I still want to believe there is something like a #SwordSaturday in the fediverse. ⚔️
#CastleRat
Live Roundup #51
The NwothmWe are back with another live roundup showing you some of the best gigs and festivals coming up in the near future! Buying in advance both supports bands and festivals helping to make sure shows go ahead! So what are you waiting for, go and grabs some tickets!
What your gig featured?
If you would like to have your gig featured here please drop us a message on our socials or email thenwothm@gmail.com!
#1 Blazon Stone
More info: https://www.facebook.com/BlazonStoneOfficial
#2 Omen
More info: https://www.123tickets.gr/
#3 Noisey Hours fest
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2107192340127352/
#4 castle rat @ Summer Breeze 26
More info: https://www.summer-breeze.de/en/
#5 greyhawk + Support
More info: https://www.facebook.com/greyhawkheavymetal
#6 Knife/Warrant
More info: https://www.instagram.com/k.n.i.f.e.official/
#7 Lynch Mob With Breakker
More info: https://www.facebook.com/LynchMobBand
#8 Victimized/Hex crow/ripper
More info: https://www.facebook.com/RIPPERSOFFICIAL
#9 Mega Colossus
More info: https://www.facebook.com/colossusmetal
#10 Scared Steel + Support
More info: https://www.instagram.com/sacredsteelofficial/
#ATTIC #Axton #BlackPhantom #blazonStone #Breakker #CastleRat #epicHeavyMetal #greyhawk #HeavyMetal #knife #liveRoundup #MegaColossus #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #Omen #ripper #sacredSteel #SerpentRider #speedMetal #thenwothm #warrant
#TheMetalDogArticleList
#MetalInjection
CASTLE RAT Announce Headlining Shows Around AMON AMARTH & DETHKLOK Tour
#CASTLERAT #AMONAMARTH #AnnounceHeadliningShowsAround #Tour #announcement #MetalInjection #metal #music
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-bestiary/1819534622 Listened to latest release by #castlerat 🎸🎸
#TheMetalDogArticleList
#BraveWords
CASTLE RAT Announces Spring Headline Shows
https://bravewords.com/heavy-metal/castle-rat-announces-spring-headline-shows/
#CASTLERAT #AnnouncesSpringHeadlineShows #tour #announcement #BraveWords #metal #music
Ritual Arcana – Ritual Arcana Review
By Saunders
I’m a tad slow out of the blocks to kick off the new year. Though in reviewing terms, it seems par for the course for yours truly. Time spent enjoying a break from the everyday job grind, catching up on the bounty of overlooked 2025 releases, and, as per tradition, enjoying the comfort of personal favorites and metal classics has occupied my time. As we plunge on through a wild, erratic, and intermittently sweltering Aussie summer, some hard-rocking doomy fun seems like a suitable seasonal pastime. Thus, while wading through the promo sump, I stumbled across the self-titled debut of fresh project, Ritual Arcana. Soon discovering this seasoned power trio features none other than the legendary Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich (Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, Spirit Caravan), wielding his scuzzed-up axe alongside Sharlee LuckyFree (ex-Moth) on bass and vocals, and drummer Oakley Munsen (The Black Lips).
Rather than a stoned cruise through the desert, Ritual Arcana play a raucous, bewitching blend of hard slugging doom and occult-tinged rock, fit to appeal to fans of nostalgiacore retro rock, Wino’s various projects, and other smoky doom persuasions such as Sabbath Assembly, Jess and the Ancient Ones, Castle Rat, and Witch Mountain. Imbued with dark, alluring vibes and a riff rumbling bluesy edge, Ritual Arcana features the requisite doom-laden heft and freewheeling grooves to accompany songs that rock and rumble with a sprightly bounce. The jammy, psych-drenched swagger leans as much into heavy rock and stoner realms as it does dour doom. LuckyFree’s beguiling pipes boast an undeniable appeal and hooky charm. And while perhaps not the most unique female vocalist in the biz, she holds her own and supplies plenty of earwormy hooks atop a solid foundation of hefty rhythms and fat, swaggering riffs.
Right off the bat, the opening title track lays a groovy path, riding a thick, simplistic central groove and catchy vocal flow, enlivened by Wino’s easy-on-the-ear lead work. Similarly, bluesy, hard-rocking fare and juicy hooks feature prominently (“Free Like a Pirate,” “Summon the Wheel,” “Road Burnt,” and “Judgment XX”) to fun effect, nestled between doomy, heavier fare. These are solid examples of Ritual Arcana’s formula; however, the most interesting material leans deeper into their doomy roots. “Mistress of Change” possesses an ominous atmosphere and lurching, drunken gait, highlighted by LuckyFree’s slightly unhinged vocal performance. Similarly impactful bursts of rugged doom, molten riffage, and rawer vocal turns feature on the highlight-worthy “Subtle Fruits.” There are no blatant weak points, just certain tunes that hit harder and stick for longer. Ritual Arcana do the bluesy hard rock stuff well, yet it’s the brooding doomier forays that sustain greater interest.
What they perhaps lack in innovation, Ritual Arcana compensate through lean and tightly wound songwriting, solid musicianship, and familiar yet delightfully catchy songs. Wino is an iconic metal legend, and even minus the gruff, well-lived presence of his vocals, he makes a punchy impact through his accomplished guitar work. The well-worn riffs carry a fresh, catchy edge; however, it’s the flashier leads and psych-drenched embellishments that complement the no-frills riffs. And as cool and effective as LuckyFree’s vocals are, it is a tad disappointing that Wino’s grizzled voice doesn’t pop up in cameo or dueting form. Meanwhile, the production may be a little clean for some tastes; however, it’s easy to appreciate the clarity and chunky tones.
Ritual Arcana is a likable, gratifyingly catchy exercise in seasoned doom and psych-riddled occult rock from experienced hands. It plays things a little too safe at times, and as enjoyable and undeniably infectious as the songwriting on this debut platter proves to be, it rarely hits truly outstanding levels. Regardless, this style of doom/occult rock has an infectious charm, and when in the hands of veterans and a legend like Wino, it is difficult to fuck up. Ritual Arcana is a cool example of the saturated style and perhaps a precursor to greater things to come from this unit.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 304 kbps mp3
Label: Heavy Psych Sounds | Bandcamp
Websites: facebook.com/ritualarcana
Releases Worldwide: January 23rd, 2026
Riley Pinkerton as The Rat Queen of Castle Rat
Castle Rat: Bajo el hechizo de guitarras encantadas | vía #NaciónRock
https://www.nacionrock.com/castle-rat-bajo-el-hechizo-de-guitarras-encantadas/
I will sign off tonight with this. Enjoy!
Castle Rat - “WIZARD” (Official Music Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWKmiTwjjHA
#CastleRat #Wizard #music #video #musicvideo #YouTube #doommetal #doom #metal
6️⃣ #TomsAOTY2025
Winners of "Best costumes on an album cover even though there was a Ghost album this year" and my number 6 go to:
Castle Rat - The Bestiary 🏰 🐀 ⚔️
All hail the Rat Queen!
They might also deserve the MIP award, what a gigantic step up from their first album.
Live roundup #41
The NwothmWe are back with another live roundup showing you some of the best gigs and festivals coming up in the near future! Buying in advance both supports bands and festivals helping to make sure shows go ahead! So what are you waiting for, go and grabs some tickets!
What your gig featured?
If you would like to have your gig featured here please drop us a message on our socials or email thenwothm@gmail.com!
#1 Blizzard Hunter
More info: https://www.facebook.com/BlizzardHunter
#2 Mechanic Tyrants
More info:https://www.facebook.com/mechanictyrants
#3 Force Of The A-Team
More info: https://fb.me/e/6b4mfzSkK
#4 Acero Letal
More info: https://www.facebook.com/AceroLetal
#5 Castle Rat
#6 Vendel
More info: https://www.instagram.com/vendel_epic_metal/
#7 Midnight
More info:https://www.facebook.com/midnightviolators
#8 Enforcer / Time To Rock Festival
More info:https://www.facebook.com/timetorockfestival
#9 Kryptos/ Skulls Of Metal
More info:https://www.instagram.com/skullsofmetal/
#10 2 Minutes To Tulsa
More info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091898229431
#1 #10 #2 #2MinutesToTulsa #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #aceroletal #acidBlade #aquilla #blizzardHunter #castleRat #enforcer #heavyMetal #kryptos #liveRoundup #mechanicTryants #midnight #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothm #skullsOfMetal #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #timToRock #vendel
Giving Castle Rat another shot.
My previous criticism was that while I liked the style, they reminded me too much of other bands. And Castle Rat maybe felt not as good in comparison.
But I keep seeing the album pop up on AOTY lists and apparently they are really good live.
Into the Realm | @castle.rat - Live Drawing A2 at @areanwien Open Air Concert | Crayons, Some Spilled Blood, Red Wine, Beer, Cigarette Ash, Dirt from the Stage, and Pencil on A2 Cardboard | Full @ www.vonSeiten.com
When there was still a sun in the sky, Castle Rat defended the Realm at the Arena, Vienna, and in the front row there was me as a rodent minion of the Rat Queen, nibbling down on every moment of that intercosmic journey. With the stakes getting higher and higher, it was time to chant and draw the pencil, holding it like a wand and doing my share to fight back against Lady Rat Death to end all suffering. And also @bum_shelter . And @heavylezzers The Cult of Heavy Metal Lesbians/DJ Team. What could a rat want more?
Show by: Roadtrip To Outta Space
About Castle Rat: "Castle Rat is led by the Rat Queen, who was anointed her powers after aiding the beast known as the Castle Rat. The Rat Queen is joined by the Count who, just inches from death, was brought back to life by the Plague Doctor whose exact origins are not quite known. The Plague Doctor has significant ties with the all-seeing Druid, who led these beings away from the darkness of the plague. By powers unbeknownst to mere mortals, these four characters were brought together for one purpose – to put an end to Death herself as they venture forth into the realm. All while delivering hard-hitting, enigmatic Doom Metal, of course." - @ghostcultmag (Ghostcult Magazine)
#CastleRat #Concert #LiveDrawing #Blood #RedWine #Crayons #ArenaWien #Vienna #Wien #Kunst #Art #Music #DoomMetal #Doom #Metal #RatQueen #Band #Konzert #ContemporaryArt #Painting #Drawing #Zeichnung #LiveArt #Artist #vonSeiten #igArt #igersvienna
When there was still a sun in the sky, Castle Rat defended the Realm at the Arena, Vienna, and in the front row there was me as a rodent minion of the Rat Queen, nibbling down on every moment of that intercosmic journey. With the stakes getting higher and higher, it was time to chant and draw the pencil, holding it like a wand and doing my share to fight back against Lady Rat Death to end all suffering. And also @bum_shelter . And @heavylezzers The Cult of Heavy Metal Lesbians/DJ Team. What could a rat want more?
Show by: Roadtrip To Outta Space
About Castle Rat: "Castle Rat is led by the Rat Queen, who was anointed her powers after aiding the beast known as the Castle Rat. The Rat Queen is joined by the Count who, just inches from death, was brought back to life by the Plague Doctor whose exact origins are not quite known. The Plague Doctor has significant ties with the all-seeing Druid, who led these beings away from the darkness of the plague. By powers unbeknownst to mere mortals, these four characters were brought together for one purpose – to put an end to Death herself as they venture forth into the realm. All while delivering hard-hitting, enigmatic Doom Metal, of course." - @ghostcultmag (Ghostcult Magazine)
#CastleRat #Concert #LiveDrawing #Blood #RedWine #Crayons #ArenaWien #Vienna #Wien #Kunst #Art #Music #DoomMetal #Doom #Metal #RatQueen #Band #Konzert #ContemporaryArt #Painting #Drawing #Zeichnung #LiveArt #Artist #vonSeiten #igArt #igersvienna
Live roundup #38
The NwothmWe are back with another live roundup showing you some of the best gigs and festivals coming up in the near future! Buying in advance both supports bands and festivals helping to make sure shows go ahead! So what are you waiting for, go and grabs some tickets!
What your gig featured?
If you would like to have your gig featured here please drop us a message on our socials or email thenwothm@gmail.com!
#1 Castle Rat at Dynamo Metalfest
More info:https://www.facebook.com/dynamometalfest
#2 Oathbringer
More info: https://www.facebook.com/oathbringerkg
#3 Power Surge
More info:https://www.facebook.com/powersurgeheavymetal
#4 Ice War
More info:https://www.instagram.com/icewarmetal/
#5 Runner At Phenomenal Local IV
More info:https://www.instagram.com/p/DQZ62p3jM0e/?img_index=1
#6 Hell’s Heroes Pre Party 2026
More info: https://www.facebook.com/hellsheroesfest/
#7 Helicon Metal Festival VI
More info: https://fb.me/e/4McArAoVU
#8 Metalheadz Open Air 2026
More info:https://www.facebook.com/events/1961003794721894/?active_tab=discussion
#9 Starforce
More info: https://www.facebook.com/StarForceHM
#10 Knife/Warrant
More info:https://www.facebook.com/knifeofficial.de
#1 #10 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #castleRat #heliconMetalFestival #hellsHeroes2 #iceWar #knife #liveRoundup #metalheadzOpenAir #oathbringer #phenomenalLocalIv #powersurge #runner #starforce #thunderslave #warrant
Here's the full infection chain:
198.211.110.107:79finger connects to finger[.]cloudyape[.]com172.67.190.68:80curl triescloudyape[.]com/uvey.php?holt=2but server responds with '301 Moved Permanently' and redirects to HTTPS172.67.190.68:443dropper download172.67.190.68:80curl getscloudyape[.]com/uvey.php?holt=1server redirects to HTTPS172.67.190.68:443dropper download170.130.165.201:80Download offile4.bin(#StealC) with fakeGoogeBotuser agent170.130.165.201:80#StealC v2 C2 / exfiltration170.130.55.38:80#CastleLoader traffic194.76.227.242:9999#CastleRAT C2 traffic
This #StealC and #CastleRAT infection starts with a #ClickFix attack using finger to download commands from finger[.]cloudyape[.]com
#Damnation festival in #Manchester
#Oryx #Necrot #CastleRat #DeadGuy #Messa #Dimscûa #Afsky #HighOnFire #Deafheaven
Standout performances from Dimscûa, Afsky, and Deafheaven
What a great night we had at the Bodega Nottingham last night watching Castle Rat and Margarita Witch Cult! That was a hell of a double bill! 🤘🏻
My only disappointment is that Castle Rat had sold out of all the vinyl they had brought on tour, but I got myself a t-shirt instead so that makes up for it a little.
Client Info
Server: https://mastodon.social
Version: 2025.07
Repository: https://github.com/cyevgeniy/lmst