Yoth Iria is very aware that by self-identifying as a Black Metal band from Greece, the comparisons to Rotting Christ are bound to happen. Gone With the Devil (Metal Blade Records) focuses on sounding bigger and more melodic than their countrymen to establish their own identity. This results in a much more Pagan Metal-infused sound. There are no blast beats nor the usual sonic trapping of black metal to be found aside from the rasp of the vocals. Sung vocals do find their way on this album, and they fly in out of nowhere to create a more Dimmu Borgir-like dynamic. Unlike Dimmu they are not overtly symphonic, but weave in layers of folk-inspired melodies that can be heard on “Woven Spells of a Demon.”

Continue reading →