Scotland's ibex-obsessed blackened thrash bastard of Hades, otherwise known as HELLRIPPER, is now delivering yet another crushing blow from his forthcoming opus! The ominous new single, "Mortercheyn," can be found along with a sunning music video that was video produced, directed and edited by David Gregory below.

"Mortercheyn" is taken from HELLRIPPER's upcoming fourth studio album, 'Coronach,' which will be released worldwide on March 27, 2026 via Century Media Records, making it his debut to the label! 'Coronach' can be pre-ordered HERE.

Hellripper mastermind, guitarist/vocalist and songwriter James McBain comments, "Much like the previously released 'Kinchyle (Goatkraft and Granite),' the lyrics on this track come from a more personal place. The title itself is a little nod to a track on the previous album, 'The Nuckelavee,' and mortercheyn is said to be the disease spread by the creature in its wake. It is a contagious and lethal sickness that primarily affects horses, and is used in the song to represent the decay and downfall of the world.

"Musically, 'Mortercheyn' is a crust track at its core, drenched in a sinister atmosphere that lies between the black metal vibe of Watain and the raw aggression of bands like Martyrdöd and Skitsystem. Hints of Whiplash and Agent Steel are clearly evident in the guitar work and are paired with some uncomfortable ambience inspired by the likes of Aphex Twin and Venetian Snares. On the surface, it may feel like one of the less 'complex' songs on the album, but I think there's quite a lot going on throughout”.

In addition, Hellripper has recently announced a string of support shows for thrash metal legend Testament in Spain and France. In addition, Hellripper will next embark on European headline tour alongside Schizophrenia and Sarcator to promote 'Coronach' and has also revealed a number of festival appearances and two performances in Mexico.

Enter the GOAT KVLT HERE.

The brainchild of guitarist/vocalist/solitary force, James McBain, Hellripper has been running like a denim-vested, backpatch-encrusted William Wallace, bravehearting his way through metal's bloodiest battlefields since first coagulating his personal darkness in 2014. Taking armaments from “Kill 'Em All” era Hetfield and “Welcome to Hell” era Mantas, McBain has immersed his fascination with darkness and speed with Scottish history and come with bloody masterpieces like 2023's “Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags” that Metal Injection stated: "Bursts with growth and a mature exploration of darkness and eeriness while maintaining that original high-octane burning”. McBain is presently sharpening his blades and casting new spells that will transmogrify into Hellripper's Century Media debut “Coronach”.

Hellripper Lineup:

James McBain – All Instruments & Vocals

Hellripper live and video performance line-up:

James McBain – Guitar & Vocals

Joseph Quinlan – Guitar

Andy Milburn – Bass

Max Southall – Drums

Album credits:

Recorded and mixed by Hellripper’s James McBain at Coronach Studios in Scotland, UK

Mastered by Damien Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studios in the USA.

Cover Artwork: Adam Burke / Nightjar Illustration

Formats: