_{Review by Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid)}

FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY w/Bodysnatcher, Volatile Ways & Pain Body, Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide South Australia, 23/1/26

Friday night is alright in Adelaide, especially when it delivers one of the hottest heavy deathcore lineups…and that isn’t just because this show was at Lion Arts Factory (that’s something we will talk about later).

A band that is no stranger to the land down under, Fit For An Autopsy finished off the main part of their Australian tour in Adelaide, going up against probably one of the most stacked lineups in metalcore going on around the corner. Despite the competition, the punters almost sold out the show and came out in force to welcome these legends back.

Newcastle natives Pain Body were tasked with opening, and despite a restrained crowd, they put on a hell of a set. Delivering some crushing breakdowns, laced in insatiable groove, they proved that the future of deathcore in Australia really is now. Boasting crazy technical prowess and relentless energy, unfortunately, their mosh calls were left unanswered by the slow-to-get-moving crowd. It did not seem to faze them, as they gave a brilliant introduction to their music and what they are about. They have definitely now made it on my band to watch list this year.

Next up was another act from Newcastle, Volatile Ways. Diverting from the rest of the lineup, with their more beatdown style and no digital production, they were a stand apart from the rest- but that only made them more endeared. With their frequent visits to the city over the years, it’s obvious they had won the hearts of the SA Hardcore scene as they came out in full force, getting the pit moving. Hitting the stage with ‘Pink Mist Wish List’, it was obvious they were a force to be reckoned with. A set filled with all our favourite things- breakdowns, pinched harmonics, and of course that true heavy vibe. Frontwoman Emilly Beekmans, as always, showed that signature blend of brutality and beauty, with deep gutturals and vogue-infused mosh moves, breaking up the stifling testosterone in the room. Joining them also for ‘Televised Suicide’ was Nic from local vegan straight hardcore mainstays Stressed, showing just how strong the Adelaide love for Volatile Ways is.

After the Aussie acts finished up, it was time for Floridian deathcore aficionados Bodysnatcher. A band that I have had on my “must-see” bucket list for some time, they did not disappoint. Ridiculously tight and crushingly heavy, their sound reaches new depths of heaviness and somehow fills every crevasse of the venue. Frontman Kyle Medina is effortlessly charismatic in a way that resonates with the Australian audience, giving thanks and delivering some iconic mosh calls. His thanks to the crowd and respect to the other show happening that night were so genuine, especially when he spoke about the power of music allowing him to touch base across the world. It was also the best breather before the band continued to destroy the venue. Giving us some throwback tunes as well as some real mosh anthems, before finishing off with their viral hit ‘King Of The Rats’.

By the time it was our headliner’s turn, the venue was well and truly full. Lion Arts had quickly become a sauna, which it tends to be even on days where it isn’t 36 degrees outside, and the air was stifling. That did not deter anybody, though. Opening with ‘Lower Purpose’, Fit For An Autopsy showed very quickly why they are so beloved by Aussie heavy music fans. There is something so primal about their rhythm section. It seeps into your skin and bones, making your body move. At the same time, it’s executed with machine-like precision. All the while, your brain is trying to grasp the sheer tech brilliance of the guitars. I found myself making a stank face almost the entire set, only breaking to turn to those around me in disbelief.

By the time ‘A Higher Level of Hate’ came through, I had surrounded myself to avoid getting lost in the viciously brilliant display of deathcore prowess that was unfolding before me. Vocalist Joe Badolato had me wrapped around his finger with his variety of sonic deliveries and command of the stage. The heat may have been affecting him, but he still powered through. He even got the crowd to sing Happy Birthday to Thy Art Is Murder‘s Sean Delander, who was in attendance.

Finishing on ‘Far From Heaven’, their incredible almost hour of brutality left the fans wanting more. Despite a ‘one more song chant’ erupting, there was no encore, but that didn’t dampen the fact that we had just witnessed a genre-defining act deliver a set that hit all the notes. Even if the heat had a bit of an impact on the crowd’s fervour, and being one of the smallest ones, the appreciation from Adelaide punters was so evident.

It truly was one for the books.