Ever dreamt of a heavy metal band that truly embodies the epic fantasy they sing about? Forget the album covers adorned with dragons and dungeons – we're talking about a band that lives the adventure. This is the world of Castle Rat, a swords 'n' sorcery heavy metal band from Brooklyn, and their story is as captivating as their music.
While many bands dabble in fantasy themes, Castle Rat dives headfirst into the deep end. They don't just write songs about mythical creatures; they become them. Imagine, if you will, the Rat Queen herself, Riley Pinkerton, not just belting out anthems but also handcrafting chainmail and facing the practical challenges of life on the road, from lost swords to broken-down tour vans.
Formed in 2019, Castle Rat is more than just a band; it's a fully immersive experience. From their eye-popping live shows and elaborate costumes to their meticulously crafted album art and music videos, every detail is designed to transport you to another world. They've crafted a unique blend of music and performance, creating a captivating experience for their fans.
"Castle Rat wasn't meant to be a costumed concept band," Pinkerton explains, as the band's tour van speeds between sold-out gigs. It all started with a Halloween show, a spur-of-the-moment decision that sparked a fire. The energy was electric, and the band realized they could have this much fun every single time.
Since then, the band – including the Rat Queen, a plague doctor, a haughty vampire, and a mysterious druid – hasn't looked back. Their second album, The Bestiary, is a sonic journey that conjures the spirits of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Manowar, set in a Frank Frazetta-inspired fantasy world. The album is a testament to their dedication and creativity, and it has placed them on the brink of far grander things.
But here's where it gets controversial... Pinkerton initially took full creative control, writing the music herself. However, for The Bestiary, she opened the floor to her bandmates, a move that she says made the album even stronger.
As their fame has grown, so has the scope of their production design. "My motto is always that if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing," Pinkerton laughs. The band's artistic expression has become multifaceted, encompassing everything from mask-making and costume design to music video editing. It's a constant learning process, but that's part of the fun.
Pinkerton's dedication goes beyond the music. She taught herself how to make chainmail, though she enlisted a specialist for her all-new scalemail look.
Their audiences have embraced the band's immersive experience with open arms. "We played a show in Detroit and it looked like a Renaissance fair," Riley recalls fondly. "Everyone was in cloaks, sheepskin, chainmail."
And this is the part most people miss... The reality of life on the road isn't always glamorous. "Everything is constantly breaking and ends up duct-taped together," Pinkerton admits.
There have been other logistical problems that would never have plagued Conan the Cimmerian or Dark Agnes de Chastillon. "We did have an 'oh shit' moment when we played SonicBlast festival in Portugal and my luggage – which had my sword in it – got lost," says Riley. "That was a worst-case scenario, because there’s not an alternative version of the show where I don’t have a sword."
Pinkerton is determined to take Castle Rat to the next level. "I want to go all the way – let’s do stadiums," she says. "The only thing that’s really important to me is keeping the DIY aesthetic, making sure everything is handmade." She envisions a future where Castle Rat continues to push boundaries while staying true to its roots.
And what's her ultimate goal? "Oh, and I want to ride out on a unicorn every night."
What do you think of Castle Rat's approach to heavy metal? Do you think the DIY aesthetic is crucial for their success? Let me know in the comments!
