Dimitri Minakakis (Greek:Δημήτρης Μηνακάκης; born June 16, 1977, inMorristown, New Jersey)[1] is an American musician and graphic designer best known as the original singer of the bandThe Dillinger Escape Plan from 1997 to 2001.
In the mid-1990s, Minakakis was invited by guitaristBen Weinman, with whom he went to the same school, to form ahardcore punk group because he "looked like a singer" due to his imposing physique.[2] In 1996, they founded the political-oriented act Arcane along with drummerChris Pennie.[1][3] In 1997, Arcane evolved into The Dillinger Escape Plan with the addition of bassistAdam Doll.
The Dillinger Escape Plan's second EP, 1998'sUnder the Running Board, and their 1999 debut album,Calculating Infinity, developed a much faster and more technical approach tomathcore and became critically acclaimed landmarks of the genre, and were influential in extreme music circles.[4][5][6] Minakakis' lyrics onCalculating Infinity were based on failing relationships and human insecurity. He has stated that people "always interpret them in weird ways".[7] Its album cover was taken from the inside tubes of an old record player owned by Minakakis' mother.[8] The band's live shows became increasingly aggressive and reckless, with Minakakis starting tobreathe fire.[9]Calculating Infinity went on to sell over 100,000 copies, making Dillinger the best-selling band signed toRelapse Records at the time.[1]
In 2001 and after tours in North America, Europe and Asia, Minakakis left the band on good terms to focus on his family life and began working full-time on graphic arts and design.[1][2] Minakakis remains close with the other band members, including vocalistGreg Puciato.[10]
In 2004, he laid out the cover artwork for the Dillinger albumMiss Machine.[10] He went on to provide guest vocals on the track "Fix Your Face" on the 2007 Dillinger Escape Plan albumIre Works and joined them on occasion to perform it.[11] He also created the artwork for the 2010 Dillinger Escape Plan albumOption Paralysis.[1]
On December 28 and 29, 2017, Dimitri Minakakis joined The Dillinger Escape Plan for their last two shows atTerminal 5 inNew York City.[12]
On December 12, 2023, the Dillinger Escape Plan announced their reunion concert with Minakakis.[13]
In 2003, Minakakis founded and performed a yearlong stint with the defunct band Tokyo with former members of Knives Out fromPhiladelphia.[1]
In 2011, Minakakis became a member of Argonauts along with members ofMunicipal Waste andBurnt by the Sun.[14] In 2012, he left the band due to scheduling conflicts.[15]
Minakakis' vocal style consists almost entirely of screaming inspired directly fromhardcore punk yells.[16][17] His vocal delivery and also The Dillinger Escape Plan's music, particularly on theirself-titled EP, have been compared to Tim Singer of the fellow New Jerseymetalcore bandDeadguy.[18] In a 2000 interview, Minakakis citedRush,The Beatles andFaith No More as his biggest musical influences.[3]
As a member
As a guest
