Castle - Carrie Chains
Release Date: September 4th, 2026
Hammerheart Records
Castle are a United States based doom/hard rock band that are set to release their 7th album, "Carrie Chains". The three members, Liz Blackwell (vocals, bass), Mat Davis (guitar, vocals) and drummer Mike Cotton have created a stripped down album inspired by 70s and 80s hard rock/ metal. This album was written during the same time as their covers E.P., "Double Vision". Perhaps in an attempt to capture a more authentic sound the band recorded live at RainCity Recorders in Vancouver B.C. with Jesse Gander. The band has toured continuously since their inception and will continue in the United States and Japan in the fall and Europe come spring.
The album begins with, "Fooled Again" as Liz Blackwell's vocals soar with powerful conviction prior to the music starting. Carrying onward is a refined and lively ode to the classics of the genres they embody. Transported to perhaps simpler times, we feel the raw energy that was present back then. Heavy in its personality, where is counts the most. "Three Knocks" has a energetic movement that holds the listener captive in hard rock authenticity. Forceful throughout with an aggressive attack that builds further to a dynamic end of the song. I can imagine the power in which this song is heard on stage. Next, "Carry Chains" has a slightly more subdued feel. Still heavy in its own right but focusing on catchy song writing with a strong 80s hard rock sound. Being old enough to remember the feeling the classics initially inspired in me, this track seizes the natural musical truth present during that time. The fourth track, "Evil Nun" is an entertaining and darkly potent experience. Traditionally soulful and driving at its metallic core, Castle is a manifestation throughout of a genuine trip to the glory days of their genre. This being when metal was more dangerous and was enjoyed by the few who truly understood it. "Truckgrinder" is a mountainous take on energy-fueled rock. Castle takes all the stripped-down vigorousness of the old metal spirit. The dynamics are strong here with the thrilling movements between ideas. "Orb Weaver" begins with a heavy bass guitar and vocal duo. The guitars and drums soon join in and offer a mid-paced ode to an assumably arachnid theme. One can imagine easily drearily spider drenched scenery in which the music would accompany. Next, "Goat Vision: has a quieter start with an overall subtly sinister sound. Channeling their tastefully constructed music, the band evokes a darkness that is full of substance and life (death). The final song, "Burn the Messenger" pummels the listener with a truly heavy opening. Ripe with weighted fury the song is meant to leave one with a feeling of experiential massiveness. As with other tracks on this release, its essence stays true to their bleak originality in songcraft. The song is a favorite for me and adds a exciting closure that motivates me to go back and enjoy their previous albums again. Support them! (I've seen them in concert once at a small venue locally and can attest to their enjoyability.)
www.heavycastle.com/
heavycastle.bandcamp.com/
Release Date: September 4th, 2026
Hammerheart Records
Castle are a United States based doom/hard rock band that are set to release their 7th album, "Carrie Chains". The three members, Liz Blackwell (vocals, bass), Mat Davis (guitar, vocals) and drummer Mike Cotton have created a stripped down album inspired by 70s and 80s hard rock/ metal. This album was written during the same time as their covers E.P., "Double Vision". Perhaps in an attempt to capture a more authentic sound the band recorded live at RainCity Recorders in Vancouver B.C. with Jesse Gander. The band has toured continuously since their inception and will continue in the United States and Japan in the fall and Europe come spring.
The album begins with, "Fooled Again" as Liz Blackwell's vocals soar with powerful conviction prior to the music starting. Carrying onward is a refined and lively ode to the classics of the genres they embody. Transported to perhaps simpler times, we feel the raw energy that was present back then. Heavy in its personality, where is counts the most. "Three Knocks" has a energetic movement that holds the listener captive in hard rock authenticity. Forceful throughout with an aggressive attack that builds further to a dynamic end of the song. I can imagine the power in which this song is heard on stage. Next, "Carry Chains" has a slightly more subdued feel. Still heavy in its own right but focusing on catchy song writing with a strong 80s hard rock sound. Being old enough to remember the feeling the classics initially inspired in me, this track seizes the natural musical truth present during that time. The fourth track, "Evil Nun" is an entertaining and darkly potent experience. Traditionally soulful and driving at its metallic core, Castle is a manifestation throughout of a genuine trip to the glory days of their genre. This being when metal was more dangerous and was enjoyed by the few who truly understood it. "Truckgrinder" is a mountainous take on energy-fueled rock. Castle takes all the stripped-down vigorousness of the old metal spirit. The dynamics are strong here with the thrilling movements between ideas. "Orb Weaver" begins with a heavy bass guitar and vocal duo. The guitars and drums soon join in and offer a mid-paced ode to an assumably arachnid theme. One can imagine easily drearily spider drenched scenery in which the music would accompany. Next, "Goat Vision: has a quieter start with an overall subtly sinister sound. Channeling their tastefully constructed music, the band evokes a darkness that is full of substance and life (death). The final song, "Burn the Messenger" pummels the listener with a truly heavy opening. Ripe with weighted fury the song is meant to leave one with a feeling of experiential massiveness. As with other tracks on this release, its essence stays true to their bleak originality in songcraft. The song is a favorite for me and adds a exciting closure that motivates me to go back and enjoy their previous albums again. Support them! (I've seen them in concert once at a small venue locally and can attest to their enjoyability.)
www.heavycastle.com/
heavycastle.bandcamp.com/