NOTHING: Confronting Decay And Chasing the Uncomfortable

Interview by Angela Croudace
In conversation with Dominic (Nicky) Palermo, the driving force behind Nothing, it’s clear that A Short History of Decay isn’t just another chapter for the long-running shoegaze outfit, it’s a reckoning. Described as their most emotionally direct release to date, the record finds Palermo shedding vagueness in favour of brutal self-examination.
“I just had to look at myself in the mirror a little bit more,” he admits. Time away from the relentless album-tour cycle forced reflection on family, identity and the distractions that once kept deeper truths at bay. The result is a body of work that feels less like therapy and more like confrontation.
Borrowing its title from Romanian philosopher Emil Cioran’s book of the same name, the album also draws inspiration from William H. Gass’s novel The Tunnel, literature steeped in guilt, introspection and uncomfortable honesty. Palermo also carried a stark line from ancient philosopher Anaxagoras with him throughout recording: “The descent to hell is the same from every place.” It became a kind of thesis statement, there's no holding back with this record.
Sonically, singles like Toothless Coal push into industrial territory, reflecting a band no longer trying to fit neatly into any box. After 15 years, Nothing still thrives in that tension; not heavy enough for some, not soft enough for others.
And for Australian fans? Palermo hints there’s a strong chance we’ll see Nothing return this year — perhaps even for a festival slot. If this turns out to be true, you heard it here first! Fingers crossed.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(1000)

Settling Scores Through Music With ADAM DE MICCO From LORNA SHORE

The meteoric rise of New Jersey deathcore titans Lorna Shore stands as one of the most remarkable modern success stories in heavy music. At the centre of this sonic storm is lead guitarist and primary...

2 Heinä 11min

Still Figuring Out How It Works After 25 Years With CAM BAINES From BODYJAR

Interview by Kris PetersBodyjar is bringing the machine back in for its 25-year scheduled service this July and August 2026, proving that classic Aussie punk rock never goes out of style. Celebrating ...

26 Kesä 13min

The Art Of Sonic Seduction With CARINA ROUND And MAT MITCHELL From PUSCIFER

Get ready to have your absolute minds melted, Australia. The legendary Maynard James Keenan is pulling a massive double shift this December, bringing his electro-rock side-project Puscifer down under ...

25 Kesä 14min

Embracing The Anger With GRACE PASTURINI From VINDICTA

Interview by Ali WilliamsVINDICTA are heading Down Under this month and are starting a new era by becoming louder, angrier and significantly harder to ignore. Freshly formed by vocalist Grace Pasturin...

24 Kesä 12min

Absence Makes The Riffs Grow Stronger With JENNI And MARTY POWELL From RIFF RAIDERS

Melbourne outfit Riff Raiders are a powerhouse hard rock outfit known for their explosive live energy, massive hooks, and crunching guitar riffs. Formed in 2017, the band features core members Jenni P...

19 Kesä 11min

From Calm Comes Chaos With JAYTANIC RITUAL From THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION

Interview by Kris PetersDead of Winter Festival is officially back, resurrecting its glorious, dark alternative underworld at Brisbane’s iconic Mansfield Tavern on Saturday, 27 June 2026. After six lo...

19 Kesä 14min

Finding Salvation in Loss With ALPHA From GAEREA

Interview by Kris PetersPortuguese masked metal maestros Gaerea will embark on their highly anticipated debut tour of Australia next month. Presented by Soundworks Direct, the five-date national run i...

18 Kesä 14min

Growing Pains With NATHAN CAVALERI

There are few stories in Australian rock history as heavy or as real as Nathan Cavaleri’s. We all remember the kid—the pint-sized blues prodigy who jammed with B.B. King, signed global deals, and made...

18 Kesä 20min