Do you remember when Skeletonwitch dropped their 2018 masterpiece, Devouring Radiant Light, a radical change in sound that saw the band fully embrace the black metal side of their black-thrash sound? If you liked that, you’ll love what Indianapolis black-thrashers Graveripper are up to on From Welkin to Tundra, their second full-length.
Due out later this week on Wise Blood Records, From Welkin to Tundra draws heavily from the likes of Immortal and Aura Noir alongside the expected influences of Midnight and Motörhead. After a quick intro, things get off to a blazing start with “Bring Upon Pain,” which is loaded with neck-snapping riffs and a layer of blackened ice. Guitarist Corey Parks is on fire from the get-go, packing a blazing solo into the track.
As the album progresses, Graveripper delve further and further into black metal territory, employing blast beats and hypnotic tremolo picking alongside in-your-face thrash riffs. While it’s not a total about face for Graveripper, it’s a huge step forward for the quartet.
“Welkin leans more into Black Metal while retaining the distinct Graveripper thrash sound,” Parks says. “There were parts of a previous EP, Radiated Remains, that were not expanded upon on Seasons Dreaming Death. It’s done more on Welkin. The songs are a more ‘back to basics’ vibe, but not in a basic way, if that makes sense.”
The album art, which was done by well-known artist Adam Burke, reflects the album as well, according to Parks:
“Cold, bleak, decrepit. What was once a gleaming, flourishing haven is now an inhabitable ruin. To see the gold walls of heaven dull, discolored, and engulfed in a frozen wasteland.”
You can listen to From Welkin to Tundra below and purchase it via Bandcamp.
The post Full Album Stream: Graveripper – “From Welkin to Tundra” appeared first on Decibel Magazine.