Review: “Radiant in Ruin” by Boneripper

Hailing from Harlingen in the Netherlands, Boneripper were formed at some point in 2022 and feature in their ranks both former and current members of Manu Armata, 13Steps and Bladecrusher. As a quintet they rose to prominence with debut EP “Vengeance & Forgiveness” in 2023, offering a blend of high octane Metallic Hardcore with abrasive riffs, powerful grooves and a “straight to your face” attitude. Continuing on that path their debut album “World Ablaze” appeared a year later, diving head first into themes of societal turmoil, from war and climate change to fake news and discrimination. Two years on, the crack commando unit return with a sophomore album in “Radiant In Ruin” created with a DIY or DIE approach, having been produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by vocalist WD Glashouwer (Nagusame, Ancestral Sin, Those Left Standing) at DoubleyouD.

It only takes a glance at the track listing of “Radiant In Ruin” to see that Boneripper are both politically charged and socially aware, the band standing against oppression with a clenched fist as they stare at a world of corporate greed, corrupt politicians and social divisions, on the brink of environmental collapse. The path to righteousness begins with “Oracle of Lies“, which offers up gang chants and classic Hardcore rhythms, the Melodic Death Metal inspired fleeting lead parts adding a spice that’s nice. Each and every song from Boneripper is a message in a bottle, the bottle being a Molotov Cocktail, designed to make you think once the headbanging or mosh pit activities are over and “Deeds Define” is a fine example. Actions speak louder than words and this raging anthem is a firecracker as WD spits blood and venom.

The only guest appearance on the album is on “Damnation” which features Rene from LIES! and the pair of vocalists go toe to toe on this one in fine fashion, the riffs clearly influenced by bands like Brooklyn New Yorker’s Biohazard. There is even a little bit of whammy bar action but opportunity to crossover into a Thrash moment is passed up as the quintet double down on their own style. “Iron Veil” takes a leaf from the Hatebreed playbook with 2003 era riffs and modern production value as the band harness the rage to overcome, that nostalgic edge helping give these sounds an instant appeal and like the crisps in a tube – once you pop, you can’t stop.

There are more classic Metalcore riffs influenced by the Gothenburg Melodic Death Metal sound in “Truth to Enemy” as the axe wielding duo switch from their usual syncopation to offer something a little more. It’s the vocals on this one that make all the difference however, WD’s dry throated raspy delivery more emotive on this one as if the lyrical narrative is a little more personal. It pays to expect the unexpected but few would have thought that an melancholic interlude piece of clean guitars had any place on a Hardcore record. However in “Convective Outlook” the quintet pull out a tune that is exactly that and surprisingly enough it provides a moment of calm and clarity that works very well in amongst a fierce collection of tunes to help you breathe more easily.

Putting the world to rights with the Metallic thump of a steal fist of RoboCop “Borrowed Breath” has a little more verve and swagger about it as if influenced just a little by the likes of Every Time I Die. That’s particularly evident in the turn around of the riffs and when you throw in the gang chants, it almost feels like a keg party anthem, defying you to chant “Is this the end?” along with the band on the very first spin. It’s the longest cut on the record at 3 minutes 29 seconds which gives you an idea of just how up close and personal Boneripper line to get. Increasing the intensity along with the tempo “State of Mind” maintains the flow with anthemic moments that are created with festival crowds in mind and should be more than enough to take them to Summer Breeze.

There is a bit of Lionheart in the guitar work of “Violent Virtue“, a cut front loaded with two-step-able moments as well as mosh parts which is all good fun. The mid cut breather works well too, not quite the false ending but enough that the final verse and chorus hits like a sucker punch. Whether the title is a take on the Sepultura classic or no “Refuse Persist” is a beast of a track in its own right, the fleeting whammy bar moments giving the down tuned chugs something to make them shine.

Returning to the 2003 era American Metalcore riffs “Cold Hearts Burn” is another monster, this time arguably being the finest kit performance from drummer Kees-Jan. He gives it his all with the double kicks making the cerebral cortex shake and on this evidence, he could easily do Death or Black Metal justice. An instrumental with a spoken word sample “Radiant in Ruin” finishes the album in style, the quintet avoiding adding any turntable action to show any Nu-Metal influence. As a record this is one that will keep you coming back for more because it’s seriously slick, WD not only nailing the vocals while giving you something to think about but also nailing the mix [8/10]

Track Listing:

1. Oracle of Lies
2. Deeds Define
3. Damnation (ft. Rene from LIES!)
4. Iron Veil
5. Truth to Enemy
6. Convective Outlook (Instrumental Interlude)
7. Borrowed Breath
8. State of Mind
9. Violent Virtue
10. Refuse Persist
11. Cold Hearts Burn
12. Radiant in Ruin

“Radiant In Ruin” by Boneripper is out 26th June 2026 and is available over at bandcamp