Ripper was originally formed in Houston, Texas by bassist Sadie Paine and Drummer Animal Axeman in the mid 1970's.  Highly influenced by the theatrical performances of Kiss and Alice Cooper as well as the horror movies of Karloff and Lugosi, Ripper aimed to perform their own brand of 'Gothic-Horror-Power-Metal'.  To this end, the band employed the use of professional grade facial prosthetics, elaborate costumes, pyrotechnical experts, and extravagant stage props.  Many local Houston bands simply refused to perform concerts with them in fear of being literally blown off the stage.  In 1986 Ripper released an album on California based Iron Works Records entitled '...And The Dead Shall Rise' and promptly caught the ear of Metal Blade Records chief Bran Slagel.  The band soon relocated to California to begin negotiations for what would be their second album.  In the interim, the song 'Death Awaits You'  was featured on the 8th installment of Metal Blade's ongoing Metal Massacre series. Internal dissent and an unstable lineup caused the band to disintegrate in late 1988 and a planned second Ripper album was never recorded...until now!

To be released by Italy's Black Widow Records in late 2008, the new album features songs written by Ripper mainman Rob Graves during the band's late 80's sojourn in Los Angeles. Click here to read our exclusive chat with Graves as he comments on how it feels to finally record and release these songs after a 22 year wait, as well what the future holds for Ripper.

'The Dead Have Rizen' - 2008

1.  Hemicidal

2.  Driller

3.  66 Angel Eyez

4.  US Tank

5.  Love Me To Death

6.  The Tall Man

7.  In The Raw

Cover of 2008 LP

In 1986 Ripper released an album titled '...And The Dead Shall Rise' on Iron Works Records that has since become a highly sought after collectible.  Italian label Black Widow Records re-released this classic in 2003 in both CD and vinyl formats.  Presented below are samples from some of the songs on this great classic of Texas Metal.