BlackenedDeathMetalZine: Hellripper Interview

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Hellripper Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with you and your musical projects these days?

Well, I have released three EPs so far this year with 3 different bands; Hellripper, Rats of Reality and Lock Howl. At the moment I have 3 split EPs confirmed with Hellripper and all should (hopefully) be out before the end of the year and I am working on a death metal EP that I also hope to release this year.

2.In January you had released an ep with your solo project, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?

'The Manifestation of Evil' contains 4 tracks and is under 10 minutes long, so it's quite fast. I would describe the sound as a mixture of first-wave black metal and speed/thrash.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects that you explore with your music in the bands?

The lyrical themes in Hellripper tend to be horror-based and in most cases involve the occult. The lyrics in Rats of Reality tend to focus on “real” subjects and reflects more on the state of society at the moment and with Lock Howl the lyrics are quite dark and focus on a few things, one being the paranormal.

4.With 'Hellripper' you had some lyrics that where more satanic, can you tell us alittle bit more about your interest in Satanism?

I don't really have an interest in Satanism to be honest. The theme fits the music of Hellripper and is quite fun to sing about. That's about it really.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Hellripper"?

There is no particular meaning, the name just popped into my head one day and I thought it sounded cool.

6.With 'Hellripper' you record everything by yourself, how would you compare that to working with a full band?

It's different in quite a lot of ways, the main thing being that working on your own means there is no compromises, but it also means there are no outside opinions or ideas that could potentially improve a song.

7.Can you tell us a little bit more about your other band 'Rats Of Reality'?

Rats of Reality is a band that started last year at some point by Peter (drums) and I. We released an EP last year where Peter played drums and bass and I handled guitar and vocals. The EP had a sort of old-school punk sound mixed with some thrash. Not long after the EP was released, Clarkie joined on bass and we soon started to play gigs. We released a second EP last month in which the sound changed quite dramatically and is more black metal influenced crust.

8.What are some of the best shows you have played with 'Rats Of Reality' and also how would you describe your stage performance and also are there any touring plans for the future?

I couldn't really pick out a particular show that I would say was the “best” since I think quite a few have been great (some have been not so great but that's how it goes). I feel our songs have quite a lot of energy in them so each performance is quite lively. We are hoping to tour later this year but nothing is set in stone yet.

9.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

I'm currently looking for a label to release a split involving Hellripper and a label to release some CD's of the latest RoR EP.

10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of the more extreme styles of metal and punk?

From what I've heard, feedback has been pretty positive!

11.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?

Hopefully I will be doing more-or-less the same thing involving a few different projects/bands from multiple genres and hopefully the songs will continue to improve.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I'm influenced by any sort of rock/metal music from blues to death metal. Regarding Hellripper, influences include Sabbat [JPN], Venom, Celtic Frost and similar bands.

A few of my favourite bands at the moment are: Crypt Sermon, Beastmilk, Enforcer and Ranger.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

I'm into football, that's about it really.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for the interview and to anyone who bothered to read this far! Check out the music if you haven't already and thanks for the support!