Yoth Iria are a Greek black metal band and this is their second album.
2021’s As the Flame Withers was a notable entrance into the world by Yoth Iria, one brought to us by an ex-member of both Rotting Christ and Varathron – Jim Mutilator. Yoth Iria have now returned, with the 36-minute Blazing Inferno. Over 10 minutes shorter than its predecessor, (while having the same number of tracks), and featuring an almost completely different lineup, what does the Yoth Iria of 2024 have to offer us?
In essence, Blazing Inferno has taken the strengths of As the Flame Withers and refined and focused them. The reduced song lengths reveal a band who know exactly how to achieve their artistic goals, resulting in an album with no filler at all; Blazing Inferno is pure metallic enjoyment in blackened form.
Played in the classic Hellenic black metal style, albeit one given a contemporary makeover, Blazing Inferno is effortlessly enjoyable if you’re a fan of the Greek black metal scene. It’s well-written and performed, and all aspects of the record feel considered and deliberate, while also being delivered with passion.
Yoth Iria cast their dark magicks via an engrossing mix of atmospheric presence and occult grandeur. The songs balance vocal hooks and melodic catchiness with mood-rich realisations of the band’s vision. It’s a primarily mid-paced affair, but not exclusively so, with the emphasis on atmosphere and melody over pure aggression.
Yoth Iria have crafted a strong and engaging second album. It’s a high quality collection of songs that have few weaknesses, and is extremely easy to like and enjoy. Blazing Inferno captivates with its idiosyncratic melodies and potent atmospheric depth.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 