Castle - Under Siege - review

Castle - Under Siege - review

Cover image of the reviewed item
Band
Castle
Album
Under Siege
Release date
May 20, 2014
Reviewer
7.7
6.7
Tracklist
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
A review by
R'Vannith
May 14, 2014
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.
Rating breakdown
Performance: 8
Songwriting: 7
Originality: 7
Production: 8
Written on 14.05.2014 by
Written on 14.05.2014 by
R'Vannith enjoys music, he's hoping you do too.

Comments

Comments: 6 Visited by 192 users
Auntie Sahar
Drone Empress

Posts: 5989


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14.05.2014 - 16:14
Auntie Sahar
Drone Empress

Posts: 5989


Might have to check this out on the basis of that album art alone.
----
I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go.

~ II. VII
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R'Vannith
ghedengi
Elite

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14.05.2014 - 16:21
Rating: 8
R'Vannith
ghedengi
Elite

Posts: 3099


Written by Auntie Sahar on 14.05.2014 at 16:14

Might have to check this out on the basis of that album art alone.

It was made by the same guy who did the cover for Behemoth's latest I believe.
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Auntie Sahar
Drone Empress

Posts: 5989


Permalink
14.05.2014 - 16:48
Auntie Sahar
Drone Empress

Posts: 5989


Written by R'Vannith on 14.05.2014 at 16:21

It was made by the same guy who did the cover for Behemoth's latest I believe.

Ah, definitely see the similarity there if that's the case
----
I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go.

~ II. VII
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psykometal
Just a guy...
Elite

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14.05.2014 - 18:25
psykometal
Just a guy...
Elite

Posts: 6101


According to the Additional info on the album page it was indeed done by the same artist. I'd say that was pretty obvious though from the style.
----
~Zep, Former Database and Forum Moderation~

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Ag Fox
Angel No More
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14.05.2014 - 19:50
Ag Fox
Angel No More
Elite

Posts: 4774


I enjoyed their last one, so I'll definitely check it out
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loves 小巫
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Posts: 751
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14.05.2014 - 20:04

Posts: 751
I think I'm gonna like this one.
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