The thrash metal legends in Exodus and acclaimed death metal act Fit for an Autopsy co-headlined a fall/winter tour throughout North America.
It may be “slow season” for the music industry, but every once in a while, there are some winter shows that cannot be missed–this was absolutely the case for Fit for an Autopsy and Exodus’ co-headlining tour, which ran from November 15th until December 10th. While the headliners may be considered to be on different sides of the heavy metal spectrum, the show was nothing short of entertaining for seasoned metalheads and deathcore enthusiasts alike.
Opening the show was New York death metal act Undeath. Formed in 2018 in Rochester, the band has toured with or opened up for the likes of Thy Art Is Murder, The Acacia Strain, Dying Fetus, In Flames, and The Black Dahlia Murder before embarking on this past fall/winter tour. Their experiences have undeniably shaped their stage presence as these death metal brutes know how to open up the show and get the crowd energized, as did their successors Darkest Hour.
Formed in 1995, this band teeters between melodic death metal and thrash metal, serving as a perfect mediator between their headlining tourmates. Having also opened for similar death metal bands as Undeath, it would be quite the surprise if this was the first time the bands have crossed paths or shared the stage. Throughout their history spanning nearly three decades, Darkest Hour has released nine studio albums and two EPs, with their tenth studio album expected to release in February 2024. Additionally, the band has experienced a few lineup changes and a number of record label transitions. Still, witnessing them live, it was hard to believe they had such a history–they played with the utmost grace yet displayed quite a level of confidence and left quite an impression on their audience. A few diehard fans could be recognized in the sea of metalheads, with a few moments of the audience singing the lyrics back to the vocalist. Indeed, they were a perfect addition to this lineup.
In all honesty, it was quite a bit surprising to learn that Exodus would be third in the lineup as opposed to the show’s closer. However, this in no way is meant to discredit Fit for an Autopsy. The co-headliners both left everything onstage and gave their own stunning performances. The biggest and most obvious difference? Almost 30 years of history for Exodus before Fit for an Autopsy’s formation. And while Exodus has been a band for nearly 45 years, their stage presence gives an undeniable sense of youthful energy. Despite knowing little to nothing about them beforehand, I was intrigued and memorized by their charismatic and passionate appearance and could appreciate the legacy this band has. Admittedly, though, Exodus was a pleasant surprise and this concert a fine introduction to the band, but I was there for the closer.
Perhaps the first thing to notice about Fit for an Autopsy’s live performance is that they damn near mirror their studio performances. Having been introduced to them through their popular songs such as “Far from Heaven” and “The Sea of Tragic Beasts” (a personal staple in my playlist), watching them live was a pitch-perfect treat indeed. While it was obvious that a handful of people, photographers included as the pit became much easier to navigate, were most excited to see Exodus, witnessing the packed house that is Joliet’s Forge venue crowdsurf amongst each other (at least 8 times during one song, tied for what must have been a record with Undeath’s set) was not only cathartic but inspiring. The lineup could not have been more satisfying and fulfilling and a perfect beginning to the final chapter of shows for this year.
