THE BEAST

Greek Black Metal Titans Yoth Iria Reissue Landmark Debut As The Flame Withers on Vinyl

Pagan Records is set to unleash a piece of Hellenic black metal history with a limited 2026 reissue of Yoth Iria’s seminal debut, As The Flame Withers . Originally released in 2021, this album marked a resurgence of the dark, occult spirit that defined ’90s Greek extreme metal, and now it’s back in a definitive collector’s edition.

This edition is strictly limited to 300 copies and pressed on 12” 180g smoked splatter vinyl, complete with a deluxe gatefold sleeve and printed insert, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of the scene. The recording, engineered at Pentagram Studio with George Emmanuel (Rotting Christ, Septicflesh, Lucifer’s Child), captures the full diabolical majesty of the album, while Harnasash Singh’s cover art seals the visual intensity.

Yoth Iria is the brainchild of two of Greek black metal’s most influential figures: Jim Mutilator, a founding member of both Rotting Christ and Varathron, and The Magus, mastermind of Necromantia and ex-Rotting Christ. Their collaboration on As The Flame Withers blends centuries-old Hellenic occult sensibilities with a forward-looking vision, producing music that is simultaneously ritualistic, crushing, and epic in scope.

Jim Mutilator’s history reads like a blueprint of Greek black metal: from the genre-defining Thy Mighty Contract with Rotting Christ to the swampy, dark atmospheres of Varathron’s His Majesty at the Swamp . The Magus’s work with Necromantia and contributions to Thou Art Lord and Rotting Christ helped define the sound that Yoth Iria channels so fully on this record.

Since The Magus’s departure in 2023, Jim Mutilator has steered Yoth Iria into a bold new era. Their sophomore album, Blazing Inferno (2024, Edged Circle Productions), introduced the haunting vocals of Rustam Shakirzyanov (aka “He”) and earned critical acclaim. Momentum continues as the band has recently signed with Metal Blade Records and is already in the studio crafting their third full-length, slated for Spring 2026.

Fans can also experience Yoth Iria live in 2026, with a European run that includes a confirmed appearance at Poland’s Mystic Festival. This reissue of As The Flame Withers is more than a collector’s item—it’s a reminder of the power and longevity of Greek black metal, and the living legacy of two of its foundational architects.

Order the limited edition vinyl here: Pagan Records

Listen online: YouTube