News Summary
Castle Rat captivated audiences with their medieval-themed performance at the Chapel of Bones in Raleigh, NC. The concert, part of their ongoing US tour, showcased their skillful musicianship and theatrical elements, enhancing the intimate venue’s reputation for memorable metal shows. With supporting acts like Road Head and Howling Giant, the evening was an engaging mix of energy and talent in the metal scene.
Raleigh, NC — Castle Rat Makes Return to Chapel of Bones with a Thrilling Medieval Themed Performance
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the Chapel of Bones, a small venue with a capacity of approximately 200 people, hosted a highly anticipated return performance by the metal band Castle Rat. The concert marked the band’s latest stop on their ongoing “The Book of Beasts” US tour, which will conclude on October 5, 2025, in Brooklyn, NY, before heading to Europe from October 16 to November 8, 2025. The event drew a large crowd, with fans forming a line nearly two hours before showtime, demonstrating strong enthusiasm for Castle Rat’s return to the venue.
Venue and Scheduling
The Chapel of Bones functions as a coffee shop during daytime hours and transforms into a performance space at night. This dual-purpose setup is known for hosting underground metal acts, providing an intimate setting for both music and community engagement. Castle Rat’s performance was part of this dynamic schedule, contributing to the venue’s reputation for featuring compelling metal performances with theatrical and thematic elements.
Supporting Acts Energize the Night
The evening opened with local metal band Road Head, a power trio often characterized as “NC motorpunx.” Their six-song set featured fast-paced, energetic music reminiscent of 1980s punk bands. Songs in their lineup included “Molotov,” “Stitched Up,” and a new track titled “Hog Cranker,” which closed their performance. Road Head’s lively set was well-received, setting an energetic tone for the rest of the night.
Performance by Howling Giant
Following Road Head, the band Howling Giant took the stage. Known for their complex songwriting and energetic stage presence, they captivated the audience with a set that included songs from their upcoming album, “Crucible & Ruin.” Notable tracks such as “Canyon” and “Scepter and Scythe” showcased their musical proficiency and thematic consistency. Their performance drew praise for synchronized musicianship and their engaging stage presence.
Castle Rat’s Themed Performance and Setlist
Castle Rat’s performance was distinguished by its medieval fantasy themes. The band integrated music, lyrics, visual effects, and theatrical mid-set skits, including a staged sword fight, to create an immersive experience. The setlist included notable tracks “WOLF I” and “SERPENT,” both of which are part of their upcoming album, “The Bestiary.” The performance was characterized by high-level musicianship and dynamic showmanship, with many attendees considering it among the best metal shows held at the Chapel of Bones.
Tour Details and Future Dates
As part of their ongoing tour, Castle Rat’s “The Book of Beasts” US leg is scheduled to end in Brooklyn, NY, on October 5, 2025. Following this, the band will embark on a European tour from October 16 to November 8, 2025, featuring performances across various countries. The Raleigh show, with its theatrical themes and energetic lineup, highlighted the band’s ability to combine storytelling with musical prowess, further establishing their reputation in the underground metal scene.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Loud Hailer Magazine: Castle Rat at Chapel of Bones
- Brooklyn Vegan: Castle Rat’s Video for WOLF I
- New Noise Magazine: Castle Rat Announce New Album
- Ghost Cult Magazine: Castle Rat Share New Single “Wizard”
- Wikipedia: Castle Rat
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
