Scotland’s Hellripper release their fourth black tinged album of metal, Coronach, on 27th March through Century Media Records, and have issued several singles from it already this year, the most recent being ‘Mortercheyn‘.
“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,” said Hellripper guitarist/vocalist/songwriter James McBain, continuing, “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.”
“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.”
Formed in 2014, Hellripper’s James McBain has immersed his fascination with darkness and speed with Scottish history across a series of albums. Coronach is his first for Century Media.
Recorded and mixed by McBain at Coronach Studios in Scotland, then mastered by Damien Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studios in the USA. Cover artwork was undertaken by Adam Burke/Nightjar Illustration. The album will be available as a jewel case CD, digital album and in a variety of 180g vinyl editions.
Coronach features the tracks: ‘Hunderprest‘, ‘Kinchyle (Goatkraft And Granite)‘, ‘The Art Of Resurrection‘, ‘Baobhan Sith (Waltz Of The Damned)‘, ‘Blakk Satanik Fvkkstorm‘, ‘Sculptor’s Cave‘, ‘Mortercheyn‘ and ‘Coronach‘.
Hellripper will be undertaking a number of UK and European live dates this year. Live, aside from James McBain on guitar and vocals, the band will feature Joseph Quinlan (guitar), Andy Milburn (bass) and Max Southall (drums).
Watch the video for ‘Mortercheyn‘, directed by David Gregory:
