Hellripper – Coronach
Hellripper – Coronach
Century Media Records
27/03/2026
Review by Oli Gonzalez
7.5/10
It’s a tale as old as the music industry itself. Just one man with a dream; to write a few songs that a few people may enjoy. In this case, Scotsman James McBain had this dream and goal. Though now the band he created, Hellripper, has grown to levels surely way beyond this initial dream with festival slots on Damnation, Brutal Assault, and Bloodstock Open Air, just to name a few. The band’s chaotic live energy is at the very least partially responsible for this success. An energy that blends black metal and the seldom considered speed metal in a unique and exciting mix of genres. To say Hellripper have reinvigorated the speed metal genre wouldn’t be an understatement. This reinvigoration of this overlooked genre continues in “Coronach”. Derived from the Scots term for a funeral or wake song, the band’s fourth album aims to provide the platform for the accelerated growth they’ve enjoyed so far.
Hellripper come charging out of the gates with ‘Hunderprest’! Delicious crunchy guitar riffs occupy the opening moments, which make way for more melodic licks and the ferocious shrieked vocals that were conceived in the very depths of hell themselves! James alluded to the experimental use of synthesizers on “Cornoach”, which make an appearance later in the song for extra spice and dimension.
Ever wondered what Judas Priest would sound like with KVLT black metal vocals? Probably a question nobody asked but Hellripper provide an answer in the shape of ‘Kinchyle’ in an unlikely but fully functioning union, and represents a highlight of the album. More experimentation of pianos continue in ‘The Art Of Resurrection’ and ‘Baobhan Sith’, adding an almost symphonic black metal element to the already solid speed metal foundations, characterised by some stellar guitar work! In fact, the work of McBain and also Joseph Quinlan throughout the album really is the stuff of wet dreams for aspiring and veteran guitarists alike! Check the solo on ‘Blakk Satanik Fvkkstorm’ for evidence. Or ‘Sculptors Cave’.
As the album progresses, sadly it feels like ideas are being recycled and stretched thin, and it’s becoming more difficult to differentiate between each song. ‘Mortercheyn’ offers some hope of fresh stimulus with a bleak and melancholic opening to the track. Then the pace sharply picks up, and whilst it’s a respectable song in its own right, it begins to feel stale in the context of the entire album.
Can we expect a strong finish from the album’s title track and the final overall?
Well, ‘Coronach’ starts strong, with the epic and rich baritone-esque vocals adding that much needed fresh stimulus. The pace is slower this time; McBain opting for a composition approach that’s a more gradual and calculated build towards the eventual crescendo for the song. When it’s coming, you’re not sure though. The journey towards it is enjoyable though. At around the 4.30 minute mark of the 8 and a half minute journey, the fast paced riffs we’ve come to expect from Hellripper make a return. Only this time, we feel more primed and ready for it, and its impact can be fully appreciated! It feels like a release of tension, and the pressure relieved is cathartic. McBain spoke of his desire to include more progressive metal on this album, and he’s absolutely nailed it here! ‘Coronach’ speaks to a more mature songwriting approach, rather than just throwing guitar riffs at you for several minutes.
Overall, and to put it quite succinctly, a solid start, loss of momentum in the middle but a strong finish that makes you understand why Hellripper are one of the fastest rising bands in the genre and why they have a bright future in the world of extreme metal.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Hunderprest
02. Kinchyle (Goatkraft and Granite)
03. The Art of Resurrection
04. Baobhan Sith (Waltz of the Damned)
05. Blakk Satanik Fvkkstorm
06. Sculptor’s Cave
07. Mortercheyn
08. Coronach
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
