NOTHING: Confronting Decay And Chasing the Uncomfortable

NOTHING: Confronting Decay And Chasing the Uncomfortable

Author: HEAVY Magazine February 25, 2026 Duration: 18:47
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.

Dive straight into the raw, unfiltered conversations happening behind the amplifiers and drum kits. HEAVY Music Interviews, straight from the team at HEAVY Magazine, pulls you backstage and into the green room for genuine talks with the most compelling voices in rock, punk, metal, and the wider heavy music landscape. This isn't about polished press releases; it's where artists open up about the craft of a crushing riff, the stories behind an iconic album, and the realities of life on the road. Each episode delivers a new perspective, whether it's a legendary frontman reflecting on decades of noise or a breakthrough band explaining their explosive sound. You'll hear the passion and personality that fuels the music, directly from the musicians creating it. For anyone who lives for the energy of a heavy track and wants to know the people behind it, this podcast serves as a regular, essential connection. Tune in for authentic discussions that go far beyond the surface, keeping you directly plugged into the heart of the scene.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 1000

HEAVY Music Interviews
Podcast Episodes
Still Packing Sting In Your Tail With ULI JON ROTH [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:25
Interview by Kris PetersGerman guitarist Uli Jon Roth is renowned for his work with the Scorpions during their early, more experimental phase and for pioneering the neoclassical metal genre. He is also known for his inno…
Three Cheers For Rock With BRIAN BUTCHER From THE HOME TEAM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:11
Interview by Kris PetersThe Home Team are travelling to Australia for the second time - this time with Mayday Parade - for the Three Cheers For 20 Years tour, after crossing the ocean last May with Caskets (UK).The quart…
Filling The Void With ALEX DEAN From ARCHITECTS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:25
It's scary to think that British metalcore outfit Architects are just hitting their stride eleven albums in.Having completed two Summer runs with Metallica in the lead up to their latest masterpiece The Sky, The Earth &…
PIG DESTROYER Return To Australia With Grindcore Fury Intact [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:22
Interview by Angela CroudaceAfter more than 15 years, grindcore titans Pig Destroyer will finally return to Australia, and frontman J.R. Hayes couldn’t be more thrilled. “We’re just really, really excited,” he said. “It’…
Lock Up Your Children, GWAR Are Coming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:32
Interview by Kris PetersAs with every other year, anticipation surrounding the first line up announcement for Good Things 2025 was almost at a fever pitch. Social media experts and promoter wannabe's all shared their pro…
Making Some Noise At BIGSOUND With GRECCO ROMANK [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:33
BIGSOUND can be anything you want it to be. You can choose to revel in the activities and workshops, or check out the band showcase gigs or watch/see/listen to any number of things, but the one thing that catches HEAVY e…
ROCK HARD Or Go Home With PHIL & TISH [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:41
Interview by Kris PetersAfter championing the cause for Australian music for almost a decade via their weekly radio show, Rock Hard With Phil & Tish, the two co-hosts have decided to take the next step in their evolution…
IN TRANSMISSION Channel Frustration And Hope On Betterment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:42
Interview by Angela CroudacePost-rock outfit In Transmission are back with their new EP, Betterment, a record that blends atmospheric beauty with an urgent social conscience. Frontman Martin says the inspiration behind l…