{"product_id":"castle-rat-the-bestiary","title":"Castle Rat — The Bestiary","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRanked #11 out of the 15 best metal albums of 2025 by Rolling Stone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eLP on Indie Exclusive Vernal Dawn Vinyl, Compact Disc or Cassette Tape\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn January 2025, Castle Rat launched a Kickstarter campaign, raising $139,000 in 37 minutes for their second album, \u003ci\u003eThe Bestiary\u003c\/i\u003e. Recorded by Randall Dunn and mixed by Jonathan Nuñez, the album features 13 tracks of mystical creature-themed heavy metal, centered around a wizard character. \u003ci\u003eThe Bestiary\u003c\/i\u003e debuted at #11 on the UK’s official rock \u0026amp; metal albums chart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFormed in Brooklyn, NY, in 2019, the band is known for their “medieval fantasy doom metal aesthetic.” They blend traditional doom and heavy metal with theatrical live performances inspired by Black Sabbath and Frank Frazetta’s fantasy artwork. Their live shows feature choreographed battle scenes and elaborate costumes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eLed by vocalist and rhythm guitarist Riley Pinkerton (“The Rat Queen”), the band gained recognition for their debut album, \u003ci\u003eInto the Realm\u003c\/i\u003e (2024), and elaborate stage shows featuring their nemesis, “The Rat Reaperess.” The band is on a mission to expand and defend “The Realm” from those who seek to destroy it. The Rat Queen is joined by The Count, The Plague Doctor, and The Druid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eReleased: 4\/17\/26\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AMI\/AMS\/MONO","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":44808449949755,"sku":"888072776005","price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":44808449982523,"sku":"888072775992","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"CS","offer_id":44808450015291,"sku":"888072776029","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/0665\/3499\/files\/castle-rat-bestiary-cover.jpg?v=1793292170","url":"https:\/\/www.deafmanvinyl.com\/products\/castle-rat-the-bestiary","provider":"Deaf Man Vinyl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}