The Bestiary is the highly anticipated full‑length follow‑up from Castle Rat, the theatrical occult‑doom troupe who exploded into the underground with Into the Realm. This album expands their medieval‑fantasy worldbuilding with heavier riffs, darker atmospheres, and a more cinematic sense of storytelling.
 
Where Into the Realm introduced the band’s sword‑and‑sorcery aesthetic, The Bestiary fully commits — monstrous themes, ritualistic rhythms, and a thick, analogue‑leaning production that feels carved from stone. The band’s blend of doom, proto‑metal, occult rock, and dungeon‑fantasy imagery is more refined, more immersive, and more powerful than ever.
 
The 2026 marble swirl vinyl edition gives the album a premium physical presentation. Artwork, layout, and thematic cohesion make this a standout collector piece.
 
For fans of Witchfinder General, Lucifer, Blood Ceremony, Castle Rat’s debut, and all things doom‑fantasy.
 
Why This Record Is in the Crimson Vinyl Collection
One of the most hyped occult‑doom releases of 2026
Multiple high‑demand vinyl variants (white, zoetrope, marble, picture disc, indie exclusive)
Strong crossover appeal to doom, proto‑metal, and fantasy‑themed metal collectors
Castle Rat’s cult following ensures fast movement in specialist catalogues
A visually striking release that enhances any metal‑focused vinyl section
 
TRACK LISTING
 
Side A
Phoenix I
Wolf I
Wizard
Siren
Unicorn
Path of Moss
 
Side B
Crystal Cave
Serpent
Wolf II
Dragon
Summoning Spell
Sun Song
Phoenix II