heavy-metal-darkness: Yoth Iria |Under His Sway |Repulsive Echo Records (Reissue/Remastered)

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Yoth Iria |Under His Sway |Repulsive Echo Records (Reissue/Remastered)

Release Date January 13^th, 2020 | Reissued March 21^st, 2026
Format CD (Auriferous Gold Edition)
Genre Black Metal
Country Greece

Yoth Iria emerged from the Athenian underground as a massive force, spearheaded by the legendary Jim Mutilator. As a founding member of titans like Rotting Christ and Varathron, his DNA is all over the tracks that built the Greek scene. This project serves as a bridge between those ancient 90s foundations and a more majestic, modern darkness. With the lyrical mind behind genre classics steering the ship, the band functions as a gateway to the obsidian throne of the Hellenic realm.

It has been exactly 6 years and 66 days since the original release dropped in early 2020. Repulsive Echo Records marked this specific timeframe, from January 13th, 2020, to March 21st, 2026, to return the Great Duke of Hell to the throne. They went all out for this "Auriferous Gold Edition." The packaging screams luxury and devotion to the craft. We get a hand-numbered obi card signed with a gold pen, a golden brown tray, and a gold reflection layered disk. They even brought back the original front cover concept by Nikos Tsiolis Artworks on glossy art paper. It looks like a relic dug up from a royal tomb.

The audio received just as much attention as the visuals. Remastered at legendary Studio 5 in Athens, this reissue is significantly louder and more aggressive than the original pressing. The lineup on this recording is a gathering of wolves. You have George Emmanuel from Lucifer’s Child on guitars, Maelstrom from Ravencult etc. destroying the drums, and the legendary Magus from Necromantia and Thou Art Lord on vocals. Hearing these titans collaborate on a louder master brings a terrifying energy to the forefront. The production retains the dirt and soul requisite for this genre while ensuring the volume peels paint off the walls.

Musically, the EP stands as a masterclass in the specific atmospheric sound that Greece is famous for. The title track "Under His Sway" and "Sid-Ed-Djinn" mix heavy metal gallops with pure black metal evil. These tracks summon ancient spirits and deal heavily in themes of Satanism and forbidden knowledge. The riffs are melodic yet menacing, creating a majestic darkness that envelops the listener. There is no filler here, just a concentrated dose of occult power.

Closing out the release is a cover of the Rotting Christ classic "Visions Of The Dead Lovers." It is a bold move to touch such a sacred track, but Yoth Iria owns it. This reissue is not just a cash grab but a statement of intent. The band claims their spot on the obsidian throne with force. For anyone obsessed with the Hellenic sound, this gold edition is the definitive version of a modern classic.

Score: 9.0