Italian rapper Maurizio Pisciottu, known as Salmo, has released “Crackers,” a new single and accompanying visual that signals a return to the aesthetic of his critically acclaimed 2016 album, Hellvisback. The release, distributed by Sony Music Italy, precedes the April 3rd debut of Hellvisback 10 Years Later, a project celebrating the original album’s impact on the Italian rap scene.
The “Crackers” video, directed by Bogdan ‘Chilldays’ Plakov and featuring cinematography by Edoardo Bolli, departs from color, employing a stark black and white palette and a grainy texture reminiscent of analog film. Salmo himself appears masked, a recurring motif in his visual identity, further emphasizing a focus on artistic identity and a rejection of superficial trends, according to promotional materials. The visual approach aims to strip away distractions, focusing attention on the performance and the song’s underlying tension.
Pisciottu’s creative direction with “Crackers” and the forthcoming Hellvisback 10 Years Later appears to be a deliberate attempt to reclaim artistic autonomy, challenging what he perceives as a market saturated with image and superficiality. The project is described as a dual effort: honoring the original Hellvisback, which is credited with pushing technical boundaries in Italian rap in 2016, while simultaneously introducing new elements that move beyond mere nostalgia.
Hellvisback, released in 2016, featured tracks including “Mic Taser,” “Giuda,” and “Hellvisback,” and is considered a pivotal operate in Pisciottu’s discography. The re-release will include three previously unreleased tracks, with “10 AD” and the new single “Crackers” serving as initial previews. Physical editions of Hellvisback 10 Years Later will range from a black leather box set to a red cassette tape, catering to collectors and fans who experienced the original album’s impact.
Born Maurizio Pisciottu in Olbia, Italy, in 1984, Salmo began his musical career in 1997, initially experimenting with rap within a local scene dominated by rock and metal. He has since released 13 studio albums and is currently a member of the group Le Carie. The release of “Crackers” and the anticipation surrounding Hellvisback 10 Years Later are currently driving pre-orders, with Sony Music Italy targeting both long-time fans and collectors.