Nikolaos Spanakis (Νικόλαος Σπανάκης) has spent more than two decades carving his own path through the Greek Black Metal underground. As Wrath, he is the mastermind behind Dødsferd, while through FYC Records, the label he owns and runs, his commitment to underground music extends far beyond his own work. He is also a member of the alcohol-themed Stoner Metal project Drunk Motherfuckers under the name of Father W.
Strict, disciplined and fiercely protective of his independence, Spanakis has little interest in recognition, mass approval or wasting time on people outside his concern. But there is another side to the story. The money he makes through FYC Records and his music goes towards the shelter he created for stray animals, while his greatest fear is losing the ability to express himself through his art.
Artist, writer, label owner and uncompromising advocate for the underground, Spanakis now steps into The MetalTalk Lowdown.
What’s the most Metal thing you’ve ever done off stage?
Dealing with human stupidity.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played, and why?
There were no bad gigs through all these years. I choose my gigs.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
All 18 had something special, but the three live performances from the mini US Tour and the last in Istanbul were fire, honouring our underground roots and philosophy.
Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
I would prefer to build a scene so strong, away from the preferences of the masses, that would offer only quality musical creations with meaning, spreading it through legendary live performances.
What’s your greatest fear?
Not being able to express my feelings through my art, music and writings.
What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I work every day with the negative aspect of human existence, so there would be nothing so important to deplore in myself, or worth mentioning. Isolation helped a lot. Humans have weaknesses. All of us should deal with them and contribute to their extinction.
What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?
I really don’t care. I try not to spend valuable time with things and people who are out of my concern.
Describe yourself in three words.
Strict. Disciplined. Visionary.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Drinking alcohol to ease the voices in my head.
What does a great riff feel like to write?
Justifying my existence as a man who externalises his feelings through his music. Being honest and worthy of my vision.
What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
If it was said by someone worthy of remembering, then I would remember it.
What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
There were some, especially from specific sites and ‘zines in Italy. But not worthy to remember or worthy to mention.
If you were not in music, what would you be doing?
The same things I do all these years, along with music. Being a writer and taking care of stray animals. All the money I earn through FYC Records and my music goes to the shelter I created for my stray animals. I don’t ask for charity. I offer my music and my books to support voiceless souls.
What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
I am not embarrassed by my musical options, or generally my options in life. I can’t stop listening to Interpol’s first two albums, Turn On The Bright Lights and Antics and Curtis Harding’s If Words Were Flowers.
When did you last cry, and why?
When I lost my beautiful girl, my beloved dog Gin, on 10 October 2025. I have never overcome her death.
What keeps you awake at night?
The lust of creation. My mind is like a computer that works all the time.
Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
Being loyal to my vision, hard-working. We all have to justify our presence here on this planet, not only musicians or artists in general, but each and every one of us. Royalties? I am still waiting to receive them from most of the labels I have worked with in the past. Recognition? Not in this life.
How do you want to be remembered?
As a man with vision.
What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
Never judge. Be fair and always fight for your ideas, even when no one’s around.
What happens when the music stops?
More free time to work on other fields or to discover new things that will equally offer you what music did all these years.
You can find out more about FYC Records at Bandcamp and on their Instagram account here. The Dødsferd Official YouTube Channel can be found here.
For orders, inquiries and general info, you can contact Nikolaos via email at wrath_dodsferd@yahoo.gr.
