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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Exodus & Fit For An Autopsy w/ Darkest Hour & Undeath | Fall North American Tour | 11/24/23 | Photos + Review

Exodus & Fit For An Autopsy Obliterate The Stage in Anaheim

Venue: House of Blues in Anaheim, CA

Date: 11/24/23

Over the past several years, I have been lucky to check off many bands from my bucket list in terms of both seeing and photographing. I first saw Fit For An Autopsy back in 2017 and finally got them in front of my lens in January of 2022. This US tour is their biggest to date, and they co-headlined with the thrash metal legends in Exodus, who I finally got to check off my bucket list. The icons in Darkest Hour and the death metal boys in Undeath provided support for this tour. Coming through my favorite venue, the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA, this was a show I simply could not pass up.

Undeath from Rochester, NY opened the show up with a bang. This was my third time seeing and photographing these boys and they seem to get better and better each time. Vocalist Alexander Jones is a force to be reckoned with as he commands the stage. Guitarists Kyle Beam and Jared Welch brought the riffage and the headbangs galore. Bassist Tommy Wall is an absolute beast, strumming and creating those deep tones. Finishing out the band’s lineup is drummer Matt Browning, who’s clean and precise drumming holds the foundation down. The band played a mixed setlist of 7 songs, 3 of which came from their 2020 album “Lesions of a Different Kind” and 2 of which came from their 2022 album “Rise From The Grave”, both released via Prosthetic Records. The band even played two new songs, titled “Brandish The Blade” and “Cramped Caskets”, both of which continue the band’s sound of brutal death metal meets hardcore, which is truly a unique sound. I’ve loved seeing this band three times now, and I cannot wait to see and photograph them again!

SETLIST

  1. Rise From The Grave
  2. Necrobionics
  3. Brandish The Blade
  4. Cramped Caskets
  5. Acidic Twilight Visions
  6. Chained to a Reeking Rotted Body
  7. Lesions of a Different Kind

Darkest Hour from Washington D.C. was up next as direct support for the co-headlining tour. This is a band that has been on my bucket list for quite some time with their melodic death metal verging on metalcore sound that also has some inspiration from thrash metal. From the moment I saw guitarist Mike Schleibaum and vocalist John Henry walk out, I knew this was about to be iconic. Drummer Travis Orbin immediately blew me away with his intricate drum patterns that are truly showcased throughout the band’s nine song set. Bassist Aaron Deal was truly energetic, giving me the windmills and headbangs. Finishing out the band’s lineup is guitarist Nico Santora, who I previously photographed with one of his’ other bands Fallujah. He fits perfectly into Darkest Hour’s sound and is always so fun to capture. The band played a well-mixed set of songs spanning many of their albums, but primarily from their 2017 record “Godless Prophets & The Migrant Flora”, and a couple from their upcoming 2024 release “Perpetual | Terminal”. This was truly an incredible set with high energy that really set the stage for the co-headliners. I’m so glad I finally got to see and photograph these guys! I own all of their records on CD, so it was cool to finally check them off my list!

SETLIST

  1. Perpetual Terminal
  2. The Sadist Nation
  3. Stand and Receive Your Judgement
  4. Knife In A Safe Room
  5. Those Who Survived
  6. The Flesh & The Flowers of Death
  7. Rapture in Exile
  8. With a Thousand Words to Say but One
  9. Amor Fati

Fit For An Autopsy from Jersey City, NJ came up next as the first of the co-headlining bands to perform. I was beyond excited to see and them again as their 2019 album “The Sea Of Tragic Beasts” tied for first in my top albums of 2019 with Jinjer’s “Macro”. Their 2022 album “Oh What The Future Holds” had just dropped when I photographed them last year, and it’s been truly incredible to see their growth as a band in the span of the past year. The band opened with the title track “Oh What The Future Holds”, which set the stage for the set to come. With an incredible light show, the band came prepared with the theatrics. Vocalist Joe Badolato is front and center, and performed the best I’ve seen him, and that says a lot because he’s always pretty powerful on the mic. The band then went into the next track on the album “Pandora”, which is a very riff heavy song that showcases the talents of guitarists Pat Sheridan and Tim Howley, as well as the rhythmic bass coming from Peter “Blue” Spinazola. The breakdown in this song especially goes hard live, and the light show was on POINT here. The band then went into one of their new songs titled “Hellions”, which can be heard on the new split EP released in 2023 via Nuclear Blast titled “The Aggression Sessions” with Thy Art Is Murder and Malevolence, which is a heavy aggressive deathcore sounding song. The drums are especially booming in from Josean Orta. The band played some of my favorite songs, like “The Sea Of Tragic Beasts”, “Warfare”, and “Two Towers”, which were all absolutely incredible to see them play live. They had the crowd truly going nuts with crowd surfers and moshing galore.  The band played a total of eleven songs with songs from every album from 2017 on. This is truly Fit For An Autopsy at their best I’ve seen them thus far. I cannot wait to see and photograph them again and to continue seeing their growth.

SETLIST

  1. Oh What The Future Holds
  2. Pandora
  3. Hellions
  4. Warfare
  5. Hydra
  6. Iron Moon
  7. A Higher Level Of Hate
  8. The Sea Of Tragic Beasts
  9. Your Pain Is Mine
  10. Far From Heaven
  11. Two Towers

The all mighty Exodus from San Francisco, CA came to the stage next. I was very excited to finally see these guys after listening to their music for quite some time, and they surely did not disappoint. From the moment they walked out on the stage, they were insanely high energy. Opening with the song “Impact Is Imminent”, vocalist Steve Souza truly had control over the stage and the crowd. Guitarists Gary Holt and Lee Atlus were in total sync, riffing those thrash riffs that get the crowd going wild. Going into R.E.M.F. from their newest album “Persona Non Grata”, I was hooked in on that drum beat from Tom Hunting the moment the song started. The dude is an absolute machine and as the sole founding member of the band, he is truly the foundation. Alongside Hunting in the rhythm section is bassist Jack Gibson, who’s headbangs and rhythmic strumming truly adds that edge to the band. The band in total played ten songs that spanned over five of their twelve albums. With an expansive discography and history dating back to 1979, Exodus remains strong and prominent in the metal scene. I am so glad I finally got to see and photograph these guys. They were truly so much fun to capture with their high energy. I highly recommend seeing them when they hit a city near you!

SETLIST

  1. Impact Is Imminent
  2. R.E.M.F.
  3. Blacklist
  4. Fabulous Disaster
  5. Prescribing Horror
  6. The Beating Will Continue (Until Morale Improves)
  7. A Lesson In Violence
  8. Bonded By Blood
  9. The Toxic Waltz
  10. Strike of the Beast

This tour was truly one for the books to capture. With so many different styles of metal, it was a night that felt like a mixture of nostalgia and eclecticism. You have the thrash from Exodus, the deathcore and post-metal from Fit For An Autopsy, the melodic death metal and metalcore from Darkest Hour, and the brutal death metal and hardcore from Undeath. This was truly an incredible show that I cannot say enough was a night to remember. I am so thankful any time I get to do a show like this.

Exodus | Fit For An Autopsy | Darkest Hour | Undeath

Photos + Review Courtesy of Jamie Kaufman | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Fit For An Autopsy featuring Enterprise Earth, Ingested, Signs of the Swarm, Great American Ghost, & Zombie Eating Horse | Winter US Tour | 1/19/22 | Photos

Fit For An Autopsy Packs The House For Their Album Release Tour in Los Angeles

Venue: 1720 in Los Angeles, CA

Date: 1/19/22

Zombie Eating Horse

Great American Ghost

Signs of the Swarm

Ingested

Enterprise Earth

Fit For An Autopsy

Photos courtesy of Jamie Kaufman | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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