Pyra’s debut full-length, Those Who Dwell in the Fire, erupts from the Italian underground with a confidence and vigor that demands attention. Led by the mysterious figure known only as L., this project delivers a brilliant blend of blackened death metal & Doom
There are 6 tracks on the album
1. Cacus - 2. Summit of Existence - 3. Palingenesis – 4. Becoming – 5. Purified in Infinity 6. - Funeral Pyre
The opening track, "The Restless Doom," immediately sets a strong tone. Its intro is particularly effective, instilling a palpable sense of unease. The initial guitar tone is undeniably eerie and dissonant, creating a seamless transition into the deep, resonant drums that heavily feature floor toms, kicks, and sparse snare hits. The build-up on this track is a masterclass in classic doom methodology: prolonged and spacious.
From the very start, the album plunges into a smoldering realm where charred riffs and blast beats collide with haunting ambience. The production is raw but clean, capturing the visceral energy without sacrificing detail—something a lot of blackened death metal bands miss these days. The guitars roar with a flame-licked tone that seriously complements the overall sound, shifting between tremolo-picked fury and doom-laden grooves, while the bass adds depth like embers glowing beneath the surface.
Vocally, L.’s performance is a standout—deep, commanding growls that often verge on ritualistic chants, especially in slower, atmospheric moments. I feel like the vocal mix is really strong on the album. On some tracks, the vocals sit a little lower in the mix, letting the drums and guitars shine brightly.
Drums are handled by E. (Emanuele Prandoni) whose intricate playing drives the album forward with great intensity. His fills are precise yet chaotic, pushing songs into spirals of madness without ever losing control. I feel like his cymbal work is absolutely amazing. When playing blackened death metal with doom influences, the tempo can shift a lot—but Omega makes great use of the cymbals during the slower parts, especially the bell of the ride during musical breaks, which adds some really nice flavor.
Tracks like "In a Thousand Different Voices" and "The Empty Hearth" show the band’s knack for dynamic songwriting—balancing sheer brutality with haunting, almost meditative interludes that feel like standing in the eye of a storm.
My favorite track on the album was definitely Track 4: “Becoming.” I really loved the opening guitar tones—dark, dense, and foreboding. The chord progressions are simple but super catchy, creating space for the drums to take their own journey without sounding muddled. I especially enjoyed the drumming from 4:09 – 4:57 on this track: it starts with a solid 4/4 beat, focusing on tight percussive hits on the hi-hat, then flows into a drum fill with some brilliant snare bounce techniques, before locking into a groove-laden 4/4 with some absolutely insane hi-hat work.
Check the video here
Overall, Those Who Dwell in the Fire was very impressive. It’s a seriously strong debut that showcases Pyra’s ability to craft a distinct and immersive sound. The atmosphere is thick, the performances are tight, and the songwriting balances brutality with just enough space to let each element breathe. L.’s vocals hit hard and suit the tone perfectly, and E.’s drumming really elevates the album with some creative and dynamic playing—especially in the slower, doomier sections where he adds a lot of character. The mix is raw in a way that feels intentional, giving the record that gritty, underground edge without becoming muddy. It’s one of those albums that pulls you deeper with each listen. It might not break new ground stylistically, but what it does do, it does with conviction and precision. Those Who Dwell in the Fire is a standout debut that burns with purpose—and it firmly places Pyra on the map as a band worth watching as they continue to carve their path through the underground. A very solid start that earns a respectable 8/10 for me.
-BlackenedSoundscape
9-10: Exceptional
7-8: Good, Great
5-6: Average, Decent
3-4: Fair, Mediocre
1-2: Poor, Subpar
Grading system.
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