Fit For An Autopsy has never been a band to shy away from extremes, and The Nothing That Is tour is no exception. The New Jersey deathcore titans have spent over 15 years crafting their reputation as relentless performers, and their latest album, The Nothing That Is, takes their sound into darker, more introspective territory. Featuring a seamless blend of brutality and melody, their seventh studio effort feels less like a collection of songs and more like a cinematic descent into despair. On this tour, they’ve assembled a stacked lineup of supporting acts, each contributing their unique take on the heavy music spectrum. The pristine and modern Roxian Theatre served as the perfect battleground of unrelenting energy and visceral chaos for the penultimate night of the tour.

Kicking off the night was Judiciary, a band that wasted no time grabbing the audience by the throat. Their raw, hardcore-inspired aggression hit like a freight train, with vocalist Jake Collinson pacing the stage like a caged animal. Tracks like “Social Crusade” and “Temple” whipped the early crowd into a frenzy, immediately setting the tone for the rest of the evening. Judiciary’s tight rhythms and ferocious energy made it clear they were here to leave a mark. Though the crowd was still filing in, those near the stage were already drenched in sweat, only some of it their own, a testament to the band’s knack for igniting mayhem in a matter of minutes.

Next up was Sylosis, a sharp contrast to Judiciary’s primal approach. The British quartet brought a refined blend of thrash and melodic death metal, balancing technical precision with searing intensity. Vocalist and guitarist Josh Middleton’s riffs were as punishing as they were intricate, and tracks like “The Path” from their latest album of the same name showcased the band’s ability to weave melody into their relentless assault. Their set felt like a masterclass in controlled chaos, with tight transitions and soaring solos that mesmerized even the most casual listeners. The crowd responded in kind, banging heads and raising fists as Sylosis carved out their space in the evening’s carnage.

Distant took the stage next, delivering a set steeped in European deathcore grit. With guitars that sounded like tectonic plates shifting and guttural vocals that seemed to rise from the depths of the earth, the Dutch collective brought an almost apocalyptic atmosphere. Each and every song turned the pit into a whirlwind of bodies, with crowd surfers barely making it to the barricade before being swallowed by the chaos. Distant’s ability to marry sheer heaviness with eerie, atmospheric interludes was captivating, leaving the audience dazed and hungry for more.

Bodysnatcher was up next and was not interested in subtlety. From the moment they launched into their set, the Florida natives unleashed a wave of pulverizing breakdowns and unrelenting grooves that shook the Roxian to its foundation. Vocalist Kyle Medina’s raw, emotional delivery connected deeply with the crowd, particularly on tracks like “Black of My Eyes.” The energy in the room reached a fever pitch, with the pit becoming a swirling vortex of limbs. To close out, Bodysnatcher upped the ante even more with an incredibly emotional and personal song, “Murder8,” about losing family to overdoses, a song that had many in attendance confronting heavy feelings with heavy music. By the end, it felt like the venue itself was gasping for air. Bodysnatcher’s brand of unapologetic savageness with emotional depth was a fitting prelude to the night’s main event.

When Fit For An Autopsy finally took the stage, the atmosphere shifted from chaos to sheer reverence. Opening with “Lower Purpose,” one of the most powerful and soul-crushing tracks from The Nothing That Is, they immediately commanded the room. The guitars felt like a weapon, slicing through the mix with precision, while Joe Badolato’s vocals were a harrowing mix of guttural roars and anguished cries. Songs like “Red Horizon” and “Hostage” showcased the band’s ability to blend brutality with haunting melodies, creating moments that were as emotionally devastating as they were sonically overwhelming. The crowd, a sea of moshing bodies and raised horns, hung onto every note.

The band made sure to give some love to older traks as well, including the fan favourite “Black Mammoth.” These reminded everyone why Fit For An Autopsy remains a pillar in the deathcore scene. Their set was more than just a performance; it was a cathartic experience, with each song serving as both a punch to the gut and a call to reflection.

Despite the modern amenities of the Roxian, the night felt like an old-school DIY show – unpredictable, raw, and utterly chaotic. Blood splattered on the floor, people passed out from exhaustion, and the air was thick with sweat, vomit, and pure adrenaline. By the time the final notes of “Warfare” echoed through the venue, the crowd was battered but euphoric. Fit For An Autopsy had delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, pushing the limits of both their music and their audience. The entire night can really be summed up by one fan who managed to break his arm in the pit early in the show, yet still insisted on staying until the very end, enveloping the true spirit and resilience of the deathcore scene.

As fans spilled out into the cool Pittsburgh night, there was a sense that something rare had just occurred. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a moment of collective catharsis, a reminder of the unifying power of heavy music. Fit For An Autopsy had turned the Roxian into a battlefield, and everyone who survived left with a story to tell.

November 16th, 2024