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
Challenging The Gods With RYAN KIRBY From FIT FOR A KING [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:22
Interview by Kris PetersAmerican metalcore outfit Fit For A King have never backed away from allowing their music the time and space it needs to breathe.Since unleashing their debut album Descendants in 2011, the band ha…
The Knockout Blow With ZOLTAN BATHORY From FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:59
Interview by Angela CroudaceThe metal landscape changed forever in 2005 when a hard rock/metal outfit called Five Finger Death Punch took their first tentative steps in music from Las Vegas. A town normally more known fo…
Exposing The Core With JAKE DAVIES From OF LIMBO [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:37
Interview by Kris PetersAfter making their name on the back of high-energy, hard-hitting music, Long Beach, California rockers Of Limbo are pulling the reins somewhat on their upcoming release, Unplugged, which you can c…
Used But Never Abused With JEPHA From THE USED [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:39
Interview by Kris PetersFor a quarter of a century, American rock outfit The Used have dominated the global rock landscape, delivering countless albums that not only helped shape the course of musical history but also he…
A Thousand Little Deaths, A Thousand Real Emotions With BLACKBRIAR [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:22
Interview by Angela CroudaceDark fantasy rockers Blackbriar are known for weaving rich, cinematic soundscapes and fairytale-inspired tales into their music, and their new album A Thousand Little Deaths is no exception. V…
Honesty And Direction With GEMMA DUNSMORE From THIS SPACE IS OURS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:59
Interview by Kris PetersMelbourne pop/punk/emo/rock outfit This Space Is Ours have rapidly built a name for themselves since kicking off in 2021. Backing up a string of energetic singles with a succession of memorable li…
The Re-Evolution Of DEVILSKIN With PAUL MARTIN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:43
Interview by Kris PetersNew Zealand's finest exports Devilskin have epitomized everything rock and metal ever since unleashing their debut album We Rise on the world eleven years ago. Not only did their high energy and i…
Promises Kept: Australia Bound With ROB DAMIANI From DON BROCO [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:13
Interview by Kris PetersPromises are made and broken every day in the music industry, especially when it comes to comments made from stage in the heat of the moment and on the crest of emotion. Promises such as "we will…