Tasmanian extreme metal bands are just slightly different than most, and it is what makes the current scene so exciting. Even with the polished and precise Psycroptic; there is an edge that you can’t put your figure on sonically, but you know it’s there in spirit, maybe it is the devil in us all. Where you can distinguish Tasmanian bands from the rest is with attitude and vitality. Grim Ripper are another fine example of this.

Hellhammer had a unique ability to sound like they were having fun in a sleazy smoke filled cellar, and being possessed by Satan at the same time. I think their best work was Apocalyptic Raids, and I feel that same energy with Grim Ripper on Into the River of Oblivion.

Grim Ripper has core values entrenched in Black Metal, and that is evident watching them play live, with the vocals particularly more blackened that on record. However, there is plenty of pure Heavy Metal and Death Metal worship on In the River of Oblivion as well, delivered with that same Hellhammer balance and a bit of Sabbath there too. Into the River of Oblivion is a varied record, and with 2 tracks edging 6 minutes and another one at 5.30, the band can rock through ebbs and flows with ease. But from start to finish, Into the River of Oblivion is a killer release from a Tasmanian band.

Grim Ripper are a unique band when you look at the experience within. Paul only started playing guitar 4 years ago (it doesn’t show), Dave played on Portal’s first two releases, Keith is an experienced drummer and their current bassist is a student studying at the University Conservatorium. But it all works, and they have great chemistry live and on record.

Sometimes when you analyse an album, you can become caught up in genre specifics and try too hard to describe dynamics and atmosphere. Into the River of Oblivion is an album that certainly has song craft that is smarter than it appears. The River of Oblivion is the Lethe, located in the underworld, it is a place where souls can erase their memories and past experiences, and it is a river where Satan once contemplated plunging into. Then you have the “Litanies of Satan,” inspired by the Charles Baudelaire poem that substitutes Mary for Satan, and then the outshining of William Blake’s take on gaining hardship through experience on the brilliant “Savagery and Innocence.” Tasmanian extreme metal bands cannot and do not fake it, and here Grim Ripper do not get too fancy. This is a band’s band. Into the River of Oblivion sounds raw and live. Grim Ripper are guitar dwellers, and it is great to hear and see.

“At War” opens the album in a fine way, with grim samples for the first few seconds, the track explodes with a Tom G Warrior “ough.” The riffs are infectious, and the gravel in the vocals of Dave embodies the forefathers of metal. Grim Ripper put it all out there, and it is pure joy to listen to. What they do well also is variation of pace. It shows maturity and song craft. “Blood Trail” has a decent amount of swagger and spite, and the lead guitar work is exceptional - for you, there is no escape! a very memorable song.

5 of the 7 tracks appeared on their Demo/Ep from 2023, so there is a bit of “give me more here,” but they have re-recorded the songs, and they sound better, and a full length is a damn statement for a new band. They signed to Grindhead Records and probably fulfilled many dreams in doing so. Into the River of Oblivion is the band planting the flag into the ground, drinking from the river and telling everyone else where to stick it.

“Get Ripped or Get Fucked” has a catchy yet sinister vibe seeping through the guitar and bass lines. I mentioned before that they deploy a good balance of evil and fun, With songs around it that are lyrically inspired by William Blake, John Milton and Charles Baudelaire, I think a song about getting ripped sounds a bit out of place. It is a very minor gripe, but also another example of Grim Ripper just doing what they want to do.

Grim Ripper already has some new songs on their current live set, and I have seen them rip these out, and I am excited for what is ahead for them. I was standing next to Simon Dower from Abramelin during a recent gig in Hobart, and I can confirm that he was very much into this band. So should you! Killer stuff!

BANDCAMP