Orthodoxia Kai Thanatos takes a linguistic, psychoanalytic, and anthropological approach to Christian Orthodox chants. The hymns, absorbed over time and recorded in a single take, draw from a wide range of traditions and languages, including Aramaic, Arabic, Coptic, Ethiopian, Greek, Macedonian, and Church Slavonic.
This record is neither academic nor strictly theological. Instead, it attempts to capture how an everyday person might experience these words and melodies. It meditates on the Orthodox understanding of solace and death, while also exploring the nuances of singing, storytelling, and expression within the Christian Orthodox communities of Southeast Europe, the Middle East, and Northeast Africa.
Born from extensive travels throughout these regions, the project seeks to unify, and it reminds us of the common ground shared across centuries. It offers a momentary space in which the fragmentation and acrimony of the present can be set aside, if only briefly.
credits
released December 26, 2025
ORTHODOXIA (tracks: 1-13)
Vocals: Kristo Rodzevski
THANATOS (tracks: 14-26)
Vocals: Kristo Rodzevski
Electronics: Fennesz, Bill Laswell, Ikue Mori, Kevin Drumm, Thomas Fehlmann, and Jos Smolders
Maaloula and Hamatoura: electronics and mixed by Fennesz in Vienna, Austria
Lalibela and Kerkyra: electronics and bass by Bill Laswell in New York, NY; mixed by John Hughes in Chicago, IL
Simonopetra and Mount Sinai: electronics and mixed by Ikue Mori in New York, NY
Zrze, Bigorski, and Mokattam: electronics and mixed by Kevin Drumm in Chicago, IL
Meteora and Sumela: electronics and mixed by Thomas Fehlmann in Beriln, Germany
Hozoviotissa and Katskhi Pillar: electronics and mixed by Jos Smolders in Tilburg, The Netherlands
Vocals recorded, mixed, and digitally mastered by Ben B. Goss in New York, NY
LP mastering by Jos Smolders at EARLabs Studio in Tilburg, The Netherlands
Arranged and produced by Kristo Rodzevski (BMI)