It is hard to get it in a first listen, but HELLRIPPER is a one man project. Coming to us from Scotland, This EP is called "The Manifestation Of Evil" and it is a vulgar display of pure metal. In an attempt to create Speed/Black Metal, James McBain created something that combines almost every dirty style in the metal world together. The entire EP doesn't even last 10 minutes long, yet while understanding this is a one-maned project it's hard not to appreciate the work done to create those not-even-10 minutes.

The lyrics of this album are satanic and evil like we all must love, but it's almost impossible to understand them- like we are all used to. I'll admit it, I do have a problem with songs in which I have to struggle in order to understand the lyrics, and in this album, asides from few words shouted during the chorus, I didn't understand a word. This is classic for the lighter Black Metal listeners. In some way, all four songs are quite similar but each one has its' one thing. In general, the EP is very special and well produced. The songs are extremely fast, and it's fine. Some of the guitars lines, such as in the "Flash Ripper" solo or in "Total Mayhem", sound like they were taken from Heavy Metal, that which gives the songs a nice twist without having a weird sound to it. It sounds almost like each instrument comes out from a different genre of metal that which makes it very interesting to listen to. Moreover when realizing all are done by the same person.

The EP is produced in high quality and a lot of thought was invested into it. It is absolutely noted that the guitars are the main issue in this piece, and for that they are the defiantly the most interesting part. The riffs are changing and are giving each song its' own sense. The solos, for that, are something close to brilliant. A solo that is a personal favorite of mine is the one in "Trial By Fire", one of the best parts in the album in my opinion. The drums, on the other hand, are simply a well done backup for everything else; they do not contribute anything unique to the blend. The vocals are a nice touch to rap it all up together. McBain has great vocal qualities, but they are most certainty are not the main show here. All combined, this work of one man is a very good one.