Band:	Castle
Album:	Under Siege
Style:	Doom metal, Heavy metal
Release date:	May 20, 2014
A review by:	R'Vannith

01. Distant Attack
02. Be My Ghost
03. A Killing Pace
04. Pyramid Lake
05. Powersigns
06. Labyrinth Of Death
07. Temple Of The Lost
08. Evil Ways

Good old-fashioned occultism has a well established presence in the contemporary metal scene; sounds from yesteryear revamped in the liveliest of rocking rituals all ably performed by such outstanding acts as the likes of Ghost B.C. and In Solitude. In come the doom inclined Castle to fortify the situation.

Wasting no time their prompt heavy metal song structures are quickly put to the test, with their doom vibe hearkening to the very foundations of metal itself, Black Sabbath. Having solid schematics for their tunes in place, Castle are one of the finest and more versatile constructions in the popular revitalisation that has spawned numerous acts all vying for their own stylistic take on the same classic sound. This American band does it with distinction, identity and a forthright tenacity.

The alternation between doom prevailing numbers and more bouncy bouts of heavy metal spur on a forthrightly and dynamically moving and mildly varying album which highlights the characterful combo of slicing guitar leads and the sinister vocal stylings of bassist and singer Elizabeth Blackwell. At her low range croon she truly carries the spooky doom vibe to its point of emphasis alongside the infectious rhythms in tracks such as "Temple Of The Lost." There really isn't a great deal of diversity to their song writing, but for what it is it consistently delivers quick and clever hooks that latch abruptly and firmly into place of memory.

No muss, no fuss. It's all in the quality of delivery in the band's third sure-fire effort aptly named Under Siege, the title indicating the barrage of riffs and hooks it endures. The performance is generally unyielding throughout, though perhaps with some vocal slip-ups in the likes of "Pyramid Lake" where Elizabeth sounds somewhat off kilter in the higher notes. Yet her vocal variations grant the record much of its merits and often echo most convincingly within the mix.

This American trio know well what they're doing and perform their vintage style admirably and with effective brevity.