Father Dionysios Tabakis, a 53-year-old Greek Orthodox priest, has achieved cult status with his album Paradise Metal, a home-recorded blend of doom metal, Christmas carols, and religious dubstep. The album scored a critics' rating of 7.6 on Pitchfork, surpassing scores for Aphex Twin's Drukqs and Daft Punk's Discovery.
Guitar passion challenges church norms
Tabakis, who serves in the Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Nafplio, Greece, plays a Harley Benton R-457 electric guitar bought for €135. He describes its sound as resembling the 'waves' of the human voice. However, his instrument choice is controversial within the Greek Orthodox Church, which traditionally views secular music and instruments as satanic. 'The electric guitar is a bit misunderstood in the church,' Tabakis says. 'It's thought to be “of the devil.”' He insists that 'the guitar was made by God. The devil cannot create something. God has created all.'
From obscurity to Pitchfork acclaim
Tabakis grew up in Piraeus, born in 1972 into poverty; his parents attempted abortion twice, but the doctor was unavailable. He learned Byzantine music from priests in middle school and taught himself obscure instruments like the cümbüş, kabak kemane, and ney flute. About four years ago, he began recording songs at home with help from his son for production software and an upstairs neighbor for guitar lessons. Vocalist Evgenia Simela Armeni, 23, recorded herself on her phone in her university flat. Tabakis posted songs on YouTube, amassing 4,000 followers. One follower, Nikolas Rafael of the Thessaloniki label Elhellell, contacted him via a Christian forum to propose an album.
Album content and themes
Paradise Metal combines Byzantine music, Orthodox hymns, heavy metal, rap, and techno. Tracks include 'Techno in a Monastery,' which opens with 'Are you ready?' before rhythmic chanting over a synth beat. Pitchfork called it 'an absolute playground.' Another track, 'Flexareis Karga, Ekklisiastiki Rap,' translates to 'You're Flexing Big Time (Church Rap).' Tabakis explains he researched slang online to connect with younger generations. 'I went online to find some slang, and did what I could,' he says. The song 'Dubai Paei' ('Bye, Dubai') critiques wealth vanity, inspired by the Middle East conflict and the exodus from Dubai.
Priesthood and future plans
Tabakis is married to Foteini for 32 years with three children. He makes annual pilgrimages to Mount Athos and admires ascetic priests. He says fellow priests have not commented on his success, which he takes as positive. 'They haven't told us, which is a good thing,' he notes. He insists God is 'tasteful' and appreciates beauty, so creating music honors his faith. He would not leave the priesthood for music: 'They say a priest is better than a king, because he can turn bread into the body of Christ. Not even an angel can do that.' Regarding live performances, he says, 'It feels like they've removed a fish from its waters to take it on a walk so it can get some air. I feel very awkward. But if it brings people joy, then I'm for it.' Tabakis is scheduled to perform at Iklectik in London on 13 November.
