Melismatic Byzantine music and metal are a sure way to the top.
Greek Orthodox priest Father Dionisios Tambakis is a new metal priest whose music eases entry to that βgreat big gig in the skyββ¦as Floyd said. The rocker digs deep into Byzantine music traditions and fused them with metal.
He has gained both global attention and commercial success.
The priest of metal, Tambakisβ, first album βParadise Metalβ was released by Heat Crimes and Thessalonikiβs Elhelhel at the end of April. It has since risen to become one of the best and fastest-selling albums on Bandcamp.
Fretless guitar devotionals are part of Father Dionisios Tambakisβs metal anthems. The 52-year-old Greek Orthodox priest from Naflpioβs first album is a meld of ancient Byzantine choral cantoring traditions, fused with deep amp-worship hymns and outer-trance electroverse.
And following public demand from fans for a vinyl release, the label announced a limited-edition LP of βParadise Metalβ.
Father Tambakis launched his experimental music channel on YouTube in 2012, with over 300 videos of the metal guru performing. He has garnered more than 800,000 views and is nearing 9,000 subscribers.
The priest is trained in Byzantine theory and practice, and fluent on the qanun, oud, cΓΌmbΓΌΕ, ney, zurna, Politiki and Pontic lyra, kabak kemane, and yali tanbur.
The system he works within is Byzantine, not as an aesthetic choice or cultural reference, but as logic: βWhat emerges is slow, heavy, meditative drone that carries the mass of stone walls and sustained prayer.β
Father Tambakis knows how to wield that axe β and be in no doubt β god loves a heavy lead, driving slap bass and a massive drum solo.
