One look at the band logo and promo shot should drive home that Chile's Ripper are old school and proud. The sound on second album Experiment Of Existence is raw and full on, yet displays a technical proficiency that separates them from the hordes of many peddling this sound.
Drawing from influences such as early '90s Death, Kreator and a touch of Atheist, the bass is well up front (Track 8, 'Chromatic Fantasy', is a nicely placed bass solo!) and there are some impressive songwriting chops.
Occasionally there are a few sloppy moments in which the drums are too fast and eclipse the riffing (sections of opening track 'Magnetic Solar Storms' for example), but the shear force and enthusiasm behind the sound makes it work, in a oddly 'charming' way similar to fellow South American legends Sarcofago.
Critical Mass airs every Wednesday from 9PM (GMT+8) on RTR FM 92.1 in Perth, Australia.