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
Proudly Baring Your SCARS With BRYCE & AUSTIN MILETO [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:57
Sisters Doll is a group of brothers bonded by blood and rock ‘n’ roll. With a signature melodic rock sound and an electrifying stage presence, Sisters Doll has captivated audiences across the globe, including an unforget…
Powering Through With TOMMY JOHANSSON From MAJESTICA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:20
MAJESTICA, the symphonic and power metal band from Sweden, is set to embark on an exciting new journey with their upcoming album Power Train, scheduled for release on February 7, 2025. This spellbinding experience awaken…
Going Out On Your Own Terms With JON TOOGOOD From SHIHAD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:05
Interview by Kris PetersFor the better part of three decades New Zealand rock outfit Shihad have ruled the proverbial roost, with albums like The General Electric, Pacifier, and even their most recent offering Old Gods s…
Building An Empire With ANDREA FERRO From LACUNA COIL [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:11
Interview by Kris PetersDespite four decades of servitude to their craft, Italian metal legends Lacuna Coil are still invested in their music.The band could easily rest on their laurels and slowly ease into oblivion afte…
Keeping Rock Alive With TAILOR MADE REJECTS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:37
The Koala Tavern in Capalaba will host the inaugural Rock Is Not Dead Festival on February 1, 2025.Self-funded and put together by a group of Australian music lovers who aim to help nurture and promote the wealth of tale…
Putting The KA-BOOM Back Into Music With JOSH MORGAN From FIST [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:29
Interview by Kris PetersSometimes playing nice doesn't get the desired results, especially in music.To really get to know yourself, your bandmates, and your audience, stepping into a studio and cutting some tracks with m…
Throwing Your TOYS Out Of The Cot With BRAE FISHER From DEAR SEATTLE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:47
Sydney rock outfit Dear Seattle epitomize the current wave of emerging Australian bands.With a distinctive Aussie tinge to their emotive and propulsive wares, Dear Seattle first emerged onto the scene back in 2013, relea…
MORBID VISIONS With MAX CAVALERA Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:55
Cavalera is a name with its fingerprints all over the history of heavy metal, an inspiring family legacy built upon decades of musical aggression, starting all the way back in 1984 in Brazil with Sepultura.Over the last…