Castle play heavy metal the old way, but they do it with a modern sensibility that allows them to combine many different styles of this venerated form of music into one distinct sound. They have been called “witch thrash” due to some of the thrash tendencies in their music, along with the their lyrical bent which leans toward the occult, and is brought to life by the emotive vocals of bassist Liz Blackwell. But those are only two aspects of their sound, because you will also hear traces of doom, trad metal, and even some prog tendencies in the way the songs are written.

In addition, guitarist and songwriter Mat Davis solos sting and bite in the best way, making room for just enough technique that still has a full amount of passion and feeling. In a way, he’s like a throwback to guitar heroes from the ’70s. It also must be noted that the interplay of the rhythm section, which features drummer Al McCartney along with Blackwell, has stepped up a bit, giving these songs a nice sense of movement and groove.

They open with the galloping thunder of “Distant Attack,” which is muscular, catchy, and energetic. Blackwell’s vocals draw you in, while Davis’s solo rips. “Be My Ghost” starts out dark and foreboding and builds to a big riff, steps on the accelerator, and then shifts dynamics a few times before it ends. “A Killing Pace” is more deliberate, with some Sab-worthy riffs. “Temple Of The Lost” starts slow and moody, breaks into a gallop, switches gears for a dark and doomed middle part, and then breaks out with a speedy solo at its finish. “Evil Ways” features vocals by Davis intertwined with Blackwell’s, which also play counterpoint to the gruff vocal stylings of the guitarist, and finish up the CD with another killer slice of hybrid metal.

Castle has created another memorable tribute to the metal gods, one that displays the band at the height of their powers. If you’re looking for a killer slice of prefix-free metal, then look no further.

(Prosthetic Records, 8713 Aviation Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301)