S.L.R. Magazine

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LIVE REVIEW AND PHOTO GALLERY: Castle Rat at the Belasco on October 1st, 2026 with Wraight Knight and Unto Others, by Ruben Figueroa

The Belasco in Los Angeles was the place to be on October 1 as Castle Rat brought their theatrical doom-metal show to town with support from Wraith Knight and Unto Others. From the opening set to the headliner, it was a wild night, but once Castle Rat hit the stage, the energy in the room…

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The Belasco in Los Angeles was the place to be on October 1 as Castle Rat brought their theatrical doom-metal show to town with support from Wraith Knight and Unto Others. From the opening set to the headliner, it was a wild night, but once Castle Rat hit the stage, the energy in the room went to another level.

Written by Ruben Figueroa

Promotional tour poster for 'Castle Rat' featuring the title 'Summon the Beasts Tour 2026'. The artwork includes a female figure with long red hair holding a sword, standing in front of a white dragon and a blue circular backdrop. The poster lists tour dates and locations for the bands 'Castle Rat', 'Unto Others', and 'Wrath Knight'.

Wraith Knight opened the night with an epic set that immediately established the atmosphere. Their dungeon synth influence came through strongly, giving the performance a fantasy-inspired feel that fit perfectly with the night’s overall theme. They made good use of the stage and created an environment that felt like the beginning of an adventure before the heavier performances that followed.

Unto Others took things in a darker and more intense direction. Their set carried an atmospheric energy that kept the crowd locked in. The band delivered a strong performance with a heavier presence, building momentum throughout their time onstage and getting the audience ready for what was coming next.

Then Castle Rat took the stage, and the Belasco erupted.

The crowd was absolutely wild. Moshing broke out throughout the floor, and there was a noticeable difference in energy as soon as the headliners started playing. Fans were singing along, moving constantly, and giving the band the kind of response you want to see at a heavy show.

Castle Rat’s performance is much more than simply playing a set of songs. Their high-concept approach combines heavy, Black Sabbath-inspired doom-metal riffs with elaborate medieval fantasy storytelling. The theatrical side of the show was a major part of the experience, including the live battles taking place onstage. It gave the performance a visual element that separated them from a standard metal show without taking away from the music.

What stood out most was how involved the crowd became. The audience wasn’t just watching Castle Rat perform; they were actively participating in the experience. Between the moshing, singing, and constant movement on the floor, the connection between the band and the crowd was obvious.

Walking away from the Belasco, the overall impression was simple: amazed. All three bands brought something different to the night, but Castle Rat delivered the kind of headline performance that made the show memorable.

If you haven’t seen Castle Rat live yet, I highly recommend catching them while they’re on tour. If you’re anywhere near one of their remaining dates, go see them. This is a show that is best experienced in person.

Tour Dates

Oct 6 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater

Oct 7 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox Market

Oct 9 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory

Oct 10 – Boise, ID – Shrine Social Club

Oct 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Grand

Oct 12 – Denver, CO – The Ogden Theatre

Oct 14 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater

Oct 15 – Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall

Oct 16 – Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre

Oct 17 – Toronto, ON – The Opera House

Oct 19 – Montreal, QC – Théâtre Beanfield

Oct 20 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium

Oct 21 – New York, NY – Webster Hall

Follow Castle Rat:

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube

https://castlerat.com

Participating band Photography from the tour by Ruben Figueroa

A drummer in a dramatic costume with feathers and face paint plays enthusiastically on stage, holding drumsticks high. A guitarist is visible in the foreground with curly hair and an elaborate outfit.
A guitarist performing on stage with long hair and face paint, passionately playing a red electric guitar under dramatic stage lighting.
A guitarist performing on stage, wearing dramatic makeup and a stylish jacket, passionately playing a red electric guitar.
A musician passionately playing a black bass guitar on stage, with long hair flowing and in an energetic pose. The background features stage lighting and a decorative element, enhancing the live performance atmosphere.
A musician passionately playing an electric guitar on stage with colorful lighting and smoke in the background.
A crowd of concertgoers with raised hands, enjoying a live music performance, illuminated by colorful stage lights.
A guitarist performing on stage with purple lighting, several musical instruments visible in the background, and audience members watching from above.
A musician performing on stage, holding a blue electric guitar, in front of a backdrop featuring a Celtic cross design.
A musician performing on stage with long, flowing hair, passionately engaging with the audience.
A guitarist passionately performing on stage, with curly hair and dressed in black, playing a blue electric guitar under colorful stage lights.
Two musicians performing on stage with electric guitars, surrounded by drums and stage lights, during a concert for the band 'Unto Others'.
A musician in a dark cloak performing at a live venue, surrounded by synthesizers and sound equipment with colorful stage lighting.
A large crowd of enthusiastic concertgoers at a music event, with people raising their hands and phones to capture the moment. The audience is diverse, and many are wearing band t-shirts, showcasing a lively atmosphere.
A performer with curly hair holds a sword aloft while singing into a microphone, illuminated by orange stage lights.
Musician wearing a black leather jacket and a plague doctor mask performing on stage with a bass guitar, illuminated by colorful stage lights.
A performer wearing a colorful costume, playing a white electric guitar on stage. The background features musical equipment and dramatic stage lighting.
A drummer energetically performing on stage, wearing a colorful costume with antler-like headpieces, surrounded by drums and a vibrant lighting backdrop.
A performer wearing a stylized animal skull mask and a black corset, posing dramatically on stage with a baton, surrounded by orange lighting.
A live rock band performing on stage with colorful lights, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd.
A woman with curly hair and dramatic makeup performs on stage while playing a white electric guitar. She is dressed in a unique, ornate costume that includes scales and jewelry, revealing her midriff.
A drummer in a colorful costume performing on stage with an elaborate drum set, surrounded by clear drum shields and stage lighting.
A drummer performing on stage, playing a drum set with cymbals, under stage lights.
A guitarist performing energetically on stage, wearing a sleeveless shirt and holding a black electric guitar, with colorful stage lights in the background.
A musician with long hair passionately singing into a microphone while performing on stage, surrounded by colorful stage lights.
A live music performance featuring a bassist with long hair, passionately playing on stage. The audience is engaged, and colorful stage lights create a vibrant atmosphere.
A musician performing on stage, singing into a microphone, wearing a sleeveless shirt, with curly hair and a guitar strap adorned with studs.
A hooded figure stands in front of a microphone, with an electric guitar featuring spikes, surrounded by colorful stage lighting.
A musician in a black cloak performing on stage with synthesizers, surrounded by purple lighting.
A performer in a black leather jacket holds a sword aloft against a backdrop of colorful stage lights, creating a dramatic atmosphere.
A dynamic live performance on stage featuring a performer in a striking outfit with curly hair and dramatic makeup, holding a sword, while another performer in a mask lies on the stage. The background is filled with colorful lighting and instruments.
Two performers engage in a dramatic stage fight, one dressed in a costume with a mask and the other in a warrior outfit with a shield. The background features band equipment and atmospheric lighting.
A performer with curly red hair and dramatic makeup holds a decorative chalice, taking a sip. The setting features vibrant lighting, enhancing the theatrical atmosphere.
A musician wearing a mask with a long beak and a wide-brimmed hat is performing on stage, holding a bass guitar, surrounded by dramatic orange lighting.
A performer with dramatic makeup and a curly wig raises one arm while holding a guitar, dressed in a shimmering outfit, illuminated by colorful stage lights.
A musician performing on stage with an electric guitar, accompanied by a drummer in the background. The scene is lit with colorful stage lights, creating a vibrant concert atmosphere.
A live performance by the band Unto Others, featuring four musicians on stage with guitars and drums, in front of a large audience. The background includes dramatic lighting and a banner displaying the band's name.
A musician in a dark cloak plays a keyboard on stage, with a microphone nearby, illuminated by warm, orange lighting.
A performer in a hooded cloak stands in front of a synthesizer, surrounded by purple stage lighting, creating an atmospheric and mysterious vibe.
A figure in a dark hooded cloak, manipulating equipment on stage under purple lighting, with a spiked accessory on one arm.

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