American deathcore legends Fit For An Autopsy arrived in Helsinki, Finland, on a dark Saturday night. Joining them were metal acts Sylosis, Darkest Hour, and Heriot. Let’s dive into the evening, exploring each band’s performance in detail below.
The evening kicked off with the British metalcore act Heriot, formed in 2014. Their aggressive sound, infused with hints of groove, immediately got the crowd moving, igniting the night’s first circle pit. Lead vocalist Debbie Gough commanded the audience with charisma, and the crowd largely obeyed her calls to action. Gough’s versatile vocal range brought impressive depth to their performance, shifting seamlessly from full-throated screams to more melodic singing. Bassist Jake Packer’s guttural backing vocals added an extra layer of intensity. Overall, Heriot set a strong tone for the night.
Next up was metalcore veterans Darkest Hour, gracing Finland with their presence after a 13-year hiatus. Formed in the mid-90s in Washington, D.C., the band’s experience and professionalism shone brightly, matched only by the incredible energy they brought to the stage. They stormed onstage following a cinematic intro, diving straight into the thunderous opener Perpetual Terminal. Their seven-song set was a masterclass in American metalcore, and the crowd responded with enthusiasm. The set concluded on a high note with a surprising blast of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, transforming the room into a joyous singalong and proving that even metalheads love to dance. Let’s hope Finland doesn’t have to wait another decade for their return!
The third act of the night was Sylosis, hailing from Berkshire, England. The band’s thrashing riffs and relentless energy kept the crowd pumped, with fists flying in the air and the evening’s first stage dives kicking off. Vocalist-guitarist Josh Middleton charmed the audience with his warm and friendly banter between songs, creating a connection that made their performance even more enjoyable. The band played with precision, complemented by a striking stage light setup. Guitarist Conor Marshall prowled the stage headbanging, while bassist Ben Thomas exuded energy, jumping around and playing with grit. Drummer Ali Richardson anchored it all with his precise drumming. Sylosis delivered a polished and powerful set.
Finally, the main act of the evening took the stage. Fit For An Autopsy, who had only visited Finland once before during Hellsinki Metal Festival 2023, proved that this long-awaited solo show was worth the anticipation. The sold-out crowd erupted as the band opened with Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey, a playful nod to 80s nostalgia, before diving into the crushing intensity of their new single Lower Purpose.
Circle pits raged throughout the set as vocalist Joe Badolato growled with ferocity, his energy mirrored by the audience’s screams. Guitarists Pat Sheridan and Tim Howley added flair with playful antics, making faces and flipping middle fingers, all while delivering razor-sharp performances. The 12-song setlist included fan favorites like Pandora, The Sea of Tragic Beasts, and the epic closer Two Towers.
The evening was a resounding success, showcasing an unforgettable blend of deathcore and metalcore from all four bands. With Fit For An Autopsy delivering such a stellar performance, perhaps a larger venue should be considered next time—they’ve certainly earned it.
Comments