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
A Good Day To Be Alive With BRENNAN MILETO From SISTERS DOLL [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:35
Melbourne-based rockers Sisters Doll have always been a band who value their support base. From driving 30 hours to play a handful of shows in Far North Queensland to playing on the open waters of America as part of the…
Fast Riffs And Flying Shoes: ARCHSPIRE Gear Up For Aussie Tour [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:16
Archspire vocalist Oliver “Oli” Alleron is clearly excited about returning to Australia, with the band set to tour in January. From his love of Australian crowds to his unexpected obsession with The Block, Oliver speaks…
40 Years Young With JORDAN RUDESS From DREAM THEATER [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:12
With the worldwide excitement around the recently completed European tour, GRAMMY®-winning, progressive music titans Dream Theater have announced their 40th Anniversary Tour 2026 leg for Australia. The tour will be An Ev…
MATTY MULLINS From MEMPHIS MAY FIRE Talks About Next Aussie Invasion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:24
Interview by Ali WilliamsIf you think the wildest part of touring is the fans, you’ve clearly never tried to drive a truck through an American winter. HEAVY caught up with Matty Mullins—frontman, ice-road survivor, and M…
25 Years And Still A Dirtbag, With BRENDAN BROWN From WHEATUS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:22
No matter what they do musically from now until eternity, New York rockers Wheatus will always be known as the Dirtbag band. The fact that Teenage Dirtbag is probably bigger today than when it first smashed the air waves…
Humility, Honesty And Heat With BETTER LOVERS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:33
Interview by Simon Russell-WhiteThough Australia is familiar territory for the members of Better Lovers - Jordan Buckley (guitarist/ex Every Time I Die) and Will Putney (guitarist/producer/Fit For An Autopsy) - there is…
PERSEFONE’s BOBBY VERDEGUER Talks New Album And Orchestral Madness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:47
Interview by Ali WilliamsIf you’ve ever wondered what happens when progressive death metal collides head-on with a full-blown orchestra (spoiler: nobody wears a tux, but plenty of heads bang), Persefone’s latest adventur…