Hellripper: Scotland's Speed Metal Assault

Hellripper is the electrifying speed metal solo project of Scottish multi-instrumentalist James McBain. Hailing from Aberdeen, the project has carved a formidable reputation in the underground metal scene through relentless touring and critically acclaimed albums. Its 2023 album, Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags, marked a significant commercial peak, landing on several official charts.

Early career

Hellripper was formed in 2014 by McBain, who records almost all instruments himself. The project's early sound was a raw fusion of black metal, speed metal, and punk, drawing immediate comparisons to genre pioneers. This led to a series of demos and EPs, with the 2017 full-length debut Coagulating Darkness released on the Barbarian Wrath label, establishing a fierce and loyal fanbase.

Breakthrough

The 2020 album The Affair of the Poisons, released via Peaceville Records, served as Hellripper's major breakthrough. It received widespread critical acclaim for its sharpened songwriting and blistering execution, significantly expanding the project's reach beyond the underground. This success set the stage for the even greater impact of its 2023 follow-up.

Key tracks

The Nuckelavee — This epic track from the 2023 album showcases Hellripper's evolved, narrative-driven songwriting and complex structures.

All Hail the Goat — A fan-favorite anthem that perfectly encapsulates the project's signature blend of infectious speed metal riffs and hellish vocals.

Spectres of the Blood Moon Sabbath — An early standout that defined the initial raw and frenetic Hellripper sound on the debut album.

The Affair of the Poisons — The title track from the breakthrough record highlights a more refined and potent version of the band's aggressive formula.

Following the success of Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags, which charted in the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, Hellripper has transitioned into a powerful live unit. McBain now tours with a full band lineup, bringing the high-octane recordings to life on stages across Europe and beyond. The project continues its collaboration with Peaceville Records, solidifying its status at the forefront of modern speed metal.

Fans of Hellripper's relentless energy often seek similar sounds. Explore Midnight for a similarly raw blend of blackened speed and punk. Toxic Holocaust delivers comparable thrash and speed metal with a fierce DIY spirit. For Scottish extreme metal with a different atmospheric approach, try Saor. The crossover aggression of Power Trip also resonates with Hellripper's intense delivery.

Hellripper's explosive brand of metal is a staple on dedicated metal radio stations and online rock radio streams. The project's growing popularity ensures its tracks are featured in regular rotation on stations specializing in extreme and underground music, from classic thrash to modern extreme metal formats.

The music of Hellripper can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover the full force of this Scottish speed metal entity through the various independent music radio stations and metal-focused streams available on onairium.com.