Reveiw: Hellripper - Coronach (2026)

Band: Hellripper
Album: Coronach
Genre: Black/Speed Metal
Country: United Kingdom
Label: Century Media Records
Released: March 27, 2026

Introduction:

Since 2014, James McBain, the singular architect behind Hellripper, has been on a relentless upward trajectory, transforming from a bedroom-project curiosity into Scotland’s undisputed king of the "arcane mosh." Following the massive success of 2023’s Warlock's Grim & Withered Hags, the anticipation for a successor was reaching a fever pitch. Hellripper has always occupied a unique sonic space where the primitive filth of Venom and Darkthrone collides with the razor-sharp precision of Megadeth and the rock ‘n’ roll swagger of Motörhead. With the release of their fourth full-length effort, Coronach, McBain proves that he isn't just maintaining the throne; he is expanding the borders of his kingdom, incorporating a more sophisticated sense of atmosphere and Scottish heritage into his signature high-octane formula.

Coronach:

Track Listing:

1. Hunderprest
2. Kinchyle (Goatkraft and Granite)
3. The Art of Resurrection
4. Baobhan Sith (Waltz of the Damned)
5. Blakk Satanik Fvkkstorm
6. Sculptor's Cave
7. Mortercheyn
8. Coronach

The title Coronach refers to a traditional Highland funeral lament, and while the album is steeped in the dark folklore and history of McBain’s homeland, the music is anything but somber. Opening track Hundeprest sets a blistering pace, immediately showcasing a more adventurous songwriting style. The riffs remain serrated and frantic, but they are now layered with keyboards and melodic guitar harmonies reminiscent of Iron Maiden, providing a symphonic depth that feels new for the project.

​McBain handles every instrument on the recording, and his growth as a composer is evident in the album’s pacing. Tracks like Baobhan Sith (Waltz of the Damned) offer a masterclass in blackened thrash, twisting through eerie nursery-rhyme motifs and demonic speed. Meanwhile, Mortercheyn, a conceptual sequel to The Nuckelavee, utilizes an Arabian scale and symphonic undertones to evoke a sense of creeping, historical disease.

​The production on Coronach is arguably the best in the band’s catalog. It manages to sound massive and professional without sacrificing the grit essential to the genre. The technicality has also been dialed up; the solos are more intricate, and the drumming is more nuanced, moving beyond simple D-beats into more progressive territory. Yet, the heart of Hellripper remains the "black ‘n’ roll" spirit. Even at its most complex, the album never loses sight of the hook, ensuring these songs are destined to become staples of the live circuit.

Conclusion:

​Coronach is a Blackened thrash masterpiece. The sound of a musician operating at the absolute peak of his powers. By blending the raw aggression of his early EPs with the thematic depth of Scottish folklore and a newfound experimental streak, James McBain has crafted what is likely the definitive Hellripper album. It is a record that respects its primitive roots while refusing to be limited by them. For those who value speed, conviction, and a touch of the macabre, Coronach is an essential listen and a strong contender to be one of tge best metal release of 2026. The goat has been hailed once again.

BMZ Rating: 10/10

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