Father Dionysios Tabakis, a 53-year-old Greek Orthodox priest, has become an unlikely cult figure with his home-recorded album 'Paradise Metal,' a fusion of doom metal, Christmas carols, and religious dubstep. The album received a critics' score of 7.6 from Pitchfork, higher than Aphex Twin's 'Drukqs' and Daft Punk's 'Discovery.'
Priest's Guitar Passion Defies Church Tradition
Tabakis, who serves in the Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Nafplio, Greece, plays a modified Harley Benton R-457 electric guitar, which he bought for €135. He describes its sound as similar to the 'waves' of the human voice. The Greek Orthodox church has traditionally deemed electric guitars and secular music as satanic, but Tabakis believes 'the guitar was made by God' and that 'the devil cannot create something.'
From Obscurity to Cult Status
Despite his reclusive nature, Tabakis gained international attention after Pitchfork praised his album. He has a YouTube channel but limited online presence. He turned down most media invitations, fearing ridicule. His album was released by the Thessaloniki-based label Elhellell, whose founder Nikolas Rafael discovered Tabakis on a Christian forum.
Musical Journey and Influences
Tabakis grew up in Piraeus in a poor family; his parents attempted abortion twice. He learned Byzantine music in middle school and taught himself various instruments, including the cümbüş, kabak kemane, yayli tanbur, zurna, ney flute, and lyres. He started recording songs four years ago with help from his son and neighbor. Vocalist Evgenia Simela Armeni, 23, recorded her parts on her phone at her university flat.
Album Content and Reception
'Paradise Metal' features tracks like 'Techno in a Monastery,' which opens with 'Are you ready?' and blends rhythmic chanting with 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 says he researched slang online to write rap lyrics. The song 'Dubai Paei' ('Bye, Dubai') satirizes wealth, inspired by the Middle East conflict.
Balancing Priesthood and Music
Tabakis remains committed to his priesthood, which he calls 'better than a king' because a priest 'can turn bread into the body of Christ.' He makes annual pilgrimages to Mount Athos and admires ascetic priests. His wife Foteini and three children are not particularly religious. He says other priests have not commented on his success, which he takes as a positive sign.
Future Plans
Tabakis is hesitant about live performances, comparing it to 'removing a fish from its waters to take it on a walk.' However, he is scheduled to play at Iklectik in London on 13 November. He insists he would never leave the church for music, stating, 'If it brings people joy, then I'm for it.'
