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Song

Wizard

Artist

Castle Rat

Castle Rat backstory

Swords, sorcery and Sabbathian riffage have turned Castle Rat into a genuine phenomenon.

Emerging from New York in 2019, the quartet – led by ‘The Rat Queen’ – have mesmerised followers around the world, and their recent show in Newcastle’s medieval keep will live long in the memory.

So far, we’ve only had their debut album, last year’s Into The Realm, to savour.

But in early 2025, the band launched a month-long fundraiser for its follow-up – which went on to be the most successful metal Kickstarter in over a decade.

It bagged them studio sessions with producer Randall Dunn, who’s worked with the likes of (Sunn O))), Wolves in the Throne Room and Björk.

And The Bestiary – from which Wizard is taken – will emerge from that collaboration later this year.

In Charley Ruddell (aka Plague Doctor)’s own words 

“Musically, Wizard was a big step in a new direction for us as a band. We found ourselves collaborating more closely with each other and piecing together ideas more intricately than on previous songs.

“We channelled the new wave of British heavy metal; the galloping drum break and harmonized guitar leads were largely inspired by Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Franco’s solo at the end – which was recorded in one take – was inspired by Electric Eye.”

The verdict on Wizard

With an immense, hypnotic grove, Wizard casts its spell right from the off.

Whereas Into The Realm was rooted in Sabbath’s first six records, this is a trip into late 70s/early 80s heavy metal – and it’s an ideal fit for Castle Rat, allowing them to soar much higher.

The Rat Queen’s performance is majestic – she was simply born for these moments.

And that solo from new guitarist Franco Vittore (aka The Count) is a fitting finale to a magical song.

Could Castle Rat do a Ghost?

Don’t bet against it….

What’s next for Castle Rat?

The Bestiary is out on September 19 on King Volume Records (USA) and Blues Funeral Recordings (UK/Europe).

The band are also in the midst of a European tour – which includes shows at Hellfest on June 20 and Copenhell Festival on June 21.