Cultic is a Dark Dungeon Metal band from Yoe, PA. Their music takes influence from early death-doom, first-wave black metal, and punk rock and combines it with dungeon synth interludes and dark fantasy themes. The band was formed in 2016 by husband and wife – Brian Magar (guitar/vocals) and Rebecca Magar (drums), whose initial creative vision was to expand on the sounds and aesthetics of Winter, Hellhammer, and Celtic Frost.
On August 9, 2017, Cultic released its first self-recorded demo titled Prowler, digitally and on CDr. Prowler included two songs, “Cruel Orders” and “The Prowler”, that would ultimately reappear on their first full-length album High Command. After the release of their demo, Cultic was joined by bassist Reese Harlacker. Together, they wrote, recorded, and produced High Command, which includes guest vocals by Jason Robison (of Wrath of Typhon). High Command was released on April 5, 2019.
Their second full-length album, Of Fire and Sorcery, was released on April 22, 2022. It introduced dungeon synth interludes and expanded on the conceptual stories from their first release High Command. The album covers from High Command and Of Fire and Sorcery can be positioned side-by-side to form a diptych (the band plans to continue this format for their future full-length releases).
Reese Harlacker moved in 2021, making the band a two-piece again until 2022 when they were joined by bassist Andrew Harris (formerly of Warhawk, Witch Hazel, and Alms).