Hellripper

Hellripper is a blackened speed metal and thrash metal group from Aberdeen, Scotland, formed in 2014 by James McBain. The project is a one-man studio band, although it uses additional musicians for live performances. It is active from 2014 to the present.

Style and influences

Hellripper’s sound draws on black metal, speed metal, thrash metal, blackened thrash metal, blackened speed metal, black ’n’ roll and melodic death metal. McBain cites black metal acts such as Venom and Darkthrone, thrash metal bands including Megadeth, Metallica and Sabbat, and punk-influenced groups such as Motörhead and Anti-Cimex among the project’s influences.

Themes and lyrics

The lyrics focus on witchcraft, occult ideas and Satanic themes. Some songs also use historical material, including Anneliese, which refers to the case of Anneliese Michel, and The Affair of the Poisons, which takes its title from the historical poison scandal.

Live activity

Hellripper begins performing live in 2016 and goes on to play several European tours. It appears at festivals including Metaldays and Roadburn Festival. Live shows are known for fast, energetic performances.