HELLRIPPER - Black Arts & Alchemy EP
Reaper Metal Productions
Not my first time writing about Scotland's HELLRIPPER, a one man blackened thrash/speed metal act created by James McBain. Back in 2017 I checked out the HELLRIPPER debut full length, Coagulating Darkness. That was a decent self released effort. One thing to note is that McBain is a prolific short form release guy. Prior to the full length McBain just did an EP and three split releases. All of which can be found on the HELLRIPPER Complete and Total Fucking Mayhem compilation.
Since the full length McBain has continued in his old ways by returning to the short release format. Last year he was involved on two split releases. Now this year it's an EP, four cuts if you get the vinyl. Five if you get the CD where he covers "Iron Heads" by RUNNING WILD. As far as this goes musically it's your typical blackened thrashing speed metal stuff that's been making the rounds over the past decade. McBain is Scotland's version of Joel Grind of TOXIC HOLOCAUST or maybe Athenar from MIDNIGHT.
I like the four originals on here a lot. Of course the riffs are furious as are the drum beats. McBain has a harsh blast furnace vocal style. And his lead work gives way to some exciting solos. The first cut, "All Hail the Goat" reminds me of Florida's HOT GRAVES. It's obviously my favorite on here. The title cut adds some Scottish folk song structure flavor. The other cuts are good as well. If you're getting into HELLRIPPER now then this is a great place to start. Get the full length next and definitely pick up the Complete and Total Fucking Mayhem compilation.
http://reapermetalproductions.com/
https://hellripper.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Hellripper1
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