Album Thoughts
I don't know how I found Castle Rat
I do know that this sort of stuff is what I really wanted out of Black Sabbath. If you’re reading this, look them up - their visuals are striking and cool.
Song Notes
WOLF I
- The build in the beginning is real nice with the repetetive, semi-hypnotic riff going, and when we return with the drums, it’s a good feeling.
WIZARD
- Including “wizard” in a bestiary has always seemed silly to me.
- I do like how this song feels like it’s coming from a high place.
- The spoken poem partway through and return to the main motif does a nice job of conveying a spell.
SIREN
- I wouldn’t have expected a siren to start on drums, but it’s neat.
- I guess this is more about coming across these creatures than the songs themselves being representative of them, so that makes more sense.
- That drop into the uptempo drums and riffs is hype as hell!
UNICORN
- The chill vibe here works real nicely.
- I do like the way it blows up again.
PATH OF MOSS
- I didn’t think I’d need a come-down in this album, but this is a nice transition.
CRYSTAL CAVE
- This feel suitably magical.
- A necessary rest, confronting the journey so far.
SERPENT
- Back on the journey - no idea if we managed to kill the serpent, but that feels deliberate.
WOLF II
- The acoustic start feels very dramatic.
- Is this about Fenrir?
- I need to listen to more acoustic metal.
DRAGON
- Deep and dark from the start.
- The low rumble of the main riff really sells the depths of this.
SUMMONING SPELL
- This is more how I expected “SIREN” to start.
- The orchestra was delightfully unexpected.
- Oh, the TEASE that build gives, and then the slow bass rise raised goosebumps.
- Very well done.
SUN SONG
- A good pentatonic drop.
- I sense an inexorable, intense sunrise.
- Holy shit this is a long sunrise.
PHOENIX II
- The dramatic return to the beginning.
- What else would one expect from a phoenix.
General Thoughts
- Man this whole vibe is so good. I love this damn fantasy stoner metal stuff.
- I dunno what it is, but when they return to the main riffs, it always eels extra purposeful, not just returning because it’s the obvious spot. I guess it’s because there’s alway ssome sort of progression? I can’t quite put my finger on it.
- I will never, ever, ever get tired of a tiny little blues lick on a guitar appearing somewhere in albums like this. It’s such a weird little tonal pop.
- I need more metal like this in my life. I’m so glad I found Castle Rat.