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The Latest Breaking News from Riley Pinkerton

15 hotshot NYC guitarists that prove the Big Apple’s still got some bite – from the Rat Queen to the most-hyped indie band on the planet

Featuring Castle Rat, Geese, the Lemon Twigs and all kinds of bands you need to hear

Guitar World

“You know what's really gonna make us money? This rodent-themed mediaeval doom metal band”: Castle Rat’s Riley Pinkerton shoots back against “industry plant” allegations

The “super DIY” US band crowd-funded their second album last year

Metal Hammer

"I am your Rat Queen! We're on a mission to defend the realm from those who seek to destroy it." Watch one of the most hyped young bands in heavy metal battle on stage as Castle Rat slay a brilliant new live set

It's the Rat Queen's world, we're just living in it now

Metal Hammer

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“I was like, ‘I think it’d be cool if I die and spit up blood but I need to play another show the next night.’” How Black Sabbath and ‘major death anxiety’ inspired metal’s new fantasy sensation, Castle Rat

How a fantasy doom band became a viral sensation everyone is talking about

Metal Hammer

“I was like, ‘I think it’d be cool if I die and spit up blood and yada yada yada’”: You’ve probably seen their larger-than-life sword’n’sorcery concerts on social media, but Castle Rat’s fantasy shows are rooted in very real death anxieties

The band’s performances are styled after fantasy imagery – but they’re also based on singer/guitarist Riley Pinkerton’s personal fears

Metal Hammer

“If it sounds heavy on a classical guitar, then it will sound even heavier once I’m plugged in”: Foam swords, steel riffs – and medieval raga? Meet the queen of fantasy doom metal guitar, Castle Rat’s Riley Pinkerton

Who can stop the irresistible rise of underground heavy metal’s most theatrical troupe? Pinkerton, the self-styled Rat Queen is taking no prisoners

Guitar World

"I take a lot of pride in starting this band and creating this universe." Black Sabbath, homemade chainmail and Frank Frazetta - getting to know Castle Rat, the fantasy metal sensations everyone's talking about

Their videos are viral, their lore is deep and their songs are bangers. We chat to Riley Pinkerton, the woman behind the brilliant Castle Rat

Metal Hammer

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‘I want to ride out on a unicorn every night’: swords’n’sorcery heavy metal band Castle Rat

Wielding fantasy weapons and splashing fake blood, the New Yorkers have even learned how to make chainmail outfits – and they’re already aiming to conquer stadiums

The Guardian - UK

"I turned a hockey stick into a scythe": Introducing Castle Rat, your new favourite medieval-themed doom-rocking New Yorkers

All hail The Rat Queen!

Metal Hammer

Classic Rock's Tracks Of The Week: September 8, 2025

Eight songs you need to hear right now, from Alter Bridge, The Struts, Castle Rat and more

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