Frankie Palmeri of Emmure Talks “Hindsight,” Touring, and Staying True

 

We recently caught up with Frankie Palmeri, frontman of the metalcore juggernaut Emmure, to discuss the band’s album Hindsight, touring experiences, his East Coast roots, and his perspective on music, life, and personal growth.

Escaping the Weather: From East Coast to Arizona

Growing up on the East Coast, Frankie wasn’t exactly a fan of harsh winters or sticky humidity.

“I'm not really a fan of humidity or harsh winters, so I’m in the right spot now,” he says of his current home in Arizona.

Though he's experienced all kinds of extreme weather, Frankie doesn't dwell on it.

“You just deal with it,” he shrugs. “It’s not something I really focus on when I’m out in the world.”

A Missed Connection With Italian Roots

When asked if he speaks any Italian, Frankie laughs:

“No, dude. My parents are ashamed of me. I don’t speak any Italian.”

He explains how his parents initially tried to teach his oldest sibling the language but realized it was harder for him to acclimate socially. They ultimately decided not to repeat that approach with the younger kids.

 

Touring Italy: The Highlights (and Farm Fields)

Although Emmure has toured Italy, Frankie admits they mostly played in rural northern areas.

“We’d play in Bologna next to a grocery store and be surrounded by farmland,” he recalls. “But performing in Milan was a treat. It's so beautiful and aesthetic there.”

 

Hindsight – A Title with Layers

Emmure’s 2020 release Hindsight wasn’t always going to be called that.

“It was a marketing decision,” Frankie admits. “The title came from the fact that the album was released in 2020 — you know, 20/20 hindsight. But it also ended up really matching the lyrical content.”

Asked what other titles were considered, Frankie declines with a grin:

“Can’t share that — I might want to use them later.”

 

Eight Albums Deep: Still Pushing Forward

Hindsight marked Emmure’s eighth studio album. Frankie acknowledges that reactions have been mixed — something he actually welcomes.

“If your music isn’t divisive, then you probably didn’t make anything worth checking out.”

With the current lineup solidifying since 2015, Palmeri reflects on the chemistry:

“Being in a band is like any relationship. Familiarity breeds contempt, but we’ve learned to work through it. These guys have brought fresh energy — creatively and personally.”

 

Longevity and Loyalty

Having led Emmure for nearly two decades, Palmeri shows no signs of slowing down:

“I’ve been doing this 17 years. I guess I’m just stubborn about my goals. I don’t care what happens in between, as long as I reach my destination.”

 

Inspiration and Musical Roots

Frankie grew up surrounded by a wide variety of music — from Metallica and Faith No More to Paula Abdul and doo-wop.

“Everything I heard, I liked,” he recalls. “When I discovered underground hardcore and bands like Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Deftones, it was like lightning struck my brain. I just knew — this is what I want to do.”

Genre, he says, is secondary to emotional impact.

“I’m a music fan. As long as I like what I hear, I don’t care what genre it is.”

 

No Clear Concept — Just Raw Emotion

While Hindsight might suggest a thematic thread, Frankie sees it more as a reflection of where he was mentally and emotionally.

“It’s a cacophony of feelings. I don’t think any two songs sound alike. I write what’s authentic to me at the time. Sometimes multiple subjects get fused into one track.”

 

The Music Speaks for Itself

One standout lyric from the track “203” reads: “If it be a higher power, I surrender unto thee.”

But Frankie isn’t one to unpack his lyrics publicly:

“I want people to have their own experience. When you explain a song, you kind of kill the mystery. Let people interpret it for themselves — that’s the beauty of music.”

Collecting Vinyl and Musical Memories

As a fan and collector, Frankie holds a few vinyls dear:

• A rare pressing of $3 Bill, Y’all by Limp Bizkit

• A GG Allin acoustic release

• A limited edition Aphex Twin record from a Texas festival

The first album he ever bought? Either The Fat of the Land by The Prodigy or Blink-182’s Dude Ranch.

 

Thoughts on Touring with As I Lay Dying

Having toured with As I Lay Dying, Frankie reflects on the experience without diving into the band’s controversial past:

“They’ve always been nice to me. I don’t care what people have done — if the music is good, I’ll enjoy it. I can separate the art from the artist.”

 

Final Thoughts: Cut the Cruelty

Frankie leaves us with a parting message — blunt but sincere:

“The world’s fucked up right now. People are divided politically and socially, and I think that’s garbage. The whole point of being human is to reduce suffering. If what you’re doing isn’t helping people suffer less, then shut the fuck up.”

 

Listen to Emmure’s Hindsight, out now on Sharptone Records.

For more interviews and underground metal coverage, stay tuned to MetalgodZradiO.

 

Stay heavy. Support the underground. Long live metal.

 Want more? Follow Emmure on [Facebook/Spotify] and catch them live this summer.