Swiss deathcore juggernauts Paleface Swiss are making their long-awaited return to Australia this September, bringing their latest record Cursed with them for a full-scale headlining run alongside German heavyweights Nasty. For frontman Zelli, this isn’t just another tour—it’s a reunion with a country that’s become a second home for the band.
“There’s just this connection with Australian crowds,” Zelli tells Crannk. “I think it’s because, at the end of the day, we’re all here to have fun. We felt it last time with In Hearts Wake—that sold-out Adelaide show especially—and we can’t wait to feel it again at Lion Arts.”
I caught up with Zelli, frontman and vocalist of Paleface Swiss, to talk about the band’s creative fire, the emotional weight behind Cursed, and what fans can expect from their highly anticipated return to Australian stages.
Track Highlights & Emotional Depth
Every track on Cursed carries weight, but a few stand out as especially personal for Zelli.
- “With Hope You’ll Be Damned” strikes with venomous precision.
- “Enough” and “Love Burns” both pull from painful personal experiences.
- “River of Sorrows” showcases the band’s atmospheric side, while an unplugged acoustic version revealed a completely different dimension of the song.
- The Complete Edition vinyl expands on this vision, bundling the core album with three standalone singles, the acoustic rework, and a previously unheard track, “I Am a Cursed One”—a song born out of long studio waits when their producer was habitually late.
Self-Made Artistry & DIY Spirit
Zelli stresses that Cursed isn’t just an album; it’s a snapshot of who the band is right now. Beyond the music, the artwork and visuals were self-created, reinforcing the DIY ethos at the heart of Paleface Swiss.
“It’s the most personal record we’ve ever done. Every lyric is either from my own life or from close friends’ stories. That’s why it hits the way it does.”
Live Shows, Setlists & What’s Next
For fans heading to the Australian shows, Zelli promises an intense, immersive experience.
“When I step on stage, I’m giving everything,” he says. “It’s not just about screaming into a mic—it’s about connecting, physically and emotionally. I warm up, I prepare, but once we’re out there, it’s pure chaos and pure love.”
Headlining again means Paleface Swiss are in full control of their setlist—a responsibility Zelli is excited for. At the same time, new music is already bubbling behind the scenes, inspired by the overwhelming response to Cursed.
Collaboration is also something Zelli values highly. “It has to be real,” he says. “If there’s no genuine connection, it doesn’t work. That’s why friendships with bands like Nasty and unProcessed mean so much—it’s real family vibes.”
Catch Paleface Swiss + Nasty on the Cursed Tour Australia 2025:
September 2025
- Tuesday 2 – Perth, Magnet House
- Wednesday 3 – Adelaide, Lion Arts
- Friday 5 – Melbourne, Northcote Theatre
- Sunday 7 – Sydney, Manning Bar
- Tuesday 9 – Newcastle, King Street
- Wednesday 10 – Brisbane, Princess Theatre
🎟️ Tickets: thephoenix.au
🔥 Paleface Swiss are more than just another crushing deathcore band—they’re a group that bleeds honesty, thrives on chaos, and creates music that mirrors the highs and lows of life itself. With Cursed, they’ve carved out a record that feels both punishing and deeply human. Australia better be ready—because Zelli and the crew are bringing it all back this September.
