Paleface Swiss are happy that members kissing one another onstage offends certain portions of their crowd.
Singer Marc ‘Zelli’ Zellweger and drummer Cassiano ‘Cassi’ Toma, who play in the Zürich-based deathcore band, have been taking a stand against toxic masculinity at shows by sharing a snog at their gigs. In the new issue of Metal Hammer, Zelli says, “If you have a problem with us doing that, fuck off,” and expresses his happiness that some people walk out after the sight.
“You have no idea how many walk out of the room every time we do that,” he tells us, adding that it’s men in America who seem to get most offended. “Obviously, I’m glad that they leave. I don’t know what kind of band they think we are, but they clearly have a problem with me kissing another man onstage for enjoyment. I don’t want to keep those kinds of people.”
The singer adds, “Why do we kiss onstage? Why not? ‘I like you. You like me. Let’s have fun. A little smooch. Thank you for being here.’”
When asked if he’s waging war against toxic masculinity, he answers, “Yeah, I think so. I’m a small man, I’m not a bear. I’m not very ‘masculine’ anyway. Let me have my fun, though. Let me experience my sexuality. Don’t be mad at me for having fun in my life. I don’t hurt anybody!”
Zelli co-founded Paleface in 2017, together with guitarist Yannick Lehmann and bassist Tommy Lee. Talking to Hammer last year, Zelli said that he met Lehmann through a woman that the guitarist was dating, who then went out with the singer.
“Then, she cheated on me later,” he remembered, “and I found out that she had done the same thing to Yannick with me, basically. I went to a show of Yannick’s old hardcore band and said, ‘I’m really sorry about all of this, it was never my intention.’ He was like, ‘It’s alright – let’s become best friends!’ We’ve been best friends since.”
Paleface released their new EP, The Wilted, last month. The band will tour North America supporting Lorna Shore in the spring before hitting the European festival circuit in the summer. The UK stop will be at Download festival in Donington, taking place from June 10 to 14.
The band are one of four cover stars of the new Hammer, which spotlights the best new metal bands making waves in 2026. As well as Paleface Swiss, we interview masked unit President, metalcore outfit Sleep Theory and viral doom metal sensations Castle Rat about their stories so far. Order your copy now and get it delivered directly to your door.
