diff --git a/beets/importer/tasks.py b/beets/importer/tasks.py
index 1c1d0e61e..e56157ed0 100644
--- a/beets/importer/tasks.py
+++ b/beets/importer/tasks.py
@@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ class ImportTask(BaseImportTask):
         ):
             return self.match.items
         else:
-            assert False
+            return []
 
     def apply_metadata(self):
         """Copy metadata from match info to the items."""