Scotland’s blackened thrashers HELLRIPPER has unleashed the electrifying title track from his forthcoming fourth studio album, Coronach, due March 27, 2026 via Century Media Records. The release marks mastermind James McBain’s official debut with the label, and arrives alongside a striking lyric video created by Irvan Dionisi (Theblackvisual.id).
Named after the traditional Scottish funeral lament, “Coronach” serves as both thematic and emotional centerpiece of the record. McBain explains that the song draws inspiration from Sir Walter Scott’s poem of the same name, telling the story of a revered yet morally ambiguous figure whose heroic legacy masks darker truths. Musically, the track blends late ’80s thrash ferocity with touches of Bathory, Gallowbraid, and Atlantean Kodex, layered with Iron Maiden–style harmonies, subtle post-punk atmosphere, classical flourishes, and even distant bagpipes.
“This song feels like the perfect farewell to the album”, McBain notes, describing it as a personal musical experiment that pushes HELLRIPPER into broader and more cinematic territory.
Coronach follows 2023’s acclaimed Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags and sees McBain further refining his signature fusion of blistering speed, occult darkness, and Scottish folklore. The album artwork was created by Adam Burke (Nightjar Illustration) and features eight tracks, including previously released cuts “Hunderprest” and “Kinchyle (Goatkraft and Granite)”.
Alongside the single, HELLRIPPER has announced upcoming European tour dates with Schizophrenia and Sarcator, support shows for Testament in Spain and France, festival appearances, and two performances in Mexico.
Coronach is available for pre-order now ahead of its March 27, 2026 release via Century Media Records.
Pre-order / pre-save:
hellripperband.lnk.to/Coronach-AlbumID
Watch “Coronach”:
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