11-2-24 – Fit For An Autopsy Bring The Nothing That Is Through Southern California | Photos + Review

Fit For An Autopsy is an electrifying band that I can’t resist seeing and photographing every time they come through my town. Their headlining tour celebrated the release of their eagerly awaited album, “The Nothing That Is,” which dropped on October 25, 2024, under the renowned Nuclear Blast Records label. The tour featured a formidable lineup of supporting acts, including Bodysnatcher, known for their aggressive sound; Distant, who brought a heavy, slamming style; Sylosis, with their melodic intricacies; and Judiciary, delivering relentless hardcore energy. The night promised an intense experience filled with face-melting riffs and an enthusiastic crowd ready to immerse themselves in the powerful soundscapes created by these artists.

Kicking off the night was Judiciary from Lubbock, Texas, a band that wasted no time in capturing the audience’s attention with their explosive opener, “Blood.” Right from the start, their hardcore roots shone through, unleashing a wave of energy that had fans two-stepping and moshing with fervor. Their sound is a captivating fusion of hardcore punk, metalcore, and thrash metal, creating an intense atmosphere that enveloped the venue. At the helm was vocalist Jake Collinson, whose commanding stage presence demanded more chaos from the audience. With every guttural scream and passionate plea, he galvanized the crowd, urging them to dive deeper into the mayhem. The heavy, intricate riffs woven by guitarists Israel Garza and Jimmy LaDue reverberated through the space, while bassist Juan Vazquez laid down a thunderous foundation of grooves. Drummer Austin Scott-Looney anchored the band with relentless, driving beats, propelling them forward into their next track, “Paradigm Piercer.” As the performance unfolded, the excitement reached a fever pitch during the fourth song, “Social Crusade,” where the crowd truly let loose, thrashing about in wild abandon. This fervor only intensified as they transitioned into the final songs, “Temple” and “The Axis of Equality,” which rounded out a powerful set. Judiciary not only ignited the stage but also crafted a memorable, groove-heavy hardcore experience that reverberated long after their last note faded away.

Sylosis, the electrifying band from Reading, Berkshire, England, burst onto the stage with a palpable energy that had been building for years. Their long-awaited return to North America was a highlight for fans, as it had been a staggering 11 years since their last performance on this side of the Atlantic. They kicked off the evening with “Poison for the Lost,” a track that serves as a perfect introduction to their signature sound: a relentless fusion of thrash, metalcore, and melodic death metal, featuring both infectious grooves and brutal intensity. At the forefront of the performance was lead guitarist and vocalist Josh Middleton, who captivated the audience with his stunning vocal prowess and intricate, face-melting riffs. His stage presence was commanding, drawing everyone’s eyes to him. Alongside him, rhythm guitarist Conor Marshall contributed thick, rhythmic riffs that got the crowd moving and headbanging in unison, amplifying the electric atmosphere. As the band dove into their second song, “Pariahs,” my attention was irresistibly drawn to drummer Ali Richardson. He was a veritable force of nature behind the kit, unleashing intricate drum patterns that throbbed through the venue like a heartbeat, elevating every moment of their performance. The band then unleashed the title track from their 2020 album, “Cycle of Suffering,” which resonated powerfully with the audience. Bassist Ben Thomas filled the soundscape with deep, booming bass lines, adding layers of depth and groove that enveloped the crowd. The frenetic energy in the room soared, igniting a wild wave of moshing and headbanging, especially during the latter half of the set as they ripped through powerful tracks like “Teras,” “Worship Decay,” and “Deadwood.” The culmination of the set was a testament to the anticipation that had been building for so long, and every moment spent waiting to witness Sylosis live was undeniably well worth it. As they took their final bows, I couldn’t help but hope that it wouldn’t take another 11 years for them to make their triumphant return (spoilers: they are slated to come back in 2025!). The excitement for that moment is already brewing.

The stage came alive as the powerful presence of Distant, hailing from the far reaches of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and Bratislava, Slovakia, took center stage. It had been just over two years since I last witnessed and captured their electrifying performance when they opened for the Chaos & Carnage Tour. This time, they kicked off with the thunderous track “Loveless Suffering,” taken from their much-anticipated upcoming album “Tsukuyomi: The Origin.” Vocalist Alan Grnja burst onto the stage with an energy that was palpable, immediately showcasing his astonishing vocal range that soared and growled in perfect harmony with the ferocity of the music. Meanwhile, guitarist Nouri Yetgin unleashed a barrage of aggressive riffs that instantly set the tone for the night. The intricate and pulsating rhythms showcased by drummer Rene Gerbrandy were especially prominent in the second song, “Oedipism,” where his skillful execution and dynamic patterns kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Completing the lineup, bassist Elmer Maurits delivered extraordinarily deep and penetrating bass lines that resonated through the venue, adding a richer layer to the band’s sound. It was evident that this group has undergone significant growth, evolving into a premier down-tempo deathcore ensemble, and witnessing their upward trajectory was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The band concluded their blistering set with an impressive array of tracks, including crowd favorites like “Exofilth,” “Born of Blood,” and “Hellmøuth,” before wrapping up with the intense “Heirs of Torment.” Each song ignited the audience, sending waves of energy through the crowd and prompting mosh pits that threatened to spill over. I left feeling exhilarated, already eager for the next opportunity to see and photograph these incredible musicians again!

Bodysnatcher, hailing from Melbourne, Florida, erupted onto the stage with unrelenting energy. They kicked off their set with the ferocious track “King of Rats,” an explosive mix of nu-metal and deathcore that instantly captivated the audience. Kyle Medina’s commanding vocals pierced through the air, while Chris Whited laid down heavy, downtempo beats that reverberated through the venue. Guitarist Kyle Carter and bassist Kyle Shope unleashed a torrent of intricate, fight-driven riffs that intensified the atmosphere. As the band transitioned into their next song, “Dead Rabbit,” the crowd felt the unmistakable weight of their hardcore influences. This riff-heavy track, laden with powerful callouts, had fans thrashing and shouting in unison. The excitement swelled as Bodysnatcher performed a gripping 10-song set, drawing from their latest EP, “Vile Conduct.” Standout tracks like “Human Distain,” “Infested,” “Murder8,” and “Severed” brought the audience to a fever pitch, as each song resonated with raw intensity. Having witnessed their performance earlier this year when they co-headlined with Spite at The Glass House in Pomona, CA, I was amazed at how much harder they brought it this time around. The vigor and skill on display had the crowd in a frenzy, losing themselves in the music. Capturing their electric presence is always a thrill, and I can hardly wait for my next opportunity to experience their dynamic show once more.

Fit For An Autopsy, the unstoppable force from Jersey City, New Jersey, finally took the stage, igniting the crowd with their electrifying opener, “Lower Purpose.” This tour was a visual and auditory spectacle, featuring not only an impressive light show but also a compelling 12-song setlist that showcased their latest album, “The Nothing That Is”, alongside fan favorites from previous releases dating back to 2017. Frontman Joe Badolato dominated the stage, his commanding vocals demanding chaos and engagement from the crowd as he delivered a captivating performance. Guitarists Pat Sheridan and Tim Howley unleashed relentless riffs that reverberated through the venue, while bassist Peter “Blue” Spinazola’s infectious energy kept the audience vibing and fully immersed in the experience. Completing this powerhouse ensemble, drummer Josean Orta played with remarkable ferocity, his beats driving the performance to exhilarating heights. Their new album is a bold progression for the band, enhancing their unmistakable deathcore sound while incorporating more melodic elements and intricate tempo variations, especially in tracks like “Red Horizon”. The crowd was truly alive during the performance, erupting with excitement for fan favorites like “The Sea of Tragic Beasts” and the fierce “Warfare.” Fit For An Autopsy is a band I never want to miss when they come to town, and once again, they delivered an unforgettable show. This album release tour was nothing short of extraordinary, especially with the support from amazing acts such as Bodysnatcher, Distant, Sylosis, and Judiciary. Each band brought unparalleled energy, making this one of the most standout concerts of the year. With only a few dates left on the tour, if you’re wavering about attending, I highly urge you to go. This is a tour that promises to be a powerful and immersive experience you won’t regret!

Fit For An Autopsy | Bodysnatcher | Distant | Sylosis | Judiciary

Photos + Review by Jamie Kaufman | Instagram | Facebook | X

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