Hellripper from Scotland is a one-man speed/thrash/black metal band formed by James McBain in 2014. With influences such as Venom, Darkthrone, Metallica and Sabbat, you can expect to be treated to an amalgamation of different styles.
Hellripper has released two previous albums Coagulating Darkness in 2017 and The Affair of the Poisons in 2020, and have been performing live since 2016 with various live musicians joining McBain. There has also been a number of splits with other bands, which are worth checking out.
The lyrical themes are entrenched in witchcraft and the supernatural, as well as a deep connection to McBain’s Scottish roots, so it is unsurprising that the music is full of atmosphere and conjures feelings that ignite the imagination.
“The Nuckelavee” starts the album off with frantic riffs and impressive speed – the vocals are frenzied and matched by eloquent melodic solos.
“Et Smelter” has a wistful and haunting intro, with foreboding whispers and clean chanting vocals sending a chill down your spine. It then twists into a black metal riff and tormented vocal delivery reminiscent of early black metal bands. The melody carries underneath, it took several listens to this track to pick up all the nuances and layers cleverly intertwined. As a fan of atmospheric black metal, this track stood out with its epic nature.
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The depth of this album is astounding, every track has something a little different to catch your attention.
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“Tankespinnerens Smerte” is a perfect follow on from “Et Smelter”, with a similar style yet different in that it’s mournful and full of emotion, the vocals are tormented and melancholy. Again the layers of melody, whispers and vocals are intricate.
“I, The Deceiver” then sets the scene with massive thrash riffs, menacing vocals and a subtle melody that enhances the pace of the song, the speed at which the melodies are played is outstanding.
The title track, “Warlocks Grim_Withered Hags” has a chunky heavy riff and delivers a combination of all the styles introduced across the album. Exceptional melodies accentuate the thrash riffs, the soloing is pure class. The vocals provide memorable hooks to complement the riffs. Just when the song had exceeded all expectations, bagpipes cut over the riff and carry the song triumphantly to the end.
The most frantic song on the album is “Goat Vomit Nightmare”, at just over 3 minutes, it smacks you in the face with scorching solos and an intense pace from start to finish. Proper speed and thrash metal goodness!
The whole album is a melting pot of all the above mentioned genres, it offers everything that is synonymous with black/thrash and speed metal and feels as though it was written over past decades. It captures the essence of bands who have forged the path in years past and consolidates it together in one almighty exclamation. The musicianship is next level, the writing is refreshingly innovative and the passion in which the vocals are delivered is stirring and emotive.
Without a doubt, the track that topped it for me is “The Cursed Carrion Crown”, the riffs invaded all my senses. I can’t properly describe how it stopped me in my tracks and I was compelled to absorb every part of its wizardry.
Hellripper has created an album that delivers remarkable metal that will undoubtedly stand the test of time and become one of the best albums of 2023. Recommended for fans of speed, thrash and atmospheric black metal, but really every metal fan will find something that will resonate.
Hellripper: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: PEACEVILLE
Category: Album
Country: Scotland
Reviewed by ForsakenMisery
