In a seismic shift for traditionalist musical values, Father Dionysios Tabakis has unleashed 'Paradise Metal' upon the world – an unholy fusion of doom metal, Christmas carols, and dubstep that's sent shockwaves through the music establishment. This 53-year-old Greek Orthodox priest, based in Nafplio on Greece's Peloponnesian coast, has taken a bold leap into the unknown with his debut album, earning a coveted score of 7.6 from influential publication Pitchfork.
Recorded on his trusty Harley Benton R-457 electric guitar – acquired for a modest £115 (€135) and lovingly adapted to produce an eerie, wavering sound akin to 'waves' of the human voice – 'Paradise Metal' defies convention at every turn. By embracing the very instruments and styles that his church has historically condemned as 'satanic', Father Tabakis is on a mission to change perceptions and push the boundaries of religious music.
His unorthodox approach has already yielded remarkable results, with Pitchfork's score eclipsing those of revered electronic albums like Aphex Twin's 'Drukqs' and Daft Punk's 'Discovery'. This meteoric rise from relative obscurity has propelled Father Tabakis into the spotlight as a cult figure within experimental music circles – albeit one who remains resolutely reclusive, preferring to keep his online presence to a minimum.
As an ordained priest steeped in the centuries-old traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church, Father Tabakis's musical endeavour is both a labour of love and a bold statement of intent. With his son having taught him production software and a neighbour providing guitar lessons, he has approached this project with a DIY spirit that shines through in every note.
Vocals on 'Paradise Metal' were provided by Evgenia Simela Armeni, a talented young singer-songwriter who met Father Tabakis at church. She recorded her parts using her phone in her university flat – a testament to the album's grassroots, independent ethos that sets it apart from more polished studio productions.
For UK music fans curious about experimental and world sounds, 'Paradise Metal' offers a one-of-a-kind listening experience that's equal parts challenging and exhilarating. While its availability on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music remains to be seen, this critically acclaimed album is sure to generate buzz in the UK music scene – and perhaps even inspire new interest in broader musical exploration.