Interview with James McBain of Hellripper

Hellripper, the Scottish metal act led by James McBain, has made waves with the release of its fourth full-length album, *Coronach*, under the banner of Century Media. Following a successful collaboration with Finnish blackened metal band Havukruunu, Hellripper has gained a dedicated following, with fans eagerly purchasing merchandise. In a recent interview with Metal Rules, McBain shared insights about the new album and the band’s journey.

Current Happenings in Hellripper

Q: G’day! What’s happening in the Hellripper camp at the moment?

A: Hello! A lot is going on right now! I finished the album at the end of 2025, had a short break, and now things are wild with album promo, photoshoots, video shoots, planning a few tours, and organizing merchandise/album pre-orders! On top of that, I’m handling the usual tasks such as social media, emails, order shipping, and general admin! But I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way!

Signing with Century Media

Transition to a Major Label

Q: You are now signed to Century Media. How did this deal come about, and are you proud to be on one of the biggest metal labels?

A: A couple of people at the label were fans of the band, and it just so happened that we were out of contract! After a few meetings, it was clear that both the label and I had a shared vision for the future of Hellripper, and it felt like the best move going forward! Of course, Century Media is a huge label, and I’m a fan of many bands on their roster, so I’m grateful and pleased to be a part of that!

Smooth Cooperation

Q: Has your cooperation with the label been running smoothly for both sides so far?

A: It has indeed! It’s still early days, and our first album together is yet to be released, but all is going well at the moment.

Reasons for Switching Labels

Q: What was the reason for switching from Peaceville Records to Century Media?

A: It just felt like the right move. I have a great relationship with Peaceville, and they helped the band a great amount. However, my goal is to expand my audience, and because Century Media has offices worldwide, it felt easier to achieve that with them.

Creative Process and New Album Insights

Songwriting Standards

Q: When composing new material for Hellripper, do you have a personal standard that a song must meet?

A: Yes and no. It has to fit the Hellripper vibe, and it’s difficult to tell until it has been fleshed out. Hellripper is primarily a speed metal band, and any other elements should complement that without diluting the music.

Material for *Coronach*

Q: How much new material did you write for this album, and were there any leftover songs?

A: A lot! I don’t think there were any full songs left over, but there were hundreds of ideas and parts that didn’t make the album. I find the best result by piecing together parts from various versions, so many riffs and ideas will likely find their way into future tracks.

Comparison with Previous Works

Q: How would you compare the new material to your previous albums?

A: I think it’s more complex and experimental while still being cohesive. It has some of my fastest and most aggressive tracks yet! I believe it’s my best work to date, but I’ll let the audience decide!

Meaning Behind *Coronach*

Q: Could you tell a bit about the album title “Coronach”?

A: A coronach is an improvised song for the dead, traditionally performed at funerals in Scotland. I liked the sound and imagery it conjured, and it felt like a good album title, differing from my longer previous titles.

Musical Influences and Band Dynamics

Influences on Hellripper’s Sound

Q: How did you get hooked on metal, and do you draw influences from other types of music for Hellripper?

A: I got into metal through Metallica and Megadeth when I was 13. I discovered many genres, and I try to incorporate elements of everything I like into my music, as long as it sounds good!

Origin as a One-Man Band

Q: When you started Hellripper back in 2014, was it always clear it would be a one-man band?

A: Hellripper was conceived as a one-man band initially, as it was a side project, and nobody shared my enthusiasm for this type of music. Inspired by bands like Toxic Holocaust and Bathory, it made sense to follow a similar DIY ethic.

Live Performances

Q: You perform live with a full lineup. Is this a stable band?

A: Yes, it’s a stable lineup. We tour often and spend a lot of time together, so I prefer to be around friends.

Merchandise and Future Plans

Success at Recent Shows

Q: You recently performed with Havukruunu. How did the merchandise sales go?

A: Thank you for coming! It was great to see so much support in Finland. We sold out of everything, which was a fantastic feeling. I appreciate the Finnish support and hope to return!

Upcoming Tours

Q: Do you have major tours planned once the album is out?

A: Yes, we have a lot planned for the next two years. While not all details are concrete, we hope to visit many new places, including a potential return to Finland.

McBain’s Influential Metal Albums

Q: Can you name your five all-time favorite metal albums that shaped your music taste?

A: Here are five albums that were gateways into metal and influenced Hellripper:

• Metallica – *…And Justice For All*
• Megadeth – *Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying*
• Cannibal Corpse – *Evisceration Plague*
• Opeth – *Blackwater Park*
• Type O Negative – *Dead Again*
• Toxic Holocaust – *Evil Never Dies*
• Bathory – *Bathory*
• Midnight – *Satanic Royalty*
• TANK – *Filth Hounds of Hades*
• Sabbat – *Evoke*

Conclusion

James McBain’s journey with Hellripper has been marked by a passion for metal and a commitment to growth. With the release of *Coronach*, the band is set to reach new heights, and the excitement surrounding their performances and merchandise reflects their rising popularity in the metal community. As they continue to tour and expand their audience, the future looks bright for Hellripper.

FAQs

What is the meaning of the album title “Coronach”?

A coronach is a traditional Scottish song for the dead, performed at funerals to honor the deceased.

What are some of McBain’s musical influences?

James McBain cites Metallica, Megadeth, and other metal bands as significant influences on his music style.

Will Hellripper return to Finland for more shows?

While there are no concrete plans yet, McBain expresses a strong desire to return to Finland for future performances.

Is Hellripper a one-man band?

Hellripper began as a one-man band, but now features a stable live lineup for performances.

What can fans expect from the new album?

Fans can expect more complex and experimental material while still maintaining the core speed metal essence of Hellripper.