Graveripper – ‘From Welkin to Tundra’ (Wise Blood Records)

Graveripper – ‘From Welkin to Tundra’ (Wise Blood Records)

Graveripper are a three-piece thrash combo from Indianapolis. They make a lovely noise. They hit the thrashing trail back in 2019 and have released an EP with the catchy title of ‘Radiated Remains’. They followed that up with a full-length LP – (Seasons Dreaming Death).

This latest effort, ‘From Welkin to Tundra’ is a full-on monster of an album. I can hear a plethora of influences, from Death to Iron Maiden, there’s even a hint of Lemmy and the boys in the mix. Add in some classic Venom and you’ve got a good idea of how Graveripper sound.

The atmospheric intro ‘Welkin, Now Tundra’ kicks off the album in style before the sledgehammer ear assault of ‘Bring Upon Pain’ shows you what Graveripper are capable of. Drummer Nick James plays an absolute blinder; it’s exhausting just listening to his barrage of double kick drums and blast beats. ‘Hexenhammer’ takes into Morbid Angel territory, guitarist/vocalist Corey Parks spits out the lyrics with power. Death’s Cold Embrace is another face melter, Parks is a very competent guitarist, and he shows off his chops here.

‘Sanctioned Slaughter’ has echoes of early Machine Head, crunchy riffs and more astounding drumming from James. ‘Hounds From Hell’ shows that there’s no slowing down, another belter of a track. New Gods, New Masters is another showcase for Graveripper’s obvious talents, including a fantastic mid-paced neck stretcher of a riff.

‘…And Now It’s Dark’ has more of a punk feel, Discharge come to mind. ‘Bullet Laden Crown’ starts with a melodic riff before we head off to full on metal mayhem again. Awesome stuff. The album concludes with ‘Burning Barren Plains’ which gives the listener another sonic assault.

‘From Welkin to Tundra’ is a fantastic album. I loved every minute. I look forward to hearing more of Graveripper. The album is released on October 17th. Go and grab a physical copy if you can!

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Author: Kenny Kendrick

Graveripper – ‘Seasons Dreaming Death’ (Wise Blood Records)

Graveripper – ‘Seasons Dreaming Death’ (Wise Blood Records)

Strap yourselves in motherfuckers because Graveripper are unleashing Holy Hell and all that is dark, thrashing, and evil upon us. I think I was guided by dark unspeakable forces when writing the review for this OTT slab of metal thrashing madness. Part old school Thrash part Black metal, Whatever it is it’s unashamed Black/thrash all the way from Indianapolis, Indiana, Hell Hole central it would seem.

Back in 2021, Wise Blood turned summer into a nuclear winter when they released “Radiated Remains,” the first EP from GRAVERIPPER. Two summers later, they return with their debut LP of crypt-crushing black thrash, ‘Seasons Dreaming Death’.

“Radiated Remains” (mastered by Toxic Holocaust’s Joel Grind) introduced a band fusing thrash and black metal with evil vocals the thrashing speed and pit-stirring beats would be a speeding violation on any continent let alone their hometown. From the first vicious riff of lead single ‘Into the Grave,’ ‘Seasons Dreaming Death’ launches a bone-crushing, face-melting metallic 33-minute of uncompromising metal assault. Faster. Heavier. Catchier. More moshable despite the emphasis on blackened melody and solos. Graveripper takes no prisoners and compromises for nobody.

“Refined Expansion,” Parks describes. “Double down on what resonates with us, but also introduce some new arrangements, ideas, themes, and influences. With this being a full-length record there was a lot more room to do that. We introduced more Teutonic thrash worship that teeters on the line of death metal. We also took this as an opportunity to prove we can really play some straightforward malicious black metal riffing as well. All while keeping the overall sonic goal of sewing black and thrash together in our own unique ratio.”

Of all things unholy you need this in your blackened collection. Buy steal or borrow (and never return it obviously) this played suitably loud is one Hell of a racket, full of chest-beating, confident, black thrash, and done as well as anyone could imagine. Not to be confused with Hellripper from this side of the pond but equally impressive tunes and the artwork is something else, simply superb.

“[The album title] is my take on Halloween/Samhain,” Parks confirms, “the day of the year where the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is the thinnest.” Evil fucker I say buy it and at least keep him happy so he doesn’t unleash the horses of the apocalypse upon us. Thrash or die motherfuckers thrash or die!

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Author: Dom ‘Demonic’ Daley