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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Thy Art Is Murder Brings the Decade of Hate to Ventura w/ Kublai Khan TX & more | 2/25/23 | Photos + Review

Let me take you back 10 years. Thy Art Is Murder released their album “Hate” to the masses and captivated audiences worldwide. I’ve seen them many times throughout the years, so to hear them finally play this album in its entirety was an experience to say the least. To celebrate the album turning 10 years old, the band set out on a world tour. The North American lineup brought a mixture of hardcore punk, death metal, and of course, deathcore. Kublai Khan TX, Undeath, I Am, and Justice For The Damned came out to SLAY! This show was a banger from start to finish!

First up was first to the stage from Sydney, Australia. This was their debut tour hitting North America and they absolutely set things off strongly. They are that perfect blend between hardcore and deathcore, which is the perfect blend. This quintet consists of vocalist Bobak Raffiee, guitarists Kieran Molloy and Nic Adams, bassist Ben Mirfin, and drummer Chas Levi. The band played a 7-song set, most of which came from their 2020 album “Pain Is Power” which was released via Greyscale Records. The band absolutely set this show off CORRECTLY with high energy and headbangs.

SETLIST

  1. Final Cataclysm
  2. Dragged Through The Dirt
  3. The House You Built Is Burning
  4. Blister of the Plague
  5. Deep Rotting Fear
  6. Pain Is Power
  7. Guidance From The Pain

Up next was I Am from Dallas, TX. This was my third time seeing these guys and they absolutely get better and better each time I see them. With a blend of deathcore, hardcore, and death metal, I Am truly brings it. The lineup consists of vocalist Andrew Hileman, guitarists Chris Burgess and Tom Reyes, drummer Brandon Busa, and touring bassist Jayden Baker. The band played an 8-song set, 3 of which came from their newest album “Eternal Steel” which was released in 2022 via MNRK Records. It has been amazing to see the trajectory of this band since I first saw them back in 2017 and I seriously cannot wait to see and photograph them again the next time they hit the West Coast.

SETLIST

  1. Texas Death
  2. Surrender to the Blade
  3. Peel Back The Skin
  4. Sacred Cries
  5. Eternal Steel
  6. Vicious Instinct
  7. Paid In Sin
  8. Burn Slow

Next to the stage was Undeath from Rochester, NY. This was my second time seeing and photographing Undeath with the last being in September of 2021 and boy did they once again exceed my expectations. These guys are straight up brutal death metal meets hardcore, which is such a unique combo but works out so well. The band’s lineup consists of vocalist Alexander Jones, guitarists Jared Welch and Kyle Beam, drummer Matt Browning, and bassist Tommy Wall. The band played a 7-song set with songs spanning most of their discography up until this point. I am always thoroughly impressed with these guys and highly recommend checking them out!

SETLIST

  1. Lord of the Grave
  2. Necrobionics
  3. Rise From The Grave
  4. Grave Osmosis
  5. Brandish The Blade
  6. Chained to a Reeking Rotted Body
  7. Lesions of a Different Kind

Kublai Khan TX from Sherman, TX hit the stage next. This was my first time seeing the band in almost 4 years and boy did they come to DESTROY the stage. Opening with the song “The Hammer”, the band truly came out swinging. The band played a whopping 13-song set, spanning a majority of their discography including the entirety of their newest EP “Lowest Form Of Animal” which the band released in 2022 via Rise Records. The band’s lineup consists of vocalist Matt Honeycutt, bassist Eric English, drummer Isaac Lamb, and touring guitarist Nic Adams who was filling in for guitarist Nolan Ashley. I have seen this band many times, but after going so long without seeing them, it felt like that spark the band has is brighter than ever. They truly bring that metalcore and hardcore punk style to the nth degree. I highly recommend going to check them out live because the energy exuding from this band is indescribable.

SETLIST

  1. The Hammer
  2. Eyes Up
  3. True Fear
  4. Us & Them
  5. Dynasty
  6. Swan Song
  7. Taipan
  8. Resentment
  9. The Truest Love
  10. Loyal To None
  11. Boomslang
  12. Self-Destruct
  13. Antpile

Thy Art Is Murder from Blacktown, Sydney, Australia finally hit the stage next. Opening with “Reign of Darkness”, Thy Art Is Murder showed just how hard they went on this tour. With syncopated lighting and props, the band truly set themselves up for success. The band’s lineup consists of vocalist CJ McMahon, guitarists Sean Delander and Andy Marsh, bassist Kevin Butler, and drummer Jesse Beahler. Along with playing 10-songs from “Hate”, the band also played a song from each of their other albums released on Nuclear Blast, totaling out to a 13-song set. I am truly always blown away from the sheer presence from this band live and I truly cannot wait to see and photograph them again soon! This show was so much fun and I am truly glad it was my first for the year for The Camera Affect!

SETLIST

  1. Reign of Darkness
  2. Purest Strain Of Hate
  3. Vile Creations
  4. Shadow of Eternal Sin
  5. Immolation
  6. Infinite Forms
  7. Dead Sun
  8. Gates of Misery
  9. Defective Breed
  10. Doomed From Earth

ENCORE

  1. Death Squad Anthem
  2. Holy War
  3. Puppet Master

Thy Art Is Murder | Kublai Khan | Undeath | I Am | Justice For The Damned

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

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Volumes with special guests Varials, UnityTX, and Kingsmen | Fall US Tour | 11/20/21 | Photos + Review

Volumes Sell Out Their Hometown Show To Close Out Their Fall Tour

Chain Reaction in Anaheim, CA on 11/20/21

Volumes have been a band I have enjoyed for quite some time. Their progressive metalcore sound that verges on deathcore brings in a lot of fans that go absolutely nuts to their music. For their return to the stage, they embarked on a month-long headlining US Tour in support of their new album “Happier?” in 2021 via Fearless Records. They brought along a solid lineup of bands that are quite different in sound but who each bring the energy to the stage, those being Varials, UnityTX, and Kingsmen. This night was a lot of fun and brought a lot of high energy and vibes. 

First up to the stage were Kingsmen from Providence, Rhode Island. Unfortunately, some issues getting in as a photographer prevented me from seeing or photographing a majority of their set. However, I was able to get in and photograph the last song and a half of the set, which I utilized each second of. The band is good ole metalcore, with music in the same vein as bands like Killswitch Engage, Miss May I, and many more. I was very much looking forward to seeing Kingsmen and seeing their 5-song set, most of which came from their 2020 record “Revenge. Forgiveness. Recovery.”, which was released via SharpTone Records. The one song I did get to see and photograph was a cover of Metallica’s “Sad But True,” which they did exceptionally well. The vocalist Tanner was on point with his’ vocals, guitarists Nick and Tim did incredibly on those guitar parts, Adam held it down strong on those bass lines, and drummer Mike slammed those drum parts. I’m sad I could only see and photograph one song, but the band killed it on that cover. I cannot wait to see and photograph them for a longer period of time next time they come out to the west coast. 

SETLIST

  1. Tipping The Scales
  2. Nightmares
  3. Until I Departed
  4. Oppressor
  5. Sad But True (Metallica Cover)

Up next were the Dallas, Texas boys in UnityTX. This band is the perfect blend of metalcore, hardcore, and rap. The band played songs from their two EPs, “Madboy” and “Hellway,” released on Pure Noise Records. Their crowds went wild and even got so violent to the point where multiple crowd members were dragged out of the venue for fighting. Their music goes HARD. What’s unique is the diverse stylings the band has. With vocalist Shaolin at the forefront, the band incorporates many hip hop and rap elements. The band weaved some full-on rap songs into their set, showcasing Shaolin’s stage prowess and rap ability. The instrumentals in the band’s set should definitely be praised as well. Those basslines from Alberto are beefy and heavy. They add a deep groove to the songs that are very much needed. Then you have the guitar tones from Ricky that add a deep emphasis on those breakdowns and get the crowd going wild with those guitar chugs. Closing out the band’s lineup is Jonathan on drums, who slammed the hell out of those drums with precision. The band absolutely blew me away and proved why they are getting as far as they are. I cannot wait to see and photograph them again next time they come to Southern California. 

SETLIST

  1. Agony
  2. Ruckus
  3. Cross Me
  4. 60 Seconds (Wait)
  5. Bang Shit
  6. Hail Mary
  7. Walk With Me

Up next was Varials from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I’d best describe their sound as the perfect trifecta of metalcore, hardcore, and deathcore, with some minor nu-metal influences as well. This was my second time seeing and photographing the band, with the first time being back in May of 2019 when they toured in support of Sylar and Cane Hill at this same venue. Since then, the band has gone through some lineup changes, the most notable being the shift of vocalist to Mitchell. Mitchell was previously on guitar and absolutely killed it on his new position in the band. He screams and sings those parts with power and emotion. Mike is still slaying it on bass, adding some serious grit to the rhythm section. James added some grooves to the rhythm section on the guitar, which adds a lot to the band’s sound. The band brought out two touring members to finalize their live set for this tour. Kendrick is in the band BeGotten and played lead guitar on this tour, absolutely slaying those leads while also having incredibly high energy on stage that included two-stepping, windmills, and lots of headbangs. Kevin finalized the band’s lineup on drums, absolutely murdering that kit on stage. They played a 10-song set, playing songs from both of their albums, “In Darkness” and “Pain Again,” along with a couple of songs from their E.P. “Failure//Control.” I always enjoy seeing and photographing these guys and hope to do so again when they come out with All That Remains, Miss May I, and Tallah in Spring of 2022!

SETLIST

  1. Romance
  2. Empire of Dirt
  3. I Suffocate
  4. In Darkness
  5. South of One
  6. E.D.A.
  7. Stigmata
  8. Savage
  9. Anything To Numb
  10. The New Damnation

Volumes from Los Angeles, CA, came to the stage next. For the tour’s final date, the Southern California native band came back home to party it up. The band played a great mixture of songs to please old fans and new fans alike. Their progressive metalcore sound that borderlines on deathcore has garnered various fans. Vocalists Myke and Michael do a great job going back and forth on vocals, creating a jab punch in songs like “The Mixture” and “F.X.B.,” and creating incredible dynamics between cleans and screaming on songs like “Bend.” Bassist Raad adds those deep grooves that are ever-present throughout the band’s whole discography. Drummer Nick slams those drums with intricate patterns that create the bassline for the instrumentals to flow effortlessly. Finalizing the band’s live lineup is Mikhael on guitar, who plays those complex guitar parts flawlessly. The band really had a lot to offer in this set. They had the crowd going wild with a dynamic lighting setup to a whopping 17-song set that incorporated songs from their entire discography. Out of all the shows I covered in 2022, this was by far the rowdiest crowd I had the honor of being a part of. Volumes know how to bring the party, and they did not disappoint this time around.

SETLIST

  1. Intro
  2. F.B.X.
  3. The Mixture
  4. Holywater
  5. 91367
  6. Pixelate
  7. Get Enough
  8. Weighted
  9. Bend
  10. Serenity
  11. The Columbian Faction
  12. Edge Of The Earth
  13. Erased
  14. Pieces
  15. Intake
  16. Wormholes

Encore

17. Feels Good

Volumes truly brought it on this final night of their month-long trek on the road. With bands like Varials, UnityTX, and Kingsmen, they truly brought along with them a diverse group of bands that created a dynamic night of music. I’m still sad I couldn’t see and photograph more of Kingsmen’s set, but that will definitely happen next time. 

Volumes | Varials | UnityTX | Kingsmen

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

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