As graffitied on their website, HELLRIPPER aim to invoke the quintessential ‘black “n” roll’ sound, mixing influences from classic 80s black metal records with a more contemporary attitude. James McBain didn't get into this to mince words or waste time with bollocks. Since starting Hellripper in 2014, the Scotsman has spawned authentic black/speed metal anthems at a pace that would put anyone to shame. If ‘Coagulating Darkness’ (2017) and ‘The Affair of the Poisons’ (2020) had already shown a supernatural talent for creating frenetic meshes and irresistible hooks, it was with ‘Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags’ (2023) that the game was raised, adding more weight, atmospheres and powerful production, without losing the visceral essence. A veritable infernal locomotive, fuelled by Motörhead, Venom and Bathory from the ‘Under the Sign of the Black Mark’ era. In SWR, ferocity is a religion - and Hellripper is one of its prophets.
