Scotland's ibex-obsessed blackened thrash bastard of Hades, otherwise known as HELLRIPPER, is pleased to finally release his latest offering, 'Coronach,' today via Century Media Records! In celebration, HELLRIPPER is now sharing a lyric video for the raucous anthem, "Blakk Satanik Fvkkstorm." The video was created by Cloud Motion Design and can be found below.

HELLRIPPER mastermind James McBain says of the album, “‘Coronach’ is a personal exploration of Scottish Culture — its music, literature, history & folklore. The album is the culmination of 3 years of hard work, and is a project that totally consumed me. From Pictish mysteries to Victorian Gothic literature, sinister lore, classic Scottish poetry and modern urban tales, the album tells stories of the country throughout the ages.

"Inspired by anything and everything from Venom and Mercyful Fate, to Watain and Opeth, to Manic Street Preachers, film scores and traditional Scottish music, the album is a good representation of myself all wrapped up in a nice speed metal package!

"Quite a bit of experimentation went into this album, and I wanted each track to contain something that I had never done previously. Whether it be the inclusion of a different instrument, or how a song begins, I aimed to offer some element of surprise in each track.

:The album, named after the vocal lament traditionally sung at funerals in the Scottish Highlands, encompasses everything the band is about: mixing modern and old-school influences, past and present storytelling, the dark side of Scottish history and my personal interpretation of it.

"As always, the writing and recording took place in my home studio, with various other people putting their stamp on a few of the tracks. The album was mixed by myself, and was mastered by Damian Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studios and the artwork was done by Adam Burke (Nightjar Illustration).

"Fàilte gu Alba - Welcome to Scotland!"

In regards to the new single, McBain adds "'Blakk Satanik Fvkkstorm' is “a tale of witchcraft and possession set in a bleak moorland village inspired by Victorian Gothic Literature - particularly the ghost story of 'Thrawn Janet' by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. Lyrically, to match the vibe and energy of the track, I wanted my interpretation of the tale to feel like an 80's horror film. This is perhaps the most "full-on" track on the album, and that's reflected in its shorter length. It's motor-charged, black 'n' roll in the vein of Venom, with a dose of classic heavy metal for good measure!”.

'Coronach' has been released worldwide on March 27, 2026 via Century Media Records, making it his debut to the label! 'Coronach' can be streamed, downloaded, or ordered HERE.

In addition, Hellripper will soon embark on European headline tour alongside Schizophrenia and Sarcator to promote 'Coronach.' He will also appear on a number of festivals this year and has also announced a string of support shows for thrash metal legend Testament in Spain and France. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets can be found HERE.

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: