As a band that has always fed their creative output with the bleak realities of the world, it would seem that the climate is just right for the Jersey deathcore collective, Fit for An Autopsy. Charging into 2020 with their fifth, and arguably most brutal release, The Sea of Tragic Beasts, the band was slated to decimate stages alongside the likes of Dying Fetus and Thy Art is Murder. The band now finds themselves in the predicament of being armed with such a powerful record with no ability to showcase it. Though the circumstances suck, the DNA of the band won't allow for the output to stop.
Recently, FFAA offered fans a supplemental single in the aptly titled,"Fear Tomorrow." The four minute entry served as yet another example of the band's prowess, reiterating their impact on the future of heavy, compelling music. While they are on pause with the rest of the world, guitarist Patrick Sheridan spent some time and answered some questions.
FEAR TOMORROW - a very appropriate stand alone single given the current climate of the world. How did the decision to the release the track happen?
SHERIDAN - Honestly, it was a no brainer. The song was kinda looming in the background, and the lyrical content and the timing for it was very applicable. It wasn’t a "let's take advantage of this situation" kinda thing. It was more like, “look at how this applies NOW, we need to put this out" conversation.
Was this a b-side from the TRAGIC BEASTS sessions?
SHERIDAN - It wasn’t actually. Sometimes we write songs that end up going their own way, and they don’t fit a particular vibe we wanted, or don’t get finished until later. Sometimes they even make it on a different record. This was one of those moments. Luck of the draw.
How is the band coping with having a strong record like THE SEA OF TRAGIC BEASTS and not being able to perform it live?
SHERIDAN - Not being able to tour is bad. Having a record that we truly love and not being able to tour on it, Awful.
FFAA has always had a great rapport with the fans. How are you guys pivoting during the pandemic to stay connected with your followers?
SHERIDAN - We all tend to be social media savvy. Nothing new here really, post and communicate. Answer the questions, not because we have to, but because we like to. As fans of music, and musicians we know the importance of that connection. It’s irreplaceable. So for us, it’s the same routine, just maybe a little more of it.
Metal and hardcore can be very purist. It’s tough to satisfy one community let alone both. FFAA resonate well with both. What makes the band so versatile?
SHERIDAN - We truly love both styles and most of the genres associated with it. So we do our best not to lessen the importance of one or the other as influence. It feels real because it is.
Extended time off usually means new tunes. Is the band working on new content and is there any concern that putting anything new out will detract from the current record?
SHERIDAN - Will (Putney) is the main writer, and honestly he is always creating. There is always something in the works and we are always pushed by Will to keep up the pace.
The band regularly emphasizes in every interview that nothing is more horrifying than reality. Given that, is there an abundance of ideas lyrically right now in terms of new music?
SHERIDAN - Without question. So many disappointing things going on, lyrics for days.
Heavy music seems to be experiencing a resurgence domestically. Was that something you saw on a ground level and what do you think is the reason for the renewed appetite?
SHERIDAN - People are pissed again. Mainstream isn’t cutting it. The general population is tired of the bullshit they are being fed and need to connect with those feelings. Heavy music is more politically influenced, more vocal about human rights, and willing to hang it all out there about issues a lot of music won't touch. It makes it relatable and that’s where that connection gets stronger.
What are a few of the records or bands that resonate with all the members of the band? Everyone obviously has their own influences that they add to the equation but are there are handful of artists or releases that everyone in the band unanimously backs?
SHERIDAN - We support a lot of bands for different reasons. It would probably take me forever to list. If I had to pick one band we all support, Gojira could be a good choice. Politically, socially, musically, and longevity wise, they are a powerhouse.
