The Bestiary is the immersive sophomore release from New York fantasy-doom outfit Castle Rat, weaving mythical storytelling, medieval imagery, and crushing heavy metal into a cinematic listening experience. Released in 2025, the album dives into a world of beasts, sorcery, and arcane legend — driven by thick riffs, commanding vocals, and dramatic song structures.
 
Blending classic doom weight with modern heavy metal flair, The Bestiary unfolds like a dark fantasy tome, with each track representing a creature or chapter within its mythos. From thunderous, riff-laden passages to eerie, atmospheric moments, this album is built for listeners who crave narrative-driven metal with serious presence.
This CD edition delivers the full impact of Castle Rat’s sound with clarity and depth, making it an essential pickup for fans of doom, traditional heavy metal, and underground fantasy-themed releases.
 
Hand-selected by Crimson Vinyl — the heavy metal specialists.