Having released the masterful The Affair of the Poisons in 2020 on Peaceville Records, James McBain and his electrifying brand of blackened thrash fast propelled Hellripper to the forefront of the UK metal scene – now get ready for Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags - Hellripper’s third studio album.

Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags establishes a new threshold of excellence and raises the bar further over The Affair of the Poisons, with an opus standing at the crossroads between the sound that Hellripper has become known for and a whirlwind of different influences up until now yet to be explored, resulting in James McBain’s most personal and diverse work to date. With a greatly expanded scope to the tracks, incorporating more epic and melodic blackened anthems alongside the high-speed metal attack and blistering solos,the album marks a new high point for the band.

Inspired by the landscapes and legends of the Scottish Highlands, McBain explores the darker side of Scottish history and folklore - the title itself taken from a line in the Robert Burns poem, "Address to the Deil" - as well as including references to clan culture (including his own) throughout the album.

As always, the writing and recording process was carried out by McBain himself, with a few guests offering contributions in the form of additional vocals and instrumental parts. With recording taking place between March 2021 and June 2022, the album was mixed by McBain, and mastered by Damian Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studios. The suitably sinister and ominous artwork appears courtesy of Adam Burke/ Nightjar Illustration.

"McBain's musicianship is ragged and brilliant" - The WIRE

"Scotland's King of the Arcane Mosh" - Metal Hammer

"You will bang your head, you will slop beer everywhere, you will thrash like a maniac - Hellripper fucking rule." - Kerrang!