Interview with Yoth Iria (Jim Mutilator)
We find ourselves talking about the Greeks Yoth Iria for the third time in four years — true standard-bearers of the New Wave Of Hellenic Black Metal, who have recently signed to Metal Blade. The legendary American label has decided to invest in the growth of a band that, in just a few years, has made a name for itself through a contemporary reimagining of the genre created nearly four decades ago by such shadowy figures as Rotting Christ and Varathron — both bands founded by our interlocutor, bassist and founding figure of the Greek underground, Jim Mutilator. Gone With the Devil is Yoth Iria’s new record, and it is sure to satisfy true devotees of extreme metal infused with a generous dose of melody and ritual atmospheres.
What shall the fans expect from Gone With the Devil in terms of sound, which differences will they find in comparison with Blazing Inferno?
There’s one rule in the new album, there’s no musical rules. Blazing inferno was an album that was under a regular uniformity, faithful to the traditional Hellenic sound. Gone With the Devil dominated by a musical “anarchy” and I can name it like a cosmopolitan album or just Hellenic Mediterranean metal. It’s like the rainbow after the hurricane.
Walk us through the composition of the songs included in the record and tell us about your synergy between you and Nikolas Perlepe when it comes to giving life to music.
I really like composing music on a daily basis. Maybe some of these ideas would become a track for the future maybe not. We are a good team with Nik as he can really understand my view about certain musical horizons. The other positive thing about Nik is that he has his own experiences and reflections about music that they are quite different than mine. So we can mix 2 different ideas that seemingly conflict each other but in the end work together perfectly.
Tell us something about the recording and production by Naberius at Symbolic P Studio.
Naberius is a master behind the console. He also has a very well equipped studio. As you can realize all of this makes the whole process much easier.
Yoth Iria’s line-up is now solid and stronger than ever, can you share some thoughts about this issue?
You are really correct that Yoth Iria’ s line up is very strong, very tight and I can call it like a family.
We already know the lyrical concept behind Yoth Iria, with Lucifer as a bringer of light and demons as friends – not enemies – of mankind. How did you delve into these topics with the new songs?
Our planet is empowered for thousands of years by religions. They talk to us about love and other good feelings but under their power the world goes from bad to worse. They funniest theorem is the is shifting blame entirely to Devil. I realized this parody since I was 15 and in my own judgment I restored Lucifer like a pure and innocent energy. Through my personal experience I found out that what religious authority calls evil isn’t the evil but a real human-friendly energy that wants us to live in harmony with the environment and to respect all universal creations. Lucifer doesn’t want subjects but friends.
Lead us towards the comprehension of the usual, amazing artwork of the album.
It’s again Harshhand Singh the artist. But this time I think that the cover is quite different comparing to Under His Sway, As the flame withers or Blazing inferno. Of course once more you can see our demonic avatar, but you can see it in a more innocent aesthetic. Like a comic or you can feel that 80’s mood.
What are your plans for the live activity to promote the new album? How is it to have Merkaal onstage for the live performances?
Yeah there are a lot of shows on the way and probably more to come after the album will be released. Actually Merkaal is a great singer and performer with a real strong personality but the next shows, starting at the end of May will be with HE in the vocals.
Which are your thoughts about the present hellenic black metal scene, made by hundreds of bands?
There are a lot of bands that continue the tradition of Hellenic Black Metal. I’m happy to see about it.
What are you listening to when it comes to non-metal music?
I like a lot of classic rock stuff, I like to listen to a lot of punk music, I love blues but still my favorite music is traditional heavy metal and thrash metal of 80’s.
What final message and greeting would you send to Yoth Iria’s italian fans, plus an invitation to buy, listen and enjoy Gone With the Devil?
Italian fans are some of the best in the world. They are really supportive and they know very well this kind of music. I hope see a lot of them during our upcoming Italian shows. I really suggest them to listen to Gone with the Devil and judge by themselves.
Support Yoth Iria and buy only original music: www.yothiria.com