GRAVERIPPER hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana were formed in 2019. They play a mix of Black, Thrash, and Speed Metal and released two EPs and one full-length album so far. Their sophomore album "From Welkin To Tundra" was mixed by Niko Albanese (ICE HOWL) and mastered by Joe Causey. It has a length of about 33 minutes, and it was released via US Heavy, Thrash, and Black Metal specialists Wise Blood Records. The first song of the album is "Welkin, Now Tundra". It is an introductory instrumental with powerful guitar riffs at a measured tempo and it sets the scene for the album. The track transitions into "Bring Upon Pain", which explodes into crazy pace with direct and aggressive guitar riffs, supported by plenty of double-bass drumming. The vocals are growls, varying around the medium end of the guttural range. The track has a lot of Black and Speed Metal vibes. A short break delivers a short but contributing lead guitar solo. "Hexenhammer" maintains the pace and insanity of the preceding song It also keeps the aggression level high. The guitar riffing is tight during the verse parts, and it is accompanied by the relentless double-bass drumming. The melodies during the chorus parts are spine-chilling and have some traces of melancholy. "Hexenhammer" was uploaded on YouTube by the band, and the link is provided below.

"Death's Cold Embrace" keeps going with the madness in terms of tempo and aggression. The guitar riffing is simple and direct, and there are some Hardcore and Punk vibes. At the end of the track,, there is a short mid-tempo break, with the melodies and riffing being Black Metal inspired. "Sanctioned Slaughter" is another fast track with tight Thrash Metal riffing. The vocals have a bit more versatility by including a few distinct tonal shifts during the bridges. While the verse parts have the most Thrash Metal vibes, the choruses and the break focus on delivering grim melodies. "Hounds From Hell" continues with the Thrash Metal attack, the pace, aggression, tight guitar riffing, and the double-bass attacks. The bridge adds a few Hardcore vibes to the mix, while the chorus is kept very simple and almost anthemic. There is a mid-tempo break included with another short lead guitar solo added. After another chorus, the track fades out slowly. "No Gods, No Masters" starts with a short mid-tempo part, leading into a fast verse part with the typical tight guitar riffing. The chorus slows down to mid-tempo with powerful guitar riffing. The break is introduced by crushing basslines and punishing guitar riffs.

"…And Now It's Dark" starts with devastating guitar riffs and strong basslines at mid-tempo leading into a fast verse part. It is a very aggressive track with direct and simple riffs, where the vocals follow the melodies. It is notable, that there are many twists and turns in tempo and rhythm during the track. "Bullet Laden Crown" is introduced by a short instrumental part driven by the guitars at a measured tempo and grim melodies. It does not take long to change pace with a staccato-type of riffing during the verse part. The choruses and especially the break have plenty of Black Metal vibes in the riffing. The break offers bone-chilling and atmospheric melodies. The album closes with "Burning Barren Plains" and this is a mixture of fast Thrash Metal oriented verse parts and mid-tempo melodic chorus parts. The guitar riffing during the verses is tight, while the melodies during the chorus parts are grim. The break is uncharacteristically long with an extended lead guitar solo. The solo is the highlight of the track.

GRAVERIPPER release a sophomore album that does not fit into a traditional genre thinking. "From Welkin To Tundra" offers a smart blend of different styles with Black and Thrash Metal at its core but also including Speed Metal, Hardcore, and Punk elements. The album contains 10 short and simple tracks, most of them being fast with very simple and direct guitar riffing and plenty of double-bass drumming. It is not a technically comprehensive delivery; the album focusses on directness and aggression. The album is well produced. Fans of Black and Thrash Metal will love what GRAVERIPPER offers.