Edged Circle Productions brings us the highly anticipated second album from Hellenic black metal legends, Blazing Inferno by Yoth Iria. Scheduled for release on November 8, 2024, this album is a true homage to the band’s roots while also showing an evolved sound that integrates their rich Greek heritage with the raw ferocity of black metal.
The Band
The BandThe lineup for Blazing Inferno is nothing short of iconic. Yoth Iria’s driving force, Rustam Shakirzianov (Noctulius) (vocals), delivers a powerful and versatile performance that captures the intensity of every track. His deep growls and chilling whispers offer a dark mysticism, grounding the band’s pagan themes in every note. Jim Mutilator (bass), one of the founding fathers of the Hellenic black metal scene, lays down thick, rumbling basslines that add weight and menace to the record. Guitarists Nikolas Perlepe and Naberius combine forces to deliver punishing riffs while also infusing melodic, almost ceremonial, solos that are as captivating as they are destructive. Drummer Vasilis Stavrianidis delivers precise, relentless blast beats and complex fills, ensuring the album maintains a thunderous pace.
Blazing Inferno
“Blazing Inferno” sets the scene with an eerie intro that leads into a storm of riffs and guttural vocals. Nikolas Perlepe’s solo is jaw-dropping, injecting the track with an epic, almost transcendent energy. The drumming by Vasilis is a thunderous assault, perfectly synced with the dark chaos of the song.
But Fear Not
“But Fear Not” is classic Yoth Iria but with a twist. The traditional Hellenic black metal sound is enhanced by the use of the tsampouna, a Greek folk instrument that adds a pagan and tribal undertone to the track. Female vocals add a ritualistic, almost spell-casting vibe, making this song a magical standout.
In the Tongue of Birds
“In the Tongue of Birds” opens with a spine-chilling melody before breaking into a full-on black metal onslaught. Here, Vasilis Stavrianidis’ drumming steals the show with its complex cymbal work and driving rhythms that guide the ferocious riffing from Nikolas and Naberius.
Mornings of One Thousand Golds
“Mornings of One Thousand Golds” is a masterful blend of Greek and Eastern musical traditions. Jim Mutilator’s bass playing here lays a brooding, heavy foundation as the guitars bring in a mystical, almost Middle Eastern vibe. The blend of these sounds creates something both ancient and ferocious, a sonic landscape few black metal bands dare to explore.
Our Father Rode Again This Ride
“Our Father Rode Again This Ride” is where the album reaches its peak. Noctulius vocals are at their most powerful, ranging from guttural growls to epic chants. The riffs here are both brutal and majestic, seamlessly integrating traditional Greek musical scales. Jim’s bass adds layers of depth to the track, while Nikolas and Naberius deliver a guitar assault that feels otherworldly.
Purgatory Revolution
“Purgatory Revolution” slows things down just a bit, but it still retains the album’s high level of intensity. While this might be considered the album’s weaker link, the musicianship is still top-notch. The atmospheric solo towards the middle brings some much-needed breathing room before the black metal fury kicks in again.
We Call Upon the Elements
Finally, “We Call Upon the Elements” is the perfect album closer. Its anthemic feel makes it a rallying cry, complete with thunderous drumming, fierce vocals, and a melodic undercurrent that ties the entire album together.
Artwork and Production
The stunning artwork by Harshanand Singh perfectly encapsulates the album’s theme of fire and destruction, with vivid imagery that’s become a hallmark of Yoth Iria’s aesthetic. The cover itself depicts the legendary destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, not by divine forces, but by the mighty Yoth Iria, a nod to the band’s occult influences. The flames and chaos portrayed in the artwork mirror the album’s infernal energy, invoking a sense of ritualistic annihilation. The album was mixed and mastered by Lawrence Mackrory, who has worked with heavyweights like Katatonia. Mackrory’s production keeps the sound crisp and balanced, ensuring that each instrument shines, yet maintaining the raw, untamed spirit of black metal
Final Verdict
Yoth Iria’s Blazing Inferno is an absolute triumph for the Hellenic black metal scene. With a lineup and an album that’s both brutally aggressive and musically sophisticated, the band has truly outdone themselves. The infusion of Greek folk elements, particularly in tracks like “But Fear Not” and “Our Father Rode Again This Ride,” pushes the album into groundbreaking territory. For fans of black metal and those curious about the Greek scene, this is an essential listen
