Greece, one of the most intriguing and influential nations of Europe in all areas of art, history, culture and science. And it also has a fascinating history in terms of black metal and other extreme metal communities. Said influence can be attributed to the works of one band: Rotting Christ, a group of blokes from Athens who gave the then-emerging black metal sound a unique branding that established the “warmer” Hellenic take on the genre.

While Rotting Christ went on to international recognition for their work, one member of the classic line-up left the band early on and has now, rightfully, emerged with his own project that asserts his importance on his country’s extreme metal scene.

Yoth Iria, the brainchild of Jim Mutilator, the original bassist of RC is back with sophomore studio album: Blazing Inferno. In 2021 the band exploded onto the metal stage with the impressive debut: “As the Flame Withers,” establishing them as another pillar of the Hellenic black metal community.

Now, Yoth Iria have returned with what can be best described as a highly anticipated and respected tribute to all the best elements of the Hellenic black metal sound which set its unique position in black metal history over 35 years ago.

Blazing Inferno contains all the basic-yet-impressive musicianship that put RC in the frame as the leaders of the Hellenic scene. Even having one track begin with the band’s battle cry: Non Serviam, which is more than an excellent nod to all things Hellenic. It plays like a deleted RC release from the days when Mutilator was penning some of their most memorable tunes, plus there’s enough to remind any keen Greek metal fan of Varathron and even Kawir on several occasions.

I feel this is the classic-driven Hellenic release that the scene needed to remind its contemporaries of its roots. Such an album is always welcome so long as it does not contain any sketchiness that might have existed in the early days. But anything relating to Jim Mutilator has not been sketchy as far as this critic is aware. Therefore, Mutilator and his henchmen are paying tribute to the times and sounds that put them on the black metal map, and you’ll want to hear this record however acquainted you are with Greek black metal.

The musicianship here is deep, versatile and catchy as hell, so give this one a spin on the turntables if you want a beautifully satanic metal record to keep your occult themed love of music burning brightly.

(8/10 Demitri Levantis)

https://www.facebook.com/yothiriaofficial

https://edgedcircleproductions.bandcamp.com/album/blazing-inferno