Hellripper

Hellripper emerged from Aberdeen's metal underground in 2014 as the brainchild of Scottish multi-instrumentalist James McBain, evolving within a decade into the definitive force in blackened speed metal. The debut EP The Manifestation Of Evil established the project's signature fusion of Venom-inspired black metal with blistering rock 'n' roll, all meticulously crafted in McBain's home studio.

The discography traces a compelling artistic trajectory: Coagulating Darkness (2017) unleashed the project's nascent four-to-the-floor fury, while The Affair Of The Poisons (2020) amplified the remorseless power and pugnacity. Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags (2023) introduced bagpipes and deepened the Scottish folklore connections. The forthcoming Coronach (2026, Century Media) represents the apex of this evolution, incorporating progressive elements, piano, synthesizer, and cello arrangements while maintaining the core speed metal DNA.

McBain's lyrical approach mines Scottish history and mythology with scholarly precision. From the real-life crimes of Burke & Hare to Sir Walter Scott's poetry and Robert Louis Stevenson's horror tales, each track on Coronach anchors itself in Scottish heritage. The album's title references the traditional improvised funeral singing, while tracks like "Kinchyle (Goatkraft and Granite)" process McBain's childhood in Scotland's North-East with characteristic Hellripper darkness.

Live, Hellripper transforms into a quartet featuring Joseph Quinlan (guitar), Andy Milburn (bass), and Max Southall (drums), though McBain continues handling all studio work solo. The band plans extensive US and European touring to support the new album. Drawing influences from Venom and Mercyful Fate to Watain, Opeth, and Manic Street Preachers, McBain crafts a distinctive sound balancing ice-cold atmosphere with skull-crushing speed metal anthems.

The upcoming Coronach promises the band's most adventurous material yet, featuring experimental vocal approaches and the coldest atmosphere to date. With tracks like the barbarous opener "Hunderprest" and the brutal "Blakk Satanik Fvkkstorm," the album expands Hellripper's sonic remit while delivering the ghoulish aggression that established them as the UK's premier speed metal export.

Discography

2017 - Coagulating Darkness (Self-released)
2020 - The Affair Of The Poisons (Peaceville Records)
2023 - Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags (Peaceville Records)
2026 - Coronach (Century Media Records)

Important EPs
2014 - The Manifestation Of Evil (Self-released)