Yoth Iria – Blazing Inferno (Review)

Yoth Iria - Blazing InfernoYoth 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? Continue reading “Yoth Iria – Blazing Inferno (Review)”

Varathron – The Crimson Temple (Review)

Varathron - The Crimson TempleVarathron are a Greek black metal band and this is their seventh album.

I haven’t caught up with Varathron since 2014’s Untrodden Corridors of Hades, so reconnecting with them is long overdue. The Crimson Temple contains 49 minutes of new material, and it’s something quite something. Continue reading “Varathron – The Crimson Temple (Review)”

Yoth Iria – As the Flame Withers (Review)

Yoth Iria - As the Flame WithersYoth Iria are a Greek black metal band and this is their debut album.

Containing ex-Rotting Christ and ex-Varathron members, Yoth Iria play a form of Hellenic black metal, as would be expected, but don’t limit themselves to this completely, (there’s a strong occult atmospheric component to the music, for example, as well as a classic heavy metal one – think Iron Maiden in particular). Continue reading “Yoth Iria – As the Flame Withers (Review)”

Funeral Storm – Arcane Mysteries (Review)

Funeral Storm - Arcane MysteriesFuneral Storm are a Greek black metal band and this is their debut album.

Funeral Storm channel early second wave energies into 42 minutes of occult black metal. Yes, Rotting Christ are the obvious name to drop, but there’s also a Varathron cover here, which should give you further indication of the band’s influences. Continue reading “Funeral Storm – Arcane Mysteries (Review)”

Varathron – Untrodden Corridors of Hades (Review)

VarathronVarathron are a Black Metal band from Greece. This is their fifth album.

Untrodden Corridors of Hades is a nuanced Black Metal album that contains many different interpretations of the style all bound up in the band’s vision and flawless delivery.

The songs here have good variety within their chosen genre and Varathron work with rich textures to create their dark art.

Interesting riffs, Blackened melodies, subtle keyboard highlights, solid drums, expressive vocalisations; these are the ingredients that make this album what it is.

Whether playing winding Septic Flesh-esque riffs or revelling in the slower, slithering nature of Black Metal’s dark underbelly; Varathron ply their trade with skill and ease.

These songs are intricate beasts that rely on feeling and intensity of passion rather than stand-out catchy riffs. This is music that may be overt in delivery but it has a very subtle subtext that means it works its magic best gradually over time.

If you’re after one-dimensional blasting Black Metal then you’ve come to the wrong place. Listening to Varathron is more like listening to an involved ritual of summoning. This is Black Metal perfectly at ease with itself.

Varathron have released a complex listen that’s no less satisfying because of it.

Let the band take you on a tour and tread these corridors with them, you won’t regret it.