Review: “World Ablaze” by Boneripper

Looking at a world torn apart by conflict, hatred towards each other and the toxic ideologies of religious extremists, Dutch Metallic Hardcore crew Boneripper have put their fate in their hands with a debut album that encourages mankind to find the strength to pull themselves through. Hailing from the northern most reaches of The Netherlands and featuring in their ranks former and current members of Manu Armata, 13Steps and Bladecrusher, they have the weight of experience on their side as well as three blood brothers, the Glashouwer trio, in their line up. Following up last summers EP “Vengeance & Forgiveness” they delve into into themes of societal turmoil, from war and climate change to fake news and discrimination, reflecting on the despair those issues can evoke and the resilience required to persevere…

Taking a leaf from the Hatebreed book of Hardcore, a powerhouse instrumental is accompanied by a quote from “1984” by George Orwell as “Final Warning” makes the suggestion that all is not well with Humanity on Planet Earth. Between pulverising verses NYHC influences bleed out around the chorus of “The Abyss“, a track classically styled with razor sharp riffs flying in all directions. Driven by powerful percussive battery and biting vocals, it has another sample as Morgan Freeman speaks of an apocalyptic future and has been cleverly designed to get you thinking once the mosh pit action is over. Gang chants add another dimension to “Desolated“, a cut which could have easily been from any American Hardcore band as it has not even the smallest trace any accenting to give its source away. A melodic lull in the centre builds atmosphere before the final verse and chorus slaps back and it has to be said that what Boneripper have created is an instantly accessible, uncomplicated and yet thought provoking Metallic Hardcore record that is an absolute pleasure. “Fear of Death” then races out of Hell’s Gate in similar fashion, an energetic burst of straight to your face attitude that advocates fear of death is the only way to live. Punchy, it has just the right level of aggression to ensure that it’s all stage dives, high fives and crowd surfing when the band takes these cuts live, bringing to mind Lionheart in the process. The first half of the album reaches an unnatural conclusion with “Mental Warfare“, a tune to help you breathe more easily as it leans on more traditional Hardcore values, encouraging the listener to find strength within.

A 46 second interlude piece, “Forever” feels a little arty for an album of this nature but gives a moments respite before the onslaught of  “Xenophobic” hits like a freight train. Staccato riff breaks and circle pit starting whirlwind riffs are the mainstay of this one, the blunt force aggression of the trauma having the those 90’s Hardcore vibes we all know and love. A fist in the air for the gang chant of the song title in the final moments is inevitable and even the most hardened of Metal heads will struggle not to crack a smile at the infectious nature of the record. Groove laden with angular riffs and catchy rhythms “Hate is Hollow” has a funky bass solo in the final third but that aside the band stick to their formula, which while not reinventing the wheel doesn’t need to. “Rise Back Up” brings “Urban Discipline” era Biohazard to mind with its intensity and threat of violence, the short burst of refined and ruthless material the perfect blend for what the band are trying to do. Slowing things down for 40 seconds of build up before putting the hammer down “Beyond Redemption” finishes the album in style. Capturing that live energy like lightening in the bottle in committing it to tape, this one is the lyrical title track, a full fat, high caffeine adrenaline ride from start to finish. [7.5/10]

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

“World Ablaze” by Boneripper is out 24th May 2024 and is available over at bandcamp