Photo: Akis Zaralis
International thrash sensation Nervosa have been on an upward trajectory for the last decade, honing their craft and attempting to reach new musical and career heights—including a Decibel cover!—in the process. They’re about to head out on their first headlining tour of the United States, so Decibel caught up with frontwoman Prika Amaral to talk about Nervosa’s new lineup, most-anticipated cities to play in and the longevity of thrash metal.
Your August tour is your first headlining tour in the US and Canada. Are you nervous at all?
We are nervous [laughs]. But no, we’re more anxious than anything! This will be a very special tour for us. As you mentioned, it’s our first headlining tour in North America, and it’s also the first time the other members are touring there. It’s my first time touring in North America as a singer, the first tour with two guitars and it will be our longest tour yet. We’re eager to see how far we can push our limits.
Three-quarters of the band joined in the last three years, and you took over as vocalist in 2023. What does this lineup bring to the studio or live stage that sets it apart from previous iterations of Nervosa?
Every member who’s been part of Nervosa has contributed something important. But it’s also crucial to recognize that everyone is trying to figure things out. How could the girls know what they want without ever having had this kind of experience? Nervosa has always been a band that works relentlessly. It’s tough to leave everything behind for an extended period. In the beginning, members commit fully, but then they start wanting time for other things and don’t want to, or can’t, be on the road all the time. I understand that, and there’s nothing wrong with it. They want to experience life differently, and I respect that. But for me, as part of a young band—which we still are—we have to work constantly. I believe that’s one of the reasons Nervosa has achieved what it has. We’re getting great opportunities, and I can’t say no because we’ve sacrificed everything to make these opportunities happen.
This current lineup has already done some tours, so they now understand the importance of being active and performing regularly. I’ve also learned a lot, and we’re all on the same page now.
One major change in our live shows is having two guitars, something I’ve wanted since the beginning of Nervosa, but it wasn’t possible before. This adds a big difference in our live sound and presence. As for me becoming a singer, I never planned on it, but when I realized it was necessary, I started to study it. I have to admit, I fell in love with it, and I feel very comfortable now. I think it’s good for Nervosa since I’m the only member who’s been here since the beginning and can share the stories and background of the band. We’re getting great feedback from fans at the shows, and the connection between the band and the audience is really strong now.
What are your setlists looking like for this tour? Are you aiming to represent Nervosa‘s entire discography or highlight newer releases?
We’re trying to strike a balance between playing the old songs and promoting the new album. But our main priority is to put on a great show, so we’re choosing songs based on their popularity and how well the audience can engage with them. We believe this approach will ensure everyone has a good time.
The Great American Jailbreak Tour also includes Lich King and Hatriot, two bands that played roles in the thrash revival in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Is it important for Nervosa to tour with bands from the same musical scene or timeline?
The most important thing is playing with bands we admire as musicians, regardless of their style, and with people we know are great to be around. But in this case, it’s also cool that we all represent the new generation of metal, and we share thrash metal roots, even if our music also incorporates elements of death metal, heavy metal, punk, etc. Our roots are in thrash. Having Lich King and Hatriot with Nervosa shows how the old-school metal is the new old-school metal now… [laughs].
Are there any specific cities you’re particularly excited to play in? What about non-musical attractions in the cities you’ll be visiting
Every time we visit a place, the experience is different, so I’m excited about all of them. But I have to admit, I’m especially looking forward to Nashville. I’ve never been there, and it’s such an iconic city for music. Plus, the Gibson factory is there, and I’m endorsed by Kramer, which is made by Gibson, so that will be special. We won’t have much time to sightsee, but I like to be surprised by unexpected things. Honestly, I’m more excited to meet up with friends and make new ones than to see the sights. Having fun is my top priority on this tour.
See Nervosa’s tour dates below. Jailbreak is out now.
The Great American Jailbreak Tour
NERVOSA w/ Lich King and Hatriot
August 29 – Milwaukee, WI @ Blades Of Steel Festival
August 30 – Minneapolis, MN @ White Rock Lounge
August 31 – Iowa City, IA @ Wildwood
September 1 – Lincoln, NE @ Cosmic Eye
September 2 – Denver, CO @ HQ
September 4 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Aces High Saloon
September 5 – Boise, ID @ The Shredder
September 6 – Vancouver, BC, Canada @ The Rickshaw Theater
September 7 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon / Funhouse
September 8 – Portland, OR @ Dante’s
September 10 – Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s
September 11 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Usual Place
September 12 – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
September 13 – Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky a Go Go
September 14 – Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Underground
September 15 – Tucson, AZ @ The Rock
September 16 – El Paso, TX @ The RockHouse
September 18 – Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live
September 19 – Houston, TX @ The White Oak
September 20 – Dallas, TX @ RBC
September 21 – Fayetteville, AR @ George’s Majestic Lounge
September 22 – Nashville, TN @ The End
September 24 – Atlanta, GA @ Boggs Social & Supply
September 25 – Orlando, FL @ Conduit
September 27 – Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero
September 28 – Greensboro, NC @ Hangar 1819
September 29 – Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligans
October 2 – Mechanicsburg, PA @ Lovedraft’s
October 3 – Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz
October 4 – Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows
October 5 – Quebec City, Quebec, Canada @ La Source
October 6 – Montreal, Quebec, Canada @ Les Foufounes Électriques
October 8 – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada @ The 27 Club
October 9 – Kingston, Ontario, Canada @ The Mansion
October 10 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada @ Hard Luck
October 11 – London, Ontario, Canada @ Rum Runners
October 12 – Detroit, MI @ The Sanctuary
October 13 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies