Whenever I think about the wide range of music that I’ve ever found myself listening to, it has only ever been in two circumstances where I ever could’ve dared where the worlds of black metal and Americana could coexist in any form: (1) Inter Arma’s 2014 effort, “Sky Burial”, and (2) Panopticon’s 2018 double album, “The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness”. It’s one of those combinations that almost has no business working in any scenario, but where there is creativity and proper talent, there is always a way for new avenues to be paved.

Stumbling upon Manos Six and the Muddy Devil with their creation of “Swamp Suicide”, I can’t help but say that I was immensely surprised by what I heard. An Americana-focused approach with themes and presentation that are clearly likened to that of black metal, their performance with that album was something that I found myself endlessly fascinated with even if it might seem simple on the surface. It got to the point that I was ecstatic to ask them some questions given my first chance, and it was certainly an enlightening experience, to say the least.

I do hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did, and I cannot ask you enough to check out “Swamp Suicide” should it sound like something you might be interested in. It’s far from everyone, but an open mind does wonders for strange creations such as this.

LISTEN to “Swamp Suicide” here.

LIKE Manos Six and the Muddy Devil on Facebook here.

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1. I think it’s only fair we start off with what I feel is an obvious question: how did you start Manos Six and the Muddy Devil? Particularly, where did you get the idea to do Satanic-tinged Americana like this?

This group started as a side project of :Skull&dawn: (my main band) … I have written some songs which would have lost their strength of simplicity if we played them as a full band, and I wanted to keep them minimal and direct. The initial idea was to be a solo project, but during the creative process I realized this couldn’t be done without my friend/my brother ( also a core member of :Skull&dawn) Stamos Abatis .. so, Manos Six and the Muddy Devil was born… I always had the sense that pure evil dwells inside the heart of extreme Christianity, so it wasn’t too hard to make this artistic blend.

2. What was it that made you become fixated with the specific image of the deep American South? I have been there multiple times so I can happily verify that the music fits the landscape almost too well, and it astounds me that someone has managed to capture something of the region that many normally wouldn’t even dare think to bring to life.

I am a huge fan of the American south, the American culture, the American music. But I experience all these elements wrapped in a veil of mystery. I guess I put the blame on the movies I’ve watched and the books I’ve read, so I can’t really answer how close to reality is my musical atmosphere. One thing is certain, that I describe in my songs what I believe is happening down in the South.. or in a part of it at least.

3. The very simplicity of the banjo alongside clapping hands and stomping feet makes for a catchy and interesting creation that offers a lot more than one might typically expect. Do you have ideas for future releases to
go beyond that, or do you think that would go against the spirit of the band?

As I’ve already mentioned, the inner need that led to the creation of Manos Six and the Muddy Devil, was the simplicity and the search of meaning and strength through simplicity… But because I am already working on some tracks for the next album, I can already tell you that there are going to be more percussions and more “mud”.

These are the only hints I can give now … hehe…

4. The uses of black metal imagery and themes make for a massive surprise for anyone who first discovers the band since that’s something that is very, very rarely paired with the music of this kind. What was it that made you bring those ideas so far away from its typical sound in order to make for an experience that can be considered quite unique?

Apart from the old country music, and all the spectrum of American music (gospel, blues, swing, etc) that I listen to, my biggest love is black metal. At our live concerts, we have more extreme black metal vocals and sometimes we cover black metal songs. This project was also an effort of mine to feel comfortable.. . and what makes me feel like that is black metal music and the American tradition…

5. After doing some research, it boggles my mind to say that there isn’t anywhere that lists where you guys are from. Is that on purpose or just one of those details that didn’t come to the surface for one reason or
another? I would find it fascinating to see you come out of the woods of the Deep South itself since I’m sure music of your kind would find resistance from certain circles down there.

We are from Hellas… a small country in southeast Europe. To be honest I would love to go to the Deep South, play my music, get inspiration, write new songs… I guess certain people won’t be very welcoming … but I will find a way.

6. Is this the only band that you’re a part of or have you been a part of others be they retired or still ongoing? I would find it endlessly fascinating to know that this act is your first given its creativity and fascinating delivery.

As I aforementioned, my main band is :Skull&dawn:, in which we have multiple instruments (we are 6 members) and we play dark Americana. I am also currently working on a new acoustic black metal project. In the past I had a neo-folk band named Defile des Ames (2000-?), we released a full album named “Lust and Stone” (Steinklang Records) and participated in other music collections as well. I have also played guitar and sung live for various Greek black metal bands (Kawir, Disharmony, and more), and I have played percussions and did backing vocals for Rotting Christ’s album “The Heretics”.

7. Do you think a sound like yours is something that should be more widespread or is there some level of magic in its mysterious, hard-to-find nature?

Our kind of sound, even if it was more widespread, I have the impression that it wouldn’t appeal to a lot of people. Although “darkness” in these genres is a trend, this specific “darkness” is for a few. I am not saying this like I am regarding myself as a member of the music elite… I just think that you have to be a little crazy to be drawn to that kind of sound.

8. Where do you see your sound going next? Do you think that we can expect to see a continuation of what was brought forth in “Swamp Suicide”, or is that still up in the air?

One thing is certain… That the journey to the South has just begun and there is a lot yet to be seen…

9. How do you feel about the reception that “Swamp Suicide” has gotten so far? Were you expecting it or do you think that it would’ve gone under the radar for the most part? Personally, I’m quite surprised and satisfied the see how people feel about the album.

To be honest I am very pleased with the reception of the album so far… I really didn’t expect it. This doesn’t mean that I think it is a bad album or that it wasn’t worthy of good reviews, it’s just that all this situation exceeded our expectations . I really want to thank our label FYC records and our friend Niko for all his efforts and his faith in our “crazy” creation called  “Swamp Suicide”. Lastly, I would like to thank you for your wonderful review, this meaningful interview, and for devoting your time and energy to us. I hope we will have the chance in the future to meet and talk in person.

Manos Six