Hellripper - Coronach

"Every part of the record sounds classic, but none of it dated."

Artist: Hellripper
Album Title: Coronach
Record Label: Century Media Records
Genre: Blackened Speed Metal
For Fans Of:  Midnight, Venom, Bewitcher, Exmortus 
Release Date: March 27th, 2026

James McBain is known as Hellripper and The Goat. He should now also be referred to as “The Flamkekeeper.” Four albums in, Hellripper is keeping traditional heavy metal cool. As all the legends and pioneers have aged, retired, or expired, there hasn’t been enough young talent carrying the mantel. While new exciting metal genres have come and gone, the classic heavy metal spirit has been in danger of going the way of jazz or the blues. ‘Coronach’ threads the impossible needle of staying true to the heavy metal spirit, while also sounding fresh and hungry. Every part of the record sounds classic, but none of it dated. Time will tell, but I also think the closing title track should belong in the pantheon of some of THE all time epic heavy metal tunes. All hail the goat indeed.

Rating

“AOTY Contender”

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All-Timer
AOTY Contender
Great Album
Pretty Good
It’s Fine
For Niche Tastes Only
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