Castle Rat Live Review: Entering the Realm at The Ace of Cups
Every once in a while, you see a band for the first time and just know—they’re about to blow up. That’s exactly how I felt when I made the eighty-something mile drive from Cincinnati, OH to Columbus to see Castle Rat.
Discovering Castle Rat
I first heard about Castle Rat through my great buddy Dave from Detroit. You’ve probably heard me mention him before. Dave and I don’t always share the same taste in music, but when our worlds overlap, it’s usually magic. Castle Rat was one of those times.
The band name alone stuck with me—it’s just too good to forget. So I threw on their debut record Into the Realm, and within one listen, I was hooked. Doom mixed with groove, heavy yet hypnotic—it had me immediately. When Dave told me the band was coming to Columbus, I knew I couldn’t miss the chance to experience Castle Rat live. That’s how I ended up heading north on I-71 to Ace of Cups.
The Live Experience
Seeing Castle Rat live isn’t like any other show. You’re not just watching a concert—you’re stepping into a realm where music and story collide. Imagine Game of Thrones set to a kick-ass soundtrack, and you’re getting close to what Castle Rat delivers.
The band is fronted by Riley Pinkerton, who embodies The Rat Queen—a warrior princess wielding both a Gibson SG and a longsword. She’s joined by her allies: The Count (Franco Vitorre) on guitar, the Plague Doctor (Ronnie Lanzilotta) on bass, and the All-Seeing Druid (Josh Strmic) on drums. Together, they face off against the evil Rat Reaperess, who threatens to steal The Bestiary—the book that protects the Realm.
This storyline isn’t just background flavor. The show is packed with costumes, choreography, sword fighting, and a dose of mystical magic that pulls you all the way in. It’s a true performance, not just a gig.
The Music Fuels the Story
Don’t get me wrong—this isn’t a GWAR situation where theatrics overshadow the music. Castle Rat’s songs stand tall on their own. The riffs are heavy, the writing is sharp, and the music fuels everything happening on stage.
Their sophomore record, The Bestiary, drops on September 19, 2025. Now is the perfect time to dive in. Start with Into the Realm, then continue the journey with The Bestiary. And if Castle Rat rolls through a venue near you—don’t hesitate. They’re absolutely worth the drive. Plus, you’ll get bragging rights for discovering them before the rest of the world catches on.
Shoutout to The Ace of Cups
This was my first visit to The Ace of Cups, and I left a fan. Prices were reasonable, and the staff—from bartenders to security—were some of the best around. Friendly, helpful, and welcoming all night long. I’m already looking forward to my next show there.
Final Thoughts
Castle Rat is the real deal—a band that blends heavy music with immersive storytelling to create something truly unique. Mark my words: they’re on the verge of something big.
Have you seen Castle Rat live yet? Or which band do you think is about to blow up? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you.
Photos From The Show
