Castle Rat – Reggie’s, Chicago, Illinois 3/25/25 (images by Janet Lapinski / text by Mark Kadzielawa)

Castle Rat is a fantastic up-and-coming band that combines doom metal with theatrics and fantasy. It seems like every little aspect of this band and its live presentation was outlined, detailed, and worked out. Their shows are gaining momentum, and the audiences seem to embrace the group with enthusiasm. Chicago certainly welcomed the band and turned out in large numbers to witness this one-of-a-kind spectacle.

As the opening sounds of “Dagger Dragger” began to fill the room, you could just feel that something unusual was about to take place. The band was wearing costumes, masks, makeup, you name it. It felt surreal, and then there was The Rat Queen in the middle of it all, with her guitar and piercing voice. Her outfit is also very distinguished and thought provoking, definitely larger than life! It feels like it’s a spiritual spectacle for her, and her whole body just responds to the vibes from the crowd.

Castle Rat certainly knows how to “Feed the Dream,” which also happens to be one of their songs. Their show was able to elevate certain energy the audience found very easy to respond to. Not only were they playing, they were telling the story and acting it out as the show went on. Every member of the band was a character that added something special to the overall show. The main exchange, however, was between The Rat Queen and The Plague Doctor (bass) and the very evil The Rat Reaperess. At one point a battle between the good and evil developed with swords and all. The beloved Rat Queen was lost for a bit only to be rescued by The Plague Doctor. It needs to be seen to be believed; the words can only project so much.

The musical aspect of the Castle Rat is very fitting with what they do on stage. One may question whether it’s the music or the theatrics that drive this band forward. The real answer, however, is that it’s the combination of both, and it’s a very strong mixture. Castle Rat has this balanced quite nicely; you don’t even feel it.

The band brought a sense of doom and some incredible theatrics to Reggie's last night. The audience certainly showed them a massive amount of support. Chicago is definitely a Castle Rat county! Castle Rat is a band with the ability to take you somewhere else. When they play, your mind travels along with them, and you feel transformed. Good or bad, but that’s the whole idea of being entertained and getting away from your regular 9 to 5 routine, isn’t it? In this very case, Castle Rat completely succeeds.

Mark Kadzielawa

LINK:

See the full Chicago performance from Castle Rat.

Satan – Reggie’s, Chicago, IL 3/25/25 (images by Janet Lapinski / text by Mark Kadzielawa)

Satan came back once again to bring a taste of hell and roast Chicago! This legendary NWOBHM band had been releasing great records and delivering some outstanding performances. While they may not enjoy the status of Iron Maiden or Saxon, they are absolutely one of the best classic heavy metal bands from Britain. In many ways, Satan might be the best metal band you’ve never heard of, but luckily there is a very dedicated army of fans who are quite aware of the group’s outstanding recording history.

Satan hit the stage with “Trial by Fire,” only to be quickly followed by the classic “Blades of Steel.” The fans reacted quickly and with enthusiasm, and it truly set the tone for the rest of the evening. Satan continued to play a good mix of classic tracks and some new songs from their latest “Songs in Crimson” record. In many ways every track by Satan has that classic feel and comes across with that one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

The band themselves had a great time on stage and enjoyed a great interaction with the crowd. Vocalist Brian Ross is already in his 70s but is still delivering a quality performance with an edge. The man definitely has his quirks and a very dry British sense of humor, but perhaps that is a part of his charm and his appeal. This evening Brian was aided by something he calls a Firemeister, a wicked alcoholic mixture with a deadly punch.  This writer happened to be exposed to its potent charm right after the show.  Either way you look at it, Brian Ross was, is, and always will be a perfect vocalist and a frontman for Satan.

Instrumentally, Satan is like a well-oiled machine unleashed upon the unsuspecting audience. While the name may suggest the underground activities, this band soars! The instrumental exchange is very impressive, filled with deep emotions, and very quick in the delivery. Guitarists Russ Tippins and Steve Ramsey are so natural with each other. Their dialog and phrasing are just pure perfection, not to mention a very advanced sense of melody. If Murray and Smith are as good as it gets, then Tippins and Ramsey can’t be that far behind. That, of course, wouldn’t be possible without the very reliable rhythm section. Drummer Sean Taylor and bassist Graeme English make it look so easy and play with absolute confidence. They are the backbone of Satan!

This is the same group of players that made the classic “Court in the Act” album back in 1983, and now their latest is “Songs in Crimson.” Very few bands were able to maintain the original lineup and still release quality material. On stage, the band had a great time; they enjoyed being there and took the audience for another magical ride. As the time continues to pass by, this evening certainly will go down as historic!

Mark Kadzielawa