling, cementing Castle Rat’s unique place in heavy metal.
Stream/watch “Wizard” via Decibel Magazine or YouTube
Pre-order The Bestiary on castlerat.bandcamp.com or bluesfuneralrecordings.bandcamp.com
“Wizard” introduces The Bestiary’s conceptual narrative—a “book of beasts” chronicling creatures like Phoenix, Wolf, Siren, Unicorn, Serpent, and Dragon, preserved by a central Wizard figure. The single’s ominous riffs and Riley Pinkerton’s (“The Rat Queen”) commanding vocals evoke Black Sabbath and Frazetta-inspired fantasy, with intricate production by Randall Dunn (*Sunn O))), Wolves in the Throne Room) and mixing by Jonathan Nuñez (Torche). The video, crafted with vivid medieval imagery, sets the tone for the album’s 13-track odyssey of cautionary tales woven through traditional heavy metal.
The Bestiary Track Listing:
- Phoenix I: Ardent
- Wolf I: Tooth & Blade
- Wizard: Crystal Heart
- Siren: The Pull of Promise
- Unicorn: Carnage and Ice
- Path of Moss
- Crystal Cave: Enshrined
- Serpent: Coiled Figure
- Wolf II: Celestial Beast
- Dragon: Lord of The Sky
- Summoning Spell
- Sun Song: Behold The Flame
- Phoenix II: Cinerous
Available Formats:
- Vinyl Variants: Dragon (green with glitter), Phoenix (red/yellow swirl), Siren (ice blue with splatter), Sun (orange/yellow sunburst), Unicorn (TBD), Wizard (ice blue with glitter)
- Cassettes: Two limited editions (Ice Blue, Clear Shell with silver glitter)
- CD: Deluxe 6-panel digipak with lyric insert
- Digital: 24-bit/48kHz (MP3, FLAC)
Presales are open via King Volume Records (US) and Blues Funeral Recordings (UK/Europe), offering exclusive vinyl variants, cassettes, and CDs. North American orders include a “Unicorn Rider” T-shirt (designed by Alexey Gorboot). European orders focus on Siren, Sun, and Dragon vinyls. Some variants, like Unicorn, may be tour or retailer exclusives. Bandcamp pre-orders unlock “Wizard” for instant streaming and include a high-quality album download on release day. Check castlerat.bandcamp.com for details.
Formed in October 2019, Castle Rat—Riley Pinkerton (vocals/rhythm guitar), Henry Black (“The Count,” lead guitar/backing vocals), Ronnie Lanzilotta (“The Plague Doctor,” bass), and Joshua Strmic (“The Druid,” drums)—weave a theatrical narrative battling “The Rat Reaperess.” Their debut Into the Realm (2024), recorded in an abandoned church, earned acclaim for its stoner-doom vibe. The Bestiary elevates their sound with intricate storytelling, supported by performances alongside Monolord, Firebreather, and Tower, and festival slots at Desertfest NYC and RPM Fest.
Castle Rat will support The Bestiary with the Book of Beasts Tour, starting September 5, 2025, in Boston, MA, and ending October 5 in Brooklyn, NY. European dates (May 14–August 8, 2025) include Sonic Blast Fest in Portugal.
Key US Tour Dates:
- 9/5 – Boston, MA @ Sonia
- 9/7 – Montreal, QC @ Piranha Bar
- 9/10 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies
- 9/18 – Austin, TX @ Fantastic Fest
- 10/5 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
Full dates/tickets: bnds.us/jnqiyj
Connect with Castle Rat
- Bandcamp: castlerat.bandcamp.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/castleratband
- Facebook: facebook.com/castleratband
- Website: castlerat.com
Dive into Castle Rat’s heavy metal odyssey with “Wizard” and secure your The Bestiary pre-order now!