I had always assumed that Hellripper, without actually hearing them, was a sort of Toxic Holocaust type of band, doing the same black thrash sort of stuff. Boy, was I ever wrong. Hellripper uses a speed metal base with a level of technicality on par with Rust in Peace era Megadeth and adds to that plenty of second wave black metal influence, complete with coldly melodic riffs and harsh high vocals. The guitar solos are absolutely magical, and we get a ton of them, with flurries of notes and soaring melodies. I have a feeling that this record will be called at least a minor classic in the years to come. It's that good. I'm not surprised by the overwhelming popularity this seems to enjoy online already, nor the positive reception. Every song is good, memorable, and distinct from the other songs. Hellripper really shows what's possible within this style and that there are indeed new records that will stand tall with the classics of the genre.