Metal, Magick & Freedom: An Interview w/ Jim Mutilator of Yoth Iria
Black Metal is magick and it is freedom. Few Artists understand this as well as Yoth Iria visionary, Jim Mutilator (ex-Rotting Christ). For Jim and Yoth Iria, the great craft of Black Metal is the product of ritual, Occult studies and Demonology - subject matter that transcends the realm of typical conceptualization.
On the musical front, Yoth Iria is a powerful voice for Greek Black Metal. They’ve released two EPs, two full-length LPs, a number of singles and one split, all in the past five years; proving Yoth Iria to be an ever-important present day collective with aspirations for veritable institution status. Yoth Iria is the culmination of a life’s work, and their Black Metal happens to be some of Greece’s finest.
It’s important to understand the essence of the music; to dig deep into the how’s and the why’s. With Yoth Iria, there is much substance behind their work, from the name of the band, to the lyrics and to what inspires them. So, I jumped on the opportunity to pick the brain of one of Black Metal’s greatest artists. During my latest interview for Frozen Moon Promotions, Jim and I discuss a bit about his Rotting Christ days, his experience with Daemons, his views on Christianity, and of course the music of Yoth Iria.
FMP: Hails, Jim! And welcome to Frozen Moon Promotions. You released your latest album Blazing Inferno last year. How would you say that the album has impacted your career?
Jim: I think it's too early to judge Blazing Inferno’s impact on Yoth Iria's career. The time shall tell. In my opinion, it's a good album that is recognized as a good album from the fans all over the world, and I hope it will have its place in the history of metal music.
FMP: Your years spent with Rotting Christ are legendary. You’ve expressed regret over leaving the band. Has there ever been any talk or thoughts about you rejoining Rotting Christ?
Jim: Yeah, my years in Rotting Christ and my contribution to their legacy is a great thing. I'm really happy to see how big they are nowadays even though I’ve been out since 1996. I put in all of my inspiration and all of my strength as a former member from the beginning, so I always feel like a Rotting Christ member. But now, I m following my own lonely Left Hand Path, so there's no talks or thoughts about rejoining.
FMP: You denounced Christianity at a young age and chose to walk the Left Hand Path. What was it that initially inspired you to walk away from the Christian Ideology?
Jim: Even I can't answer it. I was no more than 14 years old when I felt a sudden love and attraction toward Daemons.
FMP: Daemons are villainized through Christian doctrines/dogmas and are labeled as destructive entities. But you’ve described them as friends of Humanity. How did you come to this conclusion?
Jim: Christians can preach their bullshit and continue bullying their slaves. They are building their power through thousands of lies. Daemons are the true friends of humanity, and they are caring for simple people and Mother Earth. Look how simple it is: Christians, Muslims and the other big religions have ruled over the world for thousands of years. They have the money, they have the power, and if you look at the world, it’s the same shit now as it was from the beginning - they rule upon humanity. But they are claiming that they are the good ones, as their God is the God of love, even though their God is a God of hate that needs only for you to follow him blindly. You can easily understand that Jesus is just an egotistic Dictator: full of hate for human beings, for animals and for planet Earth. He doesn't give even a shit about his billions of followers. Really I could go on for hours with this subject.
FMP: I was reading one of your recent interviews where you described Yoth Iria as “a Daemon of the new Millennium and as more than a protective power”. Interactions with Daemons are renowned for their very revealing nature, as Daemons are keepers of much knowledge and wisdom. What knowledge and wisdom have you gained through your experience with Yoth Iria?
Jim: Exactly. Yoth Iria is another Daemon of the new Millennium and a high protective power. Like other Daemons, he stands at the side of people like pure light, and he has no need for slaves; he is a brother for each Man and each Woman. You know, the subject of Occultism is endless, and it includes an enormous philosophy that helps a Man to improve himself in many ways. Occultism can answer and find solutions to almost every daily trouble of each Man. Anyway, let's keep the conversation on a musical form.
FMP: You released your latest LP Blazing Inferno last year. Fantastic record. One track from the album, the titular track, details an apocalyptic vision of Daemons against Angels, against Gabriel. Where did you draw inspiration for this particular piece?
Jim: Actually it's not a war. Check the end of the track: “Even Daemons and Angels can set aside their desires". I explained above that Daemons are love. They are against every oppression and against every corruption against humanity. Try to look behind the gospels.
FMP: Aside from The Magus’ departure from the group, what would you say is the biggest difference between Blazing Inferno and your previous album, As The Flame Withers?
Jim: I think that there are some differences between As The Flame Withers and Blazing Inferno, and it happened not accidentally. I wanted Blazing Inferno to not be a copy of As The Flame Withers. I wanted a more contemporary sound; a more clear sound with direct tracks. Of course the new singer is also another diversity, but I can describe Blazing Inferno as a natural progression from As The Flame Withers.
FMP: What has the writing/recording process been like for new material?
Jim: Immediately after Blazing Inferno, we start working on the new album for a release in May of 2026. The tracks are ready, but still I can't reveal it. Please stay a little more patient.
FMP: The Magus has made his stance against playing Black Metal live known throughout the years, but you love playing live. What does the future look like for Yoth Iria as far as live rituals and what is it that you love most about playing live?
Jim: The Magus has his own opinion and I have mine. In the end, everyone is free to do what is best for themselves. I really love playing live shows. It's a great thing for me to come face to face with people from all over the world who are interested in Yoth Iria and really support us. We as Artists owe so much to the fans, so it's more than great to meet them in reality.
FMP: Any final thoughts?
Jim: Thanks so much for your support! Metal, Magic, Freedom. Be blessed forever.
