As Hellripper marks a decade of existence, Peaceville presents the five track 2019 release of blistering blackened thrash – Black Arts & Alchemy.
Following the release of debut album Coagulating Darkness in 2017 which thrust Hellripper firmly into the gaze of underground metal maniacs, the Black Arts & Alchemy EP brought even more attention and notoriety to this special act upon its release in 2019, as Hellripper’s ascent gained further momentum. With four black/thrash anthems delivered in Hellripper’s uncompromising & unwavering style, and including an additional cover version of Running wild’s Iron Heads, the release demonstrated an ongoing mastery of composition and execution whilst remaining true to the firm heavy metal roots which had brought so much appraisal to date. Featuring the band’s trademark intricate and expertly-crafted concoction of hyper-speed riffing and solos, Black Arts & Alchemy was also notably mastered by Joel Grind of celebrated US thrashers Toxic Holocaust.
James McBain comments “I’m happy to announce that my 2019 EP ‘Black Arts & Alchemy’ will be repressed by Peaceville Records on vinyl and CD. The new orange vinyl version also contains the bonus cover of Running Wild’s “Iron Heads” which was previously only available on the CD edition. This is an EP that I had a great time recording and marked a turning point for the band – it came at a time when we were embarking on our first tour and we received some great opportunities off the back of it. A couple of the songs on here are still among my favourites that I’ve written and have become staples of our live set. Enjoy… and all hail the goat!”
Black Arts & Alchemy Tracklist
1. All Hail the Goat [03:12]
2. Decrepit Christ [02:54]
3. Black Arts & Alchemy [03:19]
4. Headless Angels [02:58]
PRE-ORDER BLACK ARTS & ALCHEMY RE-PRESS W/ BONUS TRACK (31 MAY)
HELLRIPPER 2024 ‘EVIL OBSESSION’ TOUR DATES WITH SODOM
27/12/2024 – DE | Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle 2
28/12/2024 – DE | Heidelberg – Halle02
29/12/2024 – DE | Regensburg – Eventhall Airport
30/12/2024 – DE | Erfurt – Central
Photo credit – press photo