Hellripper – Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags

Unleashed in February 2023, “Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags” by Hellripper isn’t just an album, it’s a descent into a crypt overflowing with heavy metal bats and cackling banshees. Gone are the days of pure, unadulterated thrash; this opus marks a new chapter for the one-man Scottish whirlwind, James McBain. It’s a sprawling, ambitious journey through blackened anthems, epic melodies, and blistering solos, all woven together with McBain’s signature devilish charm.

Imagine, if you will, a moonless night on the windswept Scottish moors. The air crackles with unseen energies, and the distant hills whisper forgotten lore. Suddenly, a bloodcurdling scream pierces the silence, ripped from the throat of a warlock awakened from his unholy slumber. This is the world of “Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags.”

The title track, a seven-minute behemoth, sets the tone perfectly. Moody guitars give way to a spine-tingling lead riff, before erupting into a blackened frenzy. Bagpipes wail like tormented spirits, adding a distinctly Scottish flair to the sonic chaos. It’s a masterclass in atmosphere and songwriting, showcasing McBain’s growth as a musician and storyteller.

But “Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags” is far from a one-trick pony. Tracks like “The Nuckelavee” and “The Hissing Marshes” are pure thrash gold, while “Lost in the Heart of the Highlands” takes on a more melancholic tone, evoking the desolation of the Scottish landscape. And then there’s “Mester Stoor Worm,” an eight-minute epic that winds its way through tempo changes and psychedelic detours, leaving the listener breathless and bewildered.

Throughout the album, McBain’s vocals snarl and spit venom, embodying the depravity of his warlock protagonists. He’s a deranged preacher in the pulpit of heavy metal, beckoning listeners into his twisted world with every bloodcurdling scream and guttural growl.

“Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags” is more than just a metal album; it’s an experience. It’s a plunge into the darkest corners of Scottish folklore, a night spent carousing with witches and demons under a malevolent sky.