Early years
Trick or Treat? era : 1999–2002
:Skull & Dawn: once went by a different name and expressed themselves through different means. Back in 1999, starting as a trio, they created music using hammers and electric screwdrivers—industrial noise and heavy percussion were their tools.
Défilé des Âmes era: 2002–2009
Eventually moving beyond their industrial fury, they embraced the heritage of Old Europe, incorporating folk and classical instruments into their sound—and thus Défilé des Âmes was born. Though not prolific in official releases, they made a strong mark with Lust & Stone, a full-length LP (Steinklang Records), and a split EP with Svarrogh and Arnica titled South European Folk Compendium. They also appeared on various compilations and self-released three DIY EPs.
Défilé des Âmes collaborated with several prominent artists of the dark folk and neoclassical scene. A highlight includes their appearance on Sieben’s Ogham Inside the Night (track: “Ogham the Spirit“), alongside members from Faith & the Muse, The Walkabouts, Spiritual Front, and others.
:Skull & Dawn: era: 2009–present
The quartet eventually “crossed” the Atlantic and reformed as :Skull & Dawn:, with their sound and aesthetics now deeply influenced by the American South. Their debut album Zombie Horses (2016) blended their foundational fury with old American folklore and the unique darkness of Americana and Southern Goth. The sound featured elements of country and folk, with a dynamic, live-driven energy inspired by artists like The Bad Seeds, Hank 3, Bob Wayne, Current 93, and 16 Horsepower.
As both ex-Défilé des Âmes and :Skull & Dawn:, the band has maintained a strong live presence, opening for and collaborating with a wide array of renowned and underground artists over the years. Highlights include performances with Sieben, Jarboe, Chelsea Wolfe, Psychic TV, Anne Clark, Death in June, Ataraxia, Attrition, Blood Axis, Svarrogh, Of the Wand & the Moon, Spiritual Front, Sol Invictus, Joolie Wood (Current 93), Maya Elliot (Current 93), Simon Finn, King Dude, and many more.
Manos Six : Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Electric Guitar , Percussion
Stamos A. : Electric Bass
Chris Abatis : Electric Guitar
Alex Tabakakis : Drums + Percussion
Vassilis Kemanidis : Violin
