Band:	Yoth Iria
Album:	Blazing Inferno
Style:	Melodic black metal
Release date:	November 08, 2024
A review by:	AndyMetalFreak

01. Blazing Inferno
02. But Fear Not
03. In The Tongue Of Birds
04. Rites Of Blood And Ice
05. Purgatory Revolution
06. Mornings Of The One Thousand Golds
07. Our Father Rode Again His Ride
08. We Call Upon The Elements

As the flame withers, Yoth Iria spark another Hellenic Blazing Inferno.

Yoth Iria are considered one of the hottest bands to emerge from the Greek Hellenic black metal scene in recent years, and for good reason. The band was formed back in 2019 by bassist Jim Mutilator (ex-Rotting Christ and Varathron) and vocalist George Zacharopoulos The Magus, Necromantia, and Thou Art Lord). Following their mighty debut EP Under His Sway, the duo went on to release their full-length debut, As The Flame Withers, an album that for many proved to be one of the best and most memorable meloblack releases of 2021. Despite the departure of George Zacharopoulos and several new additions to the line-up, Yoth Iria have re-ignited the Hellenic flame once again, unleashing the most anticipated meloblack album of 2024 in Blazing Inferno, and with Jim Mutilator still at the helm, have Yoth Iria been able to set the scene ablaze once more?

At 36 minutes in length, Blazing Inferno is 10 minutes shorter than its predecessor, but that's not to say the song structures are any less remarkable. The first thing to take note of is the new vocalist Rustam Shakirzyanov, who takes over duties from Magus. His performance fires on all cylinders here, sounding harsh and demonic, yet passionate and clear, an exceptional fit for the music at hand. Still, the departure of Magus is strikingly obvious; the songwriting is in some ways less unique, with less depth in structure, and perhaps the album misses the input that he had on the lengthier tracks contained on the previous album. The songwriting here doesn't break any new ground, sounding typical of Hellenic black metal, as deliciously melodic tremolos are driven by an epic rhythm section, with Satanic occult themes at the centre.

However, the true majesty of this album lies in its grand modern production. Layered with masterful symphonic arrangements featuring ritualistic chants and epic background synths, alongside epic riff melodies, rapid blast beats, fiery bass, tremendous wailing solos, and a powerful guitar tone that's unique to blackened metal, it all comes together with clarity and in harmony. Blazing Inferno may be shorter than As The Flame Withers, but it's certainly no less remarkable; it's majestically atmospheric, spiritually dark, and yet joyously light, merging the traditional Hellenic roots set in the early 90s with spectacular modern effects in a remarkable fashion.

In 2023, Varathron set a high benchmark for the modern Hellenic black metal scene, merging their traditional Hellenic ways with epic modern standards, and succeeded greatly in this with The Crimson Temple. This was followed by their countrymen Rotting Christ a year later with Pro Xristou, who in the hope of continuing the fire failed to make an impression and live up to their former glory. Now, the fiery new prospects Yoth Iria carry forth the flame, proving Greece is still well and truly a force to be reckoned with in modern black metal, even as the rough and raw roots have made way for a new pristine and epic production quality.

It's easy to tire over listening to the same recycled riff melodies over and over; perhaps even Satan himself will grow bored as he is honoured in this manner. I could personally listen to these epic riff melodies forever and day, and along with the powerful ritualistic rhythm patterns and epic synths, this approach never fails to make my hair stand on edge. If I truly wanted to hear Hellenic black metal in its most pure, authentic, and sinister way, I'd still pull out a chair for His Majesty At The Swamp or Thy Mighty Contract, or if I wanted a more epically driven melodic approach, it's still going to be the mighty Theogonia all the way, but there's still that special something that for me keeps the Hellenic flame burning bright, whether it is the melodies, or simply just the nostalgia that I'm too stubborn to let go of; the new modern standard production could also be a contributing factor too. 

Simply put, Blazing Inferno is a triumphant success that's in high contention for the best meloblack album of 2024 (for me at least), along with well the tremendous Reaperdawn by In Aphelion. There's no doubt Magus's input played a major role as to why As The Flame Withers was regarded as one of the best albums in the genre in 2021, but Jim Mutilator and this new impressive line-up have crafted a worthy follow-up that looks like it'll help the scene's flame remain strong, even if his former band Rotting Christ lose their spark.