Hellripper announces new album 'Coronach' + streams lead single

The follow-up to "Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags" (2023) sets the bar for contemporary speed metal.

Photograph by MM Photography

On March 27th, Scotland's own James McBain's Hellripper will release his new album, Coronach, via Century Media, encapsulating Scotland through his signature blend of black and speed metal. With artwork by THE Adam Burke and a chainsaw of a lead single, Coronach starts its release cycle strongly, raising the stakes for a discography that has yet to fail.

McBain comments on the album:

"'Coronach’ is a personal exploration of Scottish Culture — its music, literature, history & folklore. 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!”

Stream Hunderprest below and pre-order the record via Century Media.

Cover Artwork by Adam Burke