Rustbelt Rock Review

By: Z.M. Delgado

Rustbeltrockreview.com

Volume #214: The Cult Ov Crowley – “Rise Ov The Rat King”

November 14th 2025

Good evening, Heavy Metal Maniacs! I hope this article finds you well. This week I am very excited to tell you about a new album I recently acquired. It is the sophomore effort by Akron, Ohio’s The Cult Ov Crowley entitled “Rise Ov The Rat King.” This is the follow up to their stunning 2023 debut “King Suites” (RbRR #62). They describe their sound as “Neo Bloodrock” and “Northeast Ohio Lofi Blackened Doom.” This is a band that I stumbled across by chance and immediately became enamored with. Since those first days I have binged on their first album fairly consistently, while desperately awaiting the arrival of the next chapter. When the first new singles began to emerge, I reached out to the band and was greatly rewarded for my efforts: I received a most coveted advanced copy of the album! Since then I have been on a tear, consuming these songs with all speed. Now after dozens of spins, I can say I have fully formed my opinions on it and can issue my verdict. Of course, before we can do that, there are a few stand out tracks I want to talk about….

First I want to discuss the album’s title track, “Rise Ov The Rat King.” This one grabbed me from the very first listen. With a scream this song erupts, as it rides a grooving riff into existence. The verse has a catchy tune to it and it packs a seriously driving tempo. The chorus is equally infectious and passionately performed. Lyrically it is loaded with dark imagery as it spins out the tale of the Rat King’s ascent. There is undoubtedly some serious symbolism at work here, though I’ll leave it up to you to interpret for yourself. Without a doubt this is a deadly track that opens this collection up with an explosive charge.

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Next I want to highlight “Cunt Dracula.” This song has a powerful opening riff, that is dark and menacing. The verse is melodic and mellow to begin, but it quickly gains momentum taking on a much heavier style. Light singing grows into demonic snarling as this song metamorphoses quickly. Much like the singing, the riffs shift from light melodies to ripping leads, matching the intensity at every step. Midway through the song the heaviness peaks with bestial guttural growls. There is an excellent Guitar solo tucked in there which really soars. After that it gets surprisingly melodic again as it heads towards it’s conclusion. Up and down this song is a total musical roller coaster. It changes it’s intensity, takes unexpected turns and really drags the listener on a sonic journey. I think it is simply excellent song writing and a definite stand out track.

“Barren Land” is the next track I have to tell you about. This song has an exceptional lyrical pattern. I love the delivery of the Vocals. There’s just something about the way the words are structured that really gets me. Once again, it’s just good songwriting. After the Vocals play out they are followed by some fantastic Guitar work that really brings the song to life with a blast of emotion. And for what it’s worth, it’s got serious earworm potential. This is a song that gets stuck in my head and stays there for a good long time, but you know what, I’m not even mad about it. This track is just that damn good.

“High Priestess” is the last song I want to talk about, and it is magnificient. It begins subdued and ominous. Throbbing Bass and haunting Vocals float this song across your speakers like a specter. Yet a piece at a time it develops, elements are added, intensity swells and soon the chorus bursts forth. The Vocals rise up to an impassioned wail, becoming so pleading and desperate; so raw. It is an inspired performance to say the least. But it’s not just about the Vocals. The entire atmosphere of this song is excellent and there is another noteworthy Guitar solo packed in here. All in all, “High Priestess” is a track not to be missed.

So in the end, what is my final assessment of “Rise Ov The Rat King?” Allow me put it plain, and make this clear. Let me leave no room for misunderstanding. I love this record. I feel like The Cult Ov Crowley have really outdone themselves here. They have learned from everything they accomplished with “King Suites” and taken the next logical steps forward. In fact they’ve taken several steps and perhaps a few leaps. This album is well developed, with a wide array of vibes throughout. There are songs of profound heaviness, the kind that make you want to snap your neck. While others are more melodic, lending themselves to quieter moments. This album touches on both extremes and all points in between, often within the same song. I’ve made reference to the strength of the song writing more than once in this review, and I’ll do it again here. These songs are good. Damn good. They have been lovingly and meticulously crafted until they are simply perfect. The hardest part of this review was choosing just four stand out tracks, because in their own right, each of these eight songs shine brightly. “Lesser Key,” “Temple Ov Silence,” “Burn the VVitch” & “Blood Moon” are all certified bangers in their own way, and they could have each been “stand out tracks.” Collectively they form an incredibly strong and well balanced collection of music that I simply cannot get enough of. Without a doubt “Rise Ov The Rat King” is a MUST LISTEN album from one of Northeast Ohio’s most compelling bands. You can catch The Cult Ov Crowley at their Album Release Party on November 14th, 2025 at 24 Celia Pl. Akron, Ohio, 44301. That’s all for this week. Thanks for reading.

Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt,

-Z.M. Delgado

Rustbelt Rock Review

Rustbeltrockreview.com

11/7/2025

Links:

https://thecultovcrowley.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TheCultOvCrowley/

https://thecultovcrowley1.bandcamp.com/

https://zackolantern.com/f/rbrrvol-62-the-cult-ov-crowley-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Cking-suites%E2%80%9D

Vol #214: The Cult Ov Crowley – “Rise Ov The Rat King”

Vol. #209: Kirk Windstein – “Ethereal Waves”