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.
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