Riding a swell of momentum from their triumphant showing on the AmonKlok tour with Amon Amarth and DethKlok earlier this year, fantasy metal sensation Castle Rat unveiled their most ambitious run of headlining dates thus far with the confirmation of the Summon the Beasts North American trek. Shifting from outstanding support to proper headliner, the band has been dazzling capacity crowds in support of their acclaimed 2025 LP, The Bestiary. 

For the Los Angeles stop of the run, the band presided over a sold out crowd packed in tight at The Belasco Theater. Along with a sharp supporting set from PNW heavy goth specialists, Unto Others, Castle Rat unleashed the steel with the kind of theatric approach to metal felt like a Frank Frazetta piece come to life. 

Including a balanced offering that covered both their Into the Realm and Bestiary LPs, Riley Pinkerton asserted a resounding command as The Rat Queen. From the wallop of the opening "Dagger Dragger" to the pagentry of "Path of Moss' segueing into the epic "Crystal Cave," the band's incredible pairing of musicianship and theatrics created a truly immersive live experience. 

Submitting a thunderous drum solo on "Dragon," The Druid delivred some added firepower into a set that already had the room awestruck. As the setlist played out, the music worked in tandem with the band's expansive narrative - drawing fans deeper into Castle Rat's marvelous and mythical universe. 

Powerfully concluding with the headbanger "Serpent" followed by a forceful final blow with an encore that included both "Cry for Me" and "Siren," Castle Rat left no doubt that they are the leaders of the fantasy metal's modern age. 

Check the live gallery from photographer Maurice Nunez below. See the remaining list of dates and cities of the Summon the Beasts tour below. Get tickets - HERE

CASTLE RAT

UNTO OTHERS