The Nothing That Is (Nuclear Blast Records) was unleashed on the world on October 25th and the Jersey City deathcore gentlemen of Fit For An Autopsy decided that the perfect place to kickoff their headline tour in support of the new album was the Worcester Palladium, and honestly, I agree. This show is absolutely top-tier, let’s jump in!
First up on this wild night was hardcore/crossover thrash outfit, Judiciary. I had only ever seen the name but never had the chance to sit down and listen to them before this night, and let me tell ya, that was a mistake on my part. This shit whips! Anyone that knows me outside of Ghost Cult knows that hardcore and crossover thrash is one of my favorite styles of music. An absolutely furious and gut punching set of music that made me want to hit the gym immediately. For sure, now a regular in my ears. If you like hardcore, go listen to Judiciary.
Next up is a band that I have been waiting 11 years to see live again. Hailing all the way from Reading, Berkshire, England. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I give you Sylosis. The last time they played in the US was in 2013 when they were on tour with Lamb of God, In Flames, and HellYeah. Safe to say they’ve had some new music come out in those 11 years, as they’ve been very active over in Europe over the last decade. Still touring in support for their latest album A Sign of Things To Come (Nuclear Blast Records, review here) which was released last year, also one of my favorite records from 2023. A six song setlist, all gas no brakes. Frontman Josh Middleton walked out on stage and yells out, “We are Sylosis from England and this is our first show in the US in 11 years. Let’s fucking go!”. I cried, I love this band. Always have, always will. Closing with Deadwood, I lost my voice two bands into the night. Let’s keep this train rolling!
After Syolsis left it all on the stage, we were graced with the presence of Dutch deathcore group Distant. I’ve never heard of this band before and now I’m a fan, the best kind of outcome that can happen at a concert. Downtempo, insanely heavy, straight to the point deathcore. Insane crowd control from vocalist Adam Grnja made me wanna drop my camera gear, hop the barricade, and run house in the pit. Some of the most chest shaking tone from bass I’ve ever heard from Elmer Maurits added a level of depth to the sound that I didn’t even know I needed in my life.
Floridian deathcore titans Bodysnatcher were up next and GAHD DAMN, that’s all I can say. I’ve been trying to see this band for a while now and I finally got the chance to and I’m so glad I did because this band might be the most insane pack on Florida men I’ve ever seen. Frontman Kyle Medina talked about how the last time they played the Palladium they were upstairs and based purely off of how I saw them tonight on the main stage, I feel like this band on the upstairs stage is, in some way, a violation of The Geneva Convention. This band commands your attention and makes sure you know who the fuck they are.
Now onto the main event. In support of their highly anticipated seventh album, The Nothing That Is, deathcore darlings Fit For An Autopsy emerge on stage in a flood of fog, red light, and chaotic dissonance. Last in the New England area when FFAA were in support for a one-off show by Killswitch Engage last summer, we now get a full headline set of sweet sweet brutality. Opening with the live debut of Lower Purpose, vocalist Joe Badolato and company showcased what they’ve been cooking up over the last year. Debuting four brand new songs in total, we got a good look and listen for the new album. twelve song setlist, with one-third of it brand new songs we got the aforementioned “Lower Purpose,” “Red Horizon,” “Savior of None/Ashes Of All,” and “Hostage.” All absolute bangers! For me personally, hearing Pandora live will always be an activation code for me like a sleeper agent. Closing out the night with Two Towers, we were treated to all facets of hardcore and deathcore. If you have the chance to see this tour when it comes to your area, do yourself a favor and scoop up a pair of tickets. The tour is going for the next two months, you have no excuse at this point.
Until next time, y’all
This is Smallz, signing off…
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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS SMALL
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