Hellripper is a solo black/speed metal project founded in 2014 by Scottish musician James McBain. The project blends the aggression of black metal with the energy of thrash and punk, drawing inspiration from bands like Venom, Darkthrone, Megadeth, and Motörhead. The lyrics explore themes of the occult, witchcraft, and Satanism, often referencing historical events such as the case of Anneliese Michel or the Affair of the Poisons in 17th-century France.
After debuting with the EP The Manifestation of Evil (2014) and several split releases, Hellripper released the first full-length album Coagulating Darkness in 2017, recorded entirely at home and acclaimed for its raw, fast-paced sound. The 2019 EP Black Arts & Alchemy was followed in 2020 by the second album The Affair of the Poisons, inspired by the French scandal of the same name. The album received widespread praise for its intensity and for blending ’80s metal influences with a modern production.
In 2023, McBain released the third album Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags, dedicated to the dark side of Scottish folklore. The album earned strong reviews and reached number 11 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums chart, solidifying Hellripper as one of the most compelling and authentic projects in the contemporary metal scene.
