Richard HolmesSong
Hunderprest
Artist
Hellripper
Hellripper backstory
Hellripper are one of the UK’s best DIY success stories. Initially the studio project of Highlands-based multi-instrumentalist James McBain, they’ve blossomed into a festival-slaying live act, with a ‘goat kvlt’ worshipping at their altar.
Debut album Coagulating Darkness, self-released by McBain in 2017, lit the flame… and by 2023’s Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags, Hellripper was a blazing inferno of thrash, black metal and Motörpunk, spreading across the globe.
McBain’s next instalment, Coronach, is set to drop this spring – and Hunderprest is the second song to be taken from the album, following Kinchyle (Goatkraft And Granite).
Video footage comes from 2025’s Damnation Festival.
In James McBain’s own words
“Coronach’ is a personal exploration of Scottish Culture – its music, literature, history & folklore,” says McBain of the new record.
“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.
“Sonically 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!
“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.”
The verdict on Hunderprest
Like much of Hellripper’s work, Hunderprest is a snarling, mutant beestie of a tune, with nearly 50 years of metal history running through its blackened veins.
Indeed, McBain seems to be possessed by a Highland-dwelling Cerberus, stitched together from Hammett, Shermann and Mustaine, as he shreds across the tune.
The twists are exquisite.
The musicianship is exceptional.
And there’s a spectral aura to Hunderprest that would surely get King Diamond’s royal approval. Or Necrophobic’s…
Put this together with Kinchyle (Goatkraft And Granite) and we could have a monumental album on our hands.
We’re counting down the days.
What’s next for Hellripper?
Hellripper will be kicking off their Goatkraft And Granite European tour at Oilsjt Omploft Festival in Aalst Belgium on March 21, and Coronach will be released via Century Media Records on March 27, to coincide with their gig at Glasgow Garage. Sarcator and Schizophrenia will be tagging along for the ride.