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Interview with
Dimitri Minakakis
from
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN
(28th July, 2025)

Interview by Zac Main

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Photo Credit: Mel Hummel

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Listen to the full live interview below

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The Dillinger Escape Plan are a name etched into the very DNA of chaotic, experimental metal. Known for their blistering intensity and fearless creativity, they were the band that set the benchmark for mathcore before stepping back from the spotlight. But now, 25 years after the release of their groundbreaking debut Calculating Infinity, they’re back – and they’re heading to Australia.

I had the pleasure of catching up with original frontman Dimitri Minakakis ahead of the band’s much-anticipated Aussie shows. From their wild live energy to the deeper meaning behind this reunion, Dimitri opened up about it all.

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Photo Credit: Dean Landry

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Back to the Beginning

For those unfamiliar with the band’s roots, Dimitri gave a quick but vivid intro:
“My name is Dimitri Minakakis. I sing for The Dillinger Escape Plan. I originally helped start the band with Ben Weinman and Chris Pennie. We’re a metal band from New Jersey – the US of A!”

He reminisced about their humble beginnings in 1997, describing the formation as “just a bunch of guys that started a band.” But this isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about celebrating Calculating Infinity, the chaotic and revolutionary album that set Dillinger on their path. “We decided to reunite for an album that we recorded 26 years ago. It just felt like the right time.”

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Photo Credit: Mel Hummel

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Why Now? Why Calculating Infinity?

In 2023, Metal Injection Festival planted the seed for the reunion. “Frank from Metal Injection hit up Ben and suggested a Calculating Infinity reunion for the festival. That idea kind of sparked the whole thing.”

What started as a small idea for three shows grew rapidly. “Europe wanted to see us. We played US cities. And now, a year later, we’re coming to Australia. It’s just a continuation of that celebration—even if it’s technically year 26,” he laughed.

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Photo Credit: Mel Hummel

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The Legacy of Chaos

Calculating Infinity isn’t just an album. It’s a blueprint for mayhem. And watching Dillinger live is a rite of passage. I asked Dimitri what fans can expect from the Australian shows.

“You can expect everything we’ve got. We’re going to give all our effort and hopefully not disappoint,” he joked. “Or… you can expect to be disappointed, and then be pleasantly surprised.”

When asked if the band had ever taken things too far live, he was honest: “Only if someone gets hurt. Otherwise? No. This is an outlet, for us and the fans. It’s a release. We’re just expressing ourselves. That’s what live shows are all about.”

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The Mosh Pit Mentality

We laughed about Australian mosh pits – the chaos, the camaraderie, the shoelaces coming undone mid-pit. But Dimitri agreed: “No one likes to see anyone get hurt. But the pit is a release. It’s positive chaos. And we’re all in it together. That’s beautiful.”

Even now at 48, Dimitri says he still feels the same thrill and sense of community that he did as a teen. “If someone falls, someone else picks them up. That’s what it’s always been about.”

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Photo Credit: Mel Hummel

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Staying True

Looking back on The Dillinger Escape Plan’s legacy, Dimitri is proud of their unwavering commitment to their identity.
“We never changed our sound to fit in. We wrote music for us. We stuck to our values. We didn’t chase trends. I’m proud of that.”

As fans, it’s easy to see that authenticity across their discography. Evolution without compromise – that’s the Dillinger way.

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Photo Credit: Mel Hummel

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Final Words for Australian Fans

When I asked what impression he hoped fans would take away from the tour, Dimitri didn’t hesitate: “I want people to walk away thinking, ‘That was amazing. I’m glad I saw them.’ If it becomes a core memory for someone, that’s everything. That’s success.”

He added with a laugh, “If people are disappointed… I won’t lose sleep. But if someone really enjoys it? That’s what I care about.”

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Photo Credit: Dean Landry

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Core Memories Incoming

As someone with a ticket in hand for the upcoming show, I can say confidently: this is one not to miss. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering their explosive energy, The Dillinger Escape Plan are poised to deliver a show that’ll shake the venue and stick in your memory forever.

Chaos is coming. And it’s beautifully calculated.

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THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN
August 2025
Australian Tour Dates

Sunday 10th August PERTH, Metropolis Fremantle
Tuesday 12th August ADELAIDE, The Gov
Wednesday 13th August MELBOURNE, Northcote Theatre – SOLD OUT
Thursday 14th August MELBOURNE, Northcote Theatre
Saturday 16th August SYDNEY, The Enmore
Sunday 17th August BRISBANE, The Tivoli

Tickets on sale now HERE

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Photo Credit: Mel Hummel

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Follow THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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Photo Credit: Mel Hummel

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Listen to the full live interview below

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Press Release 14th May 2025 (below) HERE

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN
Announce 2nd and Final
Melbourne Show
– On Sale Now!

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AMNPLIFY – DB