Boneripper – World Ablaze

Rising from the ashes of Manu Armata comes Boneripper, a Dutch metallic hardcore quintet consisting of Eric (guitar), Jeljer (guitar), WD (vocals), Douwe (bass) and Kees-Jan (drums). In the accompanying press that came with this album, the band noted that they had evolved and moulded their sound as a band, trying to get more brutal and aggressive. That’s exactly what we can hear on band’s debut full-length entitled World Ablaze. It is the follow up record after their 2023 debut EP Vengeance & Forgiveness.

Despite of being a relatively new constellation these guys sounds have a nice interplay and understanding between each of them. I don’t know if it’s got something to do with the fact that three of the five band members are actual brothers (!), but they complement each other perfectly. As quoted in the press, this 10-tracker full-length brings more fury, with heavy riffs, hard grooves and energetic vocals.

Boneripper take 21 minutes to rip through 10 tracks, lyrically touching on topics (as the title World Ablaze suggests) of climate changes, war, fake news, discrimination, societal turmoil, religious and racists extremism and hate in general. Due to the short nature of this record, here is no let up from the moment you press play bottom for the first time. Every song is pretty aggressive, and all songs are really tight, fast and delivered with a ruthless efficiency.

Track listing:

1. Final Warning
2. The Abyss
3. Desolated
4. Fear of Death
5. Mental Warfare
6. Forever
7. Xenophobic
8. Hate is Hollow
9. Rise Back Up
10. Beyond Redemption

Boneripper, with their latest opus World Ablaze, is a testimony to raw and brutal metallic hardcore legacy where some of their inspirations utilized in the late 80s and early 90s. It sounds raw, brutal, powerful yet precise and perfectly crafted. I like the punchy rhythms that are driving the music forward. Equally the intense and passionate angry vocals, demanding infecious groovy interplay between the two guitarists, and often thunderous drumming. This combination helps crafting an atmosphere that is intense and captivating, creating a visceral & enticing listening experience.

Being deeply influenced by the beatdown hardcore of the 80s and 90s, Boneripper is no exception, but the production style has improved. This improved sound quality is important because modern hardcore (and music in general) has been relying on a strong and solid production.

World Ablaze might not be the most innovative nor groundbreaking album out there, but it is definitely a record that is an absolute pleasure to listen to – multiple times. Thus, what you can expect on World Ablaze is a lethal dose of brutal yet metallic hardcore, that is energetic and straight to the face. Especially recommended for fans of Simulakra, Terror, Biohazard, Hatebreed, Sworn Enemy and similar prominent hardcore acts.

Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to Hard Life Promotion for letting us review Boneripper and their latest opus, World Ablaze. Further information on this album, released in early summer 2024 you can find over at their bandcamp.