The one-man, blackened metal force from Scotland that is James McBain, better known as Hellripper, has announced his next iteration on Century Media Records. Highly regarded for his songwriting acumen and pedigree of timeless influences, McBain delivered one of heavy music's most celebrated full length's in 2023's Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags.
Last year, Hellripper also unleashed the two-track EP in Fork-Tongued Messiah/Punk Rock Classic, showcasing a sonic blitz of black thrash attack defined by insane performative chops and a relentless, battle-tested sound.
"I'm very pleased to announce that HELLRIPPER is now working with Century Media Records!" confirmed McBain. "It's a label that I've followed for a long time now and am honoured to become a part of such a great legacy. We share a common vision for the future of the band, and together, we vow to spread the word of the Goat Kvlt! I'm excited to embark on this new chapter of the band's journey and I can't wait to share it with you all! All Hail the Goat!"
The announcement for Hellripper adds to an already pivotal year that saw the project expand its reach live, submitting highlight sets at important international festivals including Beyond the Gates in Norway, Brutal Assault in the Czech Republic and Germany's Summer Breeze. Hellripper would also make their live debut on US soil this year, delivering a all-timer at Hell's Heroes in Texas last spring.
Vice President of A&R for Century Media , Mike Gitter, shared his excitement for the outlook with Hellripper joining the Century Media roster. "HELLRIPPER is the high-bar for thrash. Like an angry billy goat, with his beard washed in blood, James McBain is a feral force that brings together the best elements of metal, black metal, crusty, d-beat punk and speed metal. James' sonic evil knows no boundaries and isn't afraid to push the extremes of earslaughtering noise or unexpected guitar melodies. Century Media is proud to be a refuge for the Goat Horde!"
Though currently preparing his label debut due to land next year, Hellripper has a handful of live dates remaining on the year. With sets at Damnation Festival in the UK later this year as well as a cluster of European fest dates over the next few weeks, the cult of Hellripper continues to expand. See the list of dates and cities below.

HELLRIPPER Festival Dates
16 August 2025: Essen (DE) @ Turock Sommerfest
17 August 2025: Eindhoven (NL) @ Dynamo Metal Fest
23 August 2025: Sheffield (UK) @ Cosmic Vibration Fest
05 September 2025: Huttikon (CH) @ Meh Suff! Metal Festival
19 September 2025: Villingen-Schwenningen (DE) @ Black Forest Festival
20 September 2025: Schrobenhausen (DE) @ Metal im Woid Festival
11 October 2025: Leiden (NL) @ Metal Experience Festival
09 November 2025: Manchester (UK) @ Damnation Festival
06 December 2025: Wolverhampton (UK) @ Bloodstock Winter Gathering
21 March 2026: Aalst (BE) @ Oilsjt Omploft Fest
28 March 2026: Bern (CH) @ emMetal Rocks