Hellripper is a one-man black/speed metal band from Aberdeen, Scotland, created by James McBain in 2014. Drawing heavily from the sounds of early black metal and the raw energy of thrash and punk, Hellripper has quickly earned a reputation for blistering riffs, fast-paced aggression, and a clear nod to old-school legends like Venom, Bathory, and Motörhead. Despite being a solo project, the music packs the punch of a full band, with McBain handling all instruments and vocals in the studio.
The project’s debut full-length, Coagulating Darkness (2017), gained attention in the underground metal scene for its unrelenting speed and old-school flair. Since then, Hellripper has released several well-received records, including The Affair of the Poisons (2020) and Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags (2023), which further cemented the band’s status as one of the leading forces in the new wave of blackened speed metal. With lyrics steeped in horror, folklore, and blasphemy, and a relentless drive to keep things fast and furious, Hellripper stands out as a true torchbearer of savage, high-octane metal.
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