Joining an established band can often feel intimidating, but for the current members the transition happened faster than expected. Helena recalls already working closely with Prika Amaral behind the scenes before officially joining, explaining that the turning point came during the ‘Jailbreak’ sessions: “After we finished the recordings and spent so much time together inside the studio, that’s when I felt like I was 100% in.” Touring immediately strengthened that bond. With a busy schedule throwing them straight onto stages around the world, there was little time to feel like newcomers. “Everything happened very fast… we had so many live shows that it felt natural almost immediately,” they explain, describing how shared experiences quickly transformed individual musicians into a cohesive unit.

That unity became the foundation for ‘Slave Machine’. While ‘Jailbreak’ was created amid pressure and transition, this album benefited from familiarity and trust. “Now everything works. Everybody knows each other as people, on stage, and in the studio. Everything feels more stable and relaxed,” they note. Instead of figuring out how to function together, the focus shifted toward pushing the music forward.

Despite the smoother internal process, the album itself reflects tension with the outside world. Asked what they personally refuse to become slaves to, the discussion quickly turned toward modern technology and social media culture. Hel Pyre emphasizes the importance of artistic independence: “You cannot be a people pleaser. You have to continue doing what you love — otherwise you lose your focus.” Helena expands on the theme, acknowledging both the benefits and dangers of digital life. “Technology is great, but we are crossing the limits. We are getting addicted to phones, to social media… sometimes we forget the real way of doing things.” Even simple human interactions, they admit, are changing: “I catch myself chatting instead of calling my best friend, and it feels stupid sometimes. We tend to cross all the limits. I believe that it’s a great thing, but we have to take advantage of all the good things that it can give and not letting ourselves become slaves into this machine.” This tension between progress and control lies at the heart of ‘Slave Machine’. The album’s title becomes less a dystopian statement and more a reminder to remain conscious in an increasingly automated world.

Musically, Nervosa approached the record with a clear goal: evolution without losing identity. The band intentionally introduced more groove and melodic dynamics while maintaining the aggressive thrash foundation fans expect. “We wanted new elements coming in, but still sounding like Nervosa,” they explain. The challenge was avoiding change for its own sake, ensuring listeners would never feel the band had abandoned its essence. Interestingly, heaviness on the album often comes from restraint rather than speed. Mid-tempo sections and groove-driven passages add weight without sacrificing intensity. The band themselves were surprised by how naturally this developed, particularly on tracks like “Ghost Notes.” “Every time I listen to it, I imagine us on stage and the crowd headbanging and singing along,” Helena says, already visualizing the live energy the song will bring.

Although Nervosa intentionally slowed its relentless touring schedule to focus on the album’s release and refine its live performance, the pause is temporary. “We are a band that likes to play a lot,” they laugh, hinting at upcoming tour announcements while acknowledging the need to breathe after a nonstop previous year. The conversation ultimately revealed a band that has moved beyond survival mode. Where earlier chapters were defined by adaptation, ‘Slave Machine’ represents confidence with musicians who trust each other, understand their direction, and no longer feel the need to prove their legitimacy.

As the interview wrapped up, briefly interrupted by a curious cat wandering into view, they left fans with a simple message of gratitude: “We really hope people enjoy the album. We put a lot of effort into it, and we want to celebrate this together with everyone.”

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