Fit For An Autopsy’s seventh studio album, The Nothing That Is, cements their place as one of the most creative and consistent forces in modern deathcore. Released on October 25, 2024, through Nuclear Blast Records, the album builds upon the themes and musical elements explored in their previous work, delivering an intense, layered, and atmospheric listening experience.
The album delves into existential themes, questioning the nature of humanity, the environment, and societal decay. This cerebral approach elevates the album beyond deathcore clichés, giving it a philosophical edge that aligns with its heavy, foreboding atmosphere.
Opening with “Hostage,” the album wastes no time setting a tone of apocalyptic heaviness. This track transitions from seismic riffs to eerie melodies, reflecting the band’s mastery of dynamic songwriting. The three-guitar lineup (Will Putney, Pat Sheridan, and Tim Howley) shines throughout the album, particularly in tracks like “Spoils of the Horde,” where intricate solos and riffs stand out. Vocalist Joe Badolato delivers a visceral performance, his growls rich with both aggression and clarity, marking him as a standout in the genre.
The penultimate track, “Lust for the Severed Head,” combines pummeling rhythms with a menacing edge, embodying the band’s ability to blend chaos with precision. The closer, “The Silver Sun,” is a triumph of balance, weaving melancholic melodies with devastating heaviness, showcasing the band’s ability to push their boundaries while staying true to their roots.
Produced by guitarist Will Putney, the album’s sound is thick and immersive, though some critics note moments where the mix feels muddy, particularly in the more chaotic sections. Nonetheless, the production enhances the album’s ominous tone, making it feel like a journey through an impending apocalypse.
Drawing comparisons to progressive influences like Gojira and even shades of Meshuggah, The Nothing That Is doesn’t reinvent the wheel but fine-tunes Fit For An Autopsy’s established formula. The album strikes a balance between innovation and tradition, appealing to long-time fans while also reaching new audiences. Tracks like “Weaker Wolves” hark back to their earlier deathcore aggression, ensuring their core sound remains intact.
The Nothing That Is is a testament to Fit For An Autopsy’s status as deathcore heavyweights. Its 43-minute runtime keeps listeners engaged, offering both pulverizing brutality and moments of haunting beauty. While the album may not entirely surpass the high-water mark set by tracks like “Far From Heaven” from their earlier work, it stands as a cohesive and ambitious record that further cements their place in the genre.
