Ripper – The Dead Have Rizen

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Formed in 1977 Texan “horror metal” outfit Ripper have been largely inactive for two decades, but The Dead Have Rizen represents their first album for 23 years, original planned as a gift for the old fans, but eventually given a full release. Driven primarily by thick traditional metal riffs the overiding feel is that of a Danzig album, with hints of Iced Earth in the faster sections (Hemicidal). Several tracks could easily be passed off as Danzig, like Driller, the KISS cover God of Thunder and 66 Angel Eyez, while others simply operate within those boundaries. Really though, that comparison should be made the other way round, as Ripper pre-date even Glenn Danzig’s time in The Misfits and had split before he began his solo band. Ripper were one of, if not the, first “horror metal” bands and this new offering fits perfectly into the current sound of the genre they pioneered in the first place. A true triumph in the same sense as Celtic Frost‘s re-entry into their own genre with Monotheist in 2006.

Written by Andy Lye
More: 2009, Albums, Heavy Metal, Quick.Play Reviews, Ripper