Austrian deathcore collective Castiel unveil new single/video 'Act III: Vile Spirits'

Austrian deathcore collective Castiel continue their immersive journey into psychological and emotional disintegration with new single ‘Act III: Vile Spirits’, the third chapter from their forthcoming EP All Returns to Hollow and Silence, due for release on 24th July via Seek and Strike. Following the anguish and emotional decay explored in previous singles ‘Act I: Defile // Denounce’ and 'Act II: A Festering Wound', the latest instalment marks a chilling turning point in the story, where pain gives way to numbness and the last remnants of humanity are willingly abandoned.

Blending crushing deathcore intensity with a growing sense of atmosphere and unease, ‘Act III: Vile Spirits’ explores the severing of emotional ties, the rejection of memory and the embrace of an all-consuming emptiness. As the EP's protagonist descends further into isolation, the track captures the moment where grief no longer hurts because there is nothing left to feel.

Watch the video for 'Act III: Vile Spirits' here: https://youtu.be/EKeo4SdWMTk

Pre-save All Returns to Hollow and Silence here: https://orcd.co/castielep2026

The band commented: "'Act III' shifts the focus from emotional pain to inner numbness and a final separation from all things human. Relationships are severed, memories are cast aside, and emotions are controlled or erased. The “crown of nothingness” symbolises the acceptance of this inner emptiness and the loss of personal bonds."

All Returns to Hollow and Silence is a genuine step forward for the band. Drawing from a diverse range of influences, Castiel have crafted a sound that is pulled together with purpose. Firmly rooted in deathcore, the EP pushes beyond the genre confines, embracing contrast and atmosphere alongside its more destructive elements.

Speaking on the release, the band said: “This EP is heavier, more brutal but also more emotional than anything we’ve done before as a band. We’ve pushed ourselves creatively while staying true to who we are, this feels like the most complete version of Castiel yet.”

The new EP is built as a continuous story with each track acting as a chapter in a wider narrative. That idea carries through visually too, with every song set to receive its own video. 

At its core, All Returns to Hollow and Silence explores the shifting relationship between two central protagonists, tracing a journey shaped by tension, transformation and emotional conflict. Subtle inspiration has been drawn from the lore of World of Warcraft, particularly the arcs of Arthas Menethil and Jaina Proudmoore. 

Musically, the release channels the oppressive weight and atmosphere of Black Tongue and Humanity's Last Breath, while incorporating the raw aggression of Bodysnatcher and The Acacia Strain. The result is a record that moves seamlessly between suffocating heaviness and explosive intensity. 

Emerging from Klagenfurt, Austria in 2014, Castiel quickly made their mark with their bleak atmospheres and downtempo heaviness. Early releases including their debut single 'Human Scum' and the Exitium EP (2015) set the tone, followed by Blasphemy in 2017, before lineup changes forced the band into a hiatus. 

They returned in 2023 with Shadowlands, signalling a clear step up in both sound and ambition. That momentum carried into 2025’s Khaos EP, a darker, more introspective release that pushed further into themes of psychological collapse and existential weight.

Now, with their signing to Seek and Strike, Castiel enter a new chapter. All Returns to Hollow and Silence not only marks their first release under the label, but their most ambitious work to date. 

Having already shared stages with the likes of Distant, Carnifex, Born of Osiris and more, the band have built a reputation for intense, no frills live shows. Stay tuned for live dates to follow.